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NINA KOSTINA, Ph.D. BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Nina Kostina, Ph.D., is the co-founder of Frank Foundation Child Assistance International (FFCAI) and currently serves as the organization’s President. Established in 1992, FFCAI is an international nonprofit accredited in the United States, Russia, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Germany (operating offices located in Washington, DC, Moscow, Almaty, Tbilisi and Baden-Baden). Through its mission – assisting disadvantaged children to integrate into society – FFCAI has developed and implemented lasting programs that have helped thousands of children throughout the world.
Dr. Kostina received her Ph.D. in Linguistics from Moscow State University. In the United States, in 1987, she began her career teaching Russian language and literature at several Universities. In 1989, she was hired as a translator/consultant for U.S. Wheat Associates, one of the largest U.S. commissioned nonprofits dedicated to promoting U.S. wheat throughout the world. She was quickly promoted to Program Director for the USSR in 1990. During her service in this position, Dr. Kostina was engaged in many philanthropic projects that constantly brought her to orphanages around Soviet Union. With successful media efforts, the plight of these orphans became known in the United States and many people expressed interest in helping to improve the situation. Campaigns to assist individual children expanded and became the basis for programs that expanded on the need to provide aid.
Together with her collegue at U.S. Wheat Associates, Ronald Fraase, Dr. Kostina co-founded Frank Foundation Child Assistance International.
Soon, the operation expanded into a multidimensional global organization. Through Dr. Kostina’s tireless energy and creative strength, FFCAI continues to serve thousands of disadvantaged children and provide individuals and communities with hope and healing. Medical evacuations, surgeries for the disabled, donations of wheelchairs, educational exchanges, professional training programs and community action campaigns – these are some of the initiatives successfully launched by the Foundation that continue today thanks to Dr. Kostina’s leadership.
Dr. Kostina has been honored with numerous awards including humanitarian commendations from various regions in Russia (Samara, Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Tver, Kirov, Yekatrinburg), a National Commendation by George H. W. Bush’s Presidential Council on Disability, the World Center of Compassion’s Angel of Compassion Award, the Angel of Adoption Award presented by the U.S. Congressional Coalition, the Club of Budapest’s “Change the World Best Practice Award,” and the “Woman for Peace” award presented by former First Lady and Senator of Italy, Mariapia Fanfani, current President and Founder of the Together For Peace Foundation in Rome, Italy.
Among the friends and advocates of Frank Foundation’s mission are Nobel Peace Laureates President Gorbachev and Betty Williams, President Clinton, Bono and the late Princess Diana.
Dr. Kostina has three children: Maria (12 – adopted seven years ago), Victoria (18 – adopted ten years ago), and Michael (24).
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