We are pleased to introduce the next featured member in our Get to Know initiative: Natalia Dankanich, a member of the Chicago Chapter.
ASPE: What is your favorite holiday and why?
Natalia: My favorite holiday is Christmas. It always brings the best memories from my childhood: decorating the tree, the family getting together, lots of gifts, and the great smell of fresh baked goods coming from the kitchen.
ASPE: If you could travel anywhere, where would it be? Why?
Natalia: New Zealand, it has a distinct biodiversity of animals and plant life, and I love nature. I like to hike and take bike rides, so the country’s landscape would be perfect to explore.
ASPE: What is your greatest accomplishment outside of your career?
Natalia: My family—my husband and two kids, Julia and Michael. They are my pride and joy. My daughter Julia has her own family now and lives in Miami. Michael is a senior at The University of Iowa in Iowa City. We love to spend time together and appreciate every moment that brings us together as one family. I am always looking forward to the holidays and vacation time to be with my kids.
ASPE: What is your favorite animal? Why?
Natalia: My favorite animals are dogs. I have loved dogs since I was a kid. Currently I have one dog—he’s a poodle mix, and his name is Danuk. He is 17 years old and going strong. In general dogs are very loyal, smart, understanding, and accommodating.
ASPE: What are your hobbies outside of work?
Natalia: I love nature and everything that I can do outdoors. Rain or shine, I try to be out. I love hiking and biking activities.
ASPE: What is your favorite type of music, band, and song?
Natalia: I like all kinds of music, depending on the mood. Mostly I listen to classical music, but I’m not a stranger to hard rock or country. My favorite is a waltz of the composer Eugene Dogi in the film based on Chekhov’s novel Drama on the Hunt.
ASPE: What do you do to relax?
Natalia: It depends on the time of the year. Mostly I like to take long walks or read a book if it’s cold or rainy outside. I do yoga to keep me sane after long days at work.
ASPE: What is your favorite childhood memory?
Natalia: Visiting my grandparents in the countryside was the best treat during my childhood. It was so fascinating to see all of the farm animals they had and took care of, from small chicks to the horses and cows. They also had a big garden with lots of fruit trees and big oak trees. It was magical to be there, everything around smelled great and different from the city.
ASPE: Do you have a favorite vacation spot? Where is it and why do you keep going back?
Natalia: My favorite vacation spot is Paris, France. My brother and his family live there, so I try to visit them every year. As I do, every year I discover something different about the city, either trying different food or discovering streets or places I had not seen before. There is something fascinating about that city.
