The Long Game: How Patience and Persistence Led to Meta

​We're excited to welcome Svetlana V. as our next guest speaker — a Data Scientist at Meta working on the Instagram team, with over 10 years of experience in machine learning and applied statistics.

​Svetlana's journey started in Moscow, where she earned her BSc, MSc, and PhD from Moscow State University. She moved to the U.S. and built an impressive career in health tech and data science at companies like InsideTracker, Zwift, and Nuna. Fun fact: she had an offer from Meta six years ago but couldn't accept it due to visa restrictions. Fast forward through incredible roles, relocation from coast to coast, and continuous growth — she finally joined Meta in 2025.

​What we'll explore:

• ​In this session, Svetlana will share her career journey from academia in Russia to Big Tech in the U.S.

• ​How she navigated visa challenges and turned a "no" into a "yes" six years later

• ​What it takes to build a career in data science and machine learning

• ​Lessons from working in health tech, gaming, and now social media

• ​Practical advice for immigrant women breaking into tech

​Why attend?
This is an inspiration session for anyone who's ever felt like the timing wasn't right or the doors weren't opening. Svetlana's story is proof that persistence, growth, and the right moment eventually meet.

​Thank you! See you soon.

​She's New To America Pro