Elliman Connection: Katya Nadirova on Healing a Community Through Art

From her early days growing up in Russia, Douglas Elliman’s Katya Nadirova developed a passion for the arts. Now in New York, she has directed that passion toward her community, and has paired with a local foundation dedicated to bringing arts education to underprivileged children in New York City. Elliman Insider sat down with Katya to find out why she feels the arts are so important to the fabric of a community, how generosity has the power to heal and how we can all do our part in paying it forward. ELLIMAN INSIDER: What are some ways you’re giving back to the community? Katya Nadirova : I am very fortunate to be an Ambassador of an amazing non-profit organization called Creative Art Works. They focus their work on improving the lives of underprivileged New York City children through arts education. The intersection of empowerment through education and art is very close to my heart. My activities with CAW are focused on helping them with fundraising activities and outreach. EI: What’s inspired you to donate your time or efforts to that particular cause? KN: From a very early age I developed a passion for arts as my aunt was an acclaimed icon artist in Russia. I grew up surrounded by some amazing works of art and developed a strong appreciation for the power creativity brings to personal and community development. I am very proud that my own daughter was able to absorb that interest of mine and an emerging artist herself. “I strongly believe in giving back; nobody makes it through life entirely on his or her own merits alone.” I also strongly believe in giving back and paying it forward. Nobody makes it through life entirely on his or her own merits alone. I was fortunate to have so many great people offer their help, support and guidance during difficult times in my life and lifted me up in so many ways. Those people gave me their shoulders to stand on to reach for my dreams and I am forever grateful. I know how life can be challenging and just want to be that helping hand. EI: What’s the best way to provide emotional and motivational support to each other through all of this? KN: In the quiet of my quarantine, I was able to more purely isolate my values and gratitude. One of those values is connection. Connection has an unprecedented healing power and is vital for our health and happiness. Today, COVID-19 has the world navigating unprecedented waters. I think it is important to stay connected with each other throughout all of this as we’re are all vulnerable at the moment. Connection is a powerful gift! EI: What are some ways you think others can give back while still practicing social distancing? KN: From arts to zoos, nonprofits are struggling to keep their programs afloat using these difficult times. There are endless ways to help organizations people love and are passionate about. I am fundraising for Creative Art Works 2020 (Virtual) Annual Benefit for the Kids to support their programming, including increased remote learning opportunities for the kids. Times are difficult and any donation of any size will go a long way! EI: When business goes back to usual, how do you think you can still maintain your sense of community and continue to give back? “I believe that generosity has the power to unite and heal communities in good times and bad.” KN: I believe that generosity has the power to unite and heal communities in good times and bad and encourage popped o pay to forward no matter the time. I will continue my philanthropic work on causes I am passionate about because the work is humbling, uplifting and very inspiring. EI: People have been coming together to support each other during this time; have there been some examplesmoments that have inspired you? KN: It is amazing to watch the acts of kindness and compassion all over the world. From neighbors helping neighbors with food and necessities to celebrities pouring their own money into vaccine research, to people buying meals for our healthcare heroes, people are coming together and we will only come out stronger than before! Contact Katya Nadirova to learn more about Creative Art Works