# Marina Zhurakhinskaya

> computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q112582697](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q112582697)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/marina-zhurakhinskaya

## Summary
Marina Zhurakhinskaya was a computer scientist born in Kyiv, Ukraine, who held a Master of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She was notably affiliated with Outreachy and worked for employers including Red Hat and MIT Lincoln Laboratory.

## Biography
- **Born:** January 2, 1980, in Kyiv
- **Nationality:** Ukraine (based on birthplace)
- **Education:** Master of Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- **Known for:** Contributions to open-source software and diversity initiatives, particularly through Outreachy
- **Employer(s):** Red Hat, MIT Lincoln Laboratory
- **Field(s):** Computer Science

## Contributions
Marina Zhurakhinskaya was a key figure in promoting diversity in open-source technology through her work with Outreachy, an organization that provides paid internships to underrepresented groups in tech. She actively contributed to the open-source community, leveraging her expertise gained at institutions like MIT and employers such as Red Hat and MIT Lincoln Laboratory. Her efforts focused on creating pathways for individuals from diverse backgrounds to enter and thrive in the technology sector, significantly impacting the inclusivity of the open-source ecosystem. Her work involved mentorship, program coordination, and advocacy within the tech community.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Marina Zhurakhinskaya's primary affiliation?
A: Marina Zhurakhinskaya was notably affiliated with Outreachy, an organization promoting diversity in open-source technology.

### Q: Where did Marina Zhurakhinskaya work?
A: Marina Zhurakhinskaya worked for Red Hat and MIT Lincoln Laboratory.

### Q: What degree did Marina Zhurakhinskaya hold?
A: Marina Zhurakhinskaya held a Master of Science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

### Q: When and where did Marina Zhurakhinskaya die?
A: Marina Zhurakhinskaya died on June 11, 2022, in Cambridge.

## Why They Matter
Marina Zhurakhinskaya's work significantly advanced diversity and inclusion within the open-source software community. Through her involvement with Outreachy, she helped create tangible opportunities for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to gain valuable experience and careers in technology. Her contributions fostered a more inclusive environment, enriching the open-source ecosystem with diverse perspectives and talent. Her legacy lies in her efforts to break down barriers and make technology accessible to a wider range of people, leaving a lasting impact on the field's culture and future.

## Notable For
*   Key affiliation with Outreachy, promoting diversity in open-source technology.
*   Employment at major tech institutions including Red Hat and MIT Lincoln Laboratory.
*   Holding a Master of Science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
*   Active contributions to the open-source community and diversity initiatives.

## Body
### Personal Details
*   **Full Name:** Marina Zhurakhinskaya
*   **Birth Date:** January 2, 1980
*   **Birth Place:** Kyiv
*   **Death Date:** June 11, 2022
*   **Death Place:** Cambridge
*   **Sex/Gender:** Female
*   **Nationality:** Ukraine (inferred from birthplace)

### Education
*   **Degree:** Master of Science
*   **Institution:** Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

### Professional Affiliations
*   **Employer:** Red Hat
*   **Employer:** MIT Lincoln Laboratory
*   **Affiliation:** Outreachy

### Online Presence
*   **Twitter Handle:** marinaz (account ID: 48843, active since 2006-12-07, status as of 2022-08-21)
*   **LinkedIn Profile ID:** mazik

### Field of Work
*   **Occupation:** Computer Scientist
*   **Industry:** Technology / Open Source / Diversity Initiatives

## References

1. [Source](https://sfconservancy.org/news/2022/jun/14/remembering-marina/)
2. [Source](https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/brookline-ma/marina-zhurakhinskaya-10787465)
3. [Source](https://harihareswara.net/posts/2022/mourning-marina-zhurakhinskaya/)