Masha Trenhaile wasn’t supposed to move to the U.S. permanently. But a few days after her family arrived in Oklahoma where her mother would be a visiting professor, the Soviet Union collapsed and her native Ukraine became an independent nation. Masha finished high school and college in Oklahoma, but came to Champaign-Urbana to study for a master’s in advertising; during her first day of Graduate Student orientation, she saw the man (Brent) who would eventually become her husband. Masha spent 10 years working with Fox Development Corporation in marketing and business development. She is enjoys volunteering as a director of the Public Art League; a board member of Sinfonia da Camera; and an active member of Executive Club. In 2013 the couple — who lives in Champaign — welcomed a baby boy, Michael (Misha) Ned Trenhaile.
Q: You are one of those people who came here for school and never left. Why did you adopt Champaign-Urbana as your hometown?
A. C-U was definitely a pit-stop in my plans, but I met Brent here and he was in grad school. When he finished, he was offered a position at the Research Park with SAIC and I was already established with FDC. I love the community and the proximity to larger cities without being in too big of a place. Champaign and Urbana are amazing communities with so many unique attributes that I believe it would be hard to find another such community in the U.S.
A. I have always been very fond of the arts. I Have a Fine Arts degree and think that world would not be as interesting without art in it. The Public Art League is literally working to install new sculptures throughout the community to beautify out open spaces and to introduce people to art. I strongly believe in the mission and am thrilled to be part of the group.
A. They speak Russian! There is a large number of people from the former Soviet states in CU and there are several of us that spend time together. It is a good group of people and there are a number of activities for kids to participate in.
A. My son is a toddler and is definitely trying to define the limits of what he is allowed to do. He is very active and I love the new stage, even though it is not easy. I am enjoying every day with him and even his tantrums and strange behaviors. I am so amazed at how he sees the world and how he interacts with it. I am glad that Misha is the way he is, he is perfect for me! He wants to be everywhere and learn about everything and touch and play with everything. I think that’s how I am, just as an adult. We will make great partners in crime!
A. My culture. I grew up in a very different world, in a country that no longer exist. There are a lot of traditions and values that I would like to share and to pass on to Misha, for him to carry on. I would love for Misha to speak Russian in addition to English. We will celebrate Russian holidays, and listen to Russian songs. I want to tell my son stories from my childhood in hopes that he can better understand me, as his parent, and build new memories with him.
A. My top tip is Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Brent and I have recently been asked to join the Krannert Council and we are thrilled and honored to have been asked. We have been event sponsors for several years and feel strongly that Krannert is one of the main aspects of us remaining in Champaign-Urbana. I would also tell people to try to discover all the parks in the community and cool local shops. The main tip for anyone who really wants to become part of a community is to get involved. Whatever your passion, there is an organization that could use your assistance in getting the word out to others.
A. Most people don’t know that I lived in Kiev, Ukraine, 50 miles from Chernobyl, when it exploded. My sister and I were in evacuation in Russia and Georgia for most of the summer of 1986. Our parents were not allowed to come with us, so we were on our own. Although I frequently joke about that part of my life, it is one that still haunts me.
Don’t forget – surprise a friend and nominate her to be a Chambana mom to know, she could get free tickets to That’s What She Said!