Daria Levear was was awarded this year’s CEE Excellence Award for her extraordinary contributions to our community, commitment to professionalism, dedication and best practices, as well as fostering a culture of diversity, inclusiveness, and innovation.

Hometown: Resita, Romania

Role: Events Planning Assistant

How long have your worked in CEE?

I started working in August 2022, so around 10 months.

Why did you want to work at MIT?

Before working here, I was part of the MIT Spouses and Partners community since my husband was a postdoc in the Math department. I’ve always been interested in Event Planning, so when the opportunity arose to apply for this position, I jumped on it immediately.

What’s your favorite thing about working in CEE?

The people and the community – everyone is so nice, helpful and incredibly talented and I am lucky to be working alongside them.

Describe your job in three words?

Coordinate, collaborate, create.

Where is your happy place?

I like making photo albums, crafting, and baking. I enjoy doing things with my hands, because it makes me feel peaceful and calm.

What is the latest book you read?

8 Rules of Love by Jay Shetty. I also really enjoy listening to audiobooks while working out or cooking – I recently finished listening to Hardwiring Happiness by Dr. Rick Hanson.

What is the latest show you binged?

Workin’ Moms.

What’s a fun fact few people know about you?

While in high school I did an exchange program and lived in Belgium for a week – they really have amazing chocolate!

Where’s your favorite vacation destination?

Italy – I’ve been there several times, but I feel there is so much left to see. The history, the architecture, the people, the food, and the gelato!

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive, who would it be?

My husband’s mom passed away before we met each other. I wish I could have met her.

If money were no object, what would you do with your life?

I would travel the world. I love learning about new places and cultures, and I would like to visit every continent.

What would you eat if you had to eat only one meal every day for the rest of your life?

A bowl with brown rice, avocado, asparagus, baby spinach, sweet potatoes, pickled cucumbers and salmon. Or Toscanini’s ice cream!