Irina Yashkova is the President and Founder of Adamant Global Alliance, a consulting firm specializing in cross-cultural training, executive coaching, and language interpretation. With over two decades of experience in intercultural management and global leadership development, she helps multinational companies and business leaders identify cultural blind spots and build communication frameworks that drive collaboration and performance.

A certified Lewis Communications trainer and a licensed partner of CultureActive, Irina uses research-based tools to guide individuals and teams through cultural integration, expatriate adjustment, and diverse team dynamics. Her work empowers organizations to thrive across borders by cultivating cultural agility and strategic empathy.

Irina has worked with NASA’s International Space Station Program for over 20 years as a simultaneous interpreter, liaison, and cultural advisor. She previously served as NASA’s Russian Operations Manager and led branch offices in Russia for a U.S.-based aerospace contractor. Her geographic specialization includes Russia, the U.S., and countries of the former Soviet Union, and she delivers culture-specific training globally.

Born in the Ural Mountains — the symbolic border between Europe and Asia — and raised in Western Siberia, Irina brings a uniquely global perspective. Now based in Houston, Texas, she continues to live her passion for connecting people across cultures.

As a third-generation linguist, Irina has always been fascinated by language, identity, and the stories that connect us. She holds:

• a BA in English & French Language and Literature from Tyumen State University (Russia)
• an MA in Conference Interpretation (Russian-English) from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (USA)
• an Executive MBA from Antwerp Management School (Belgium)

Whether coaching an executive team or training a global workforce, Irina is committed to building bridges where others see barriers. She continues to learn, teach, travel, consult, and inspire, helping others navigate the complexities of a multicultural world.