When talking about the bill of exchange project, its co-founder Maria Plotkina usually remembers that it all started with the idea of ​​organizing parties for teachers. From conversations at these meetings, the idea was born to start a competition for schools, the prize of which would be classroom renovation. Since 2019, a bill of exchange has transformed more than 30 schools across Russia. In 2026, Maria Plotkina was shortlisted for the Forbes Mercury Woman Awards in the social entrepreneurship category. She told how a charity initiative turned into a sustainable business, why companies are willing to invest in the renovation of school spaces - and what happened to those teacher parties. Maria Plotkina (Photo: Forbes).

When talking about the bill of exchange project, its co-founder Maria Plotkina usually remembers that it all started with the idea of ​​organizing parties for teachers. From conversations at these meetings, the idea was born to start a competition for schools, the prize of which would be classroom renovation. Since 2019, a bill of exchange has transformed more than 30 schools across Russia. In 2026, Maria Plotkina was shortlisted for the Forbes Mercury Woman Awards in the social entrepreneurship category. She told how a charity initiative turned into a sustainable business, why companies are willing to invest in the renovation of school spaces - and what happened to those teacher parties. Maria Plotkina (Photo: Forbes).