As an expert for the Institute for Public Environment Development, Lilian Nikiforova has experience in promoting transparency and accountability of institutions through analyzing data and legislation and promoting civic activism. For her CSP practicum, Lilian collaborated with North Star Civic Foundation in Portland, Oregon where she focused on legal and administrative research, developed educational forums, supported coalition-building efforts, and engaged in activities focused on providing clear, accurate, and impartial information to communities. For her follow-on project in Bulgaria, Lilian plans to increase her knowledge about the potential of civic activism to foster positive democratic change and the role of NGOs in this process.