Milena Ivanova is an independent director, entrepreneur, creator and host of the podcast НЕУМОРИМИТЕ, co-founder and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the TOGETHER FORWARD FOUNDATION (НЕУМОРИМИТЕ). She graduated with an MBA from INSEAD France in 2003. A certified Non-Executive Director, having completed the International Directors Program at INSEAD (IDP-C), she has served on boards since 2015. Milena has also acted as an independent advisor, a coach and mentor since 2013.

Milena worked as an investment banker until 2013 covering financial institutions first in corporate finance, capital markets and subsequently in equity research and venture investing. She has lived and worked in 7 countries, with a home address at one time or another, for longer or shorter periods of time in the USA, Poland, France, Austria, Great Britain, Kazakhstan and Russia, in addition to Bulgaria. She is proficient in 7 languages. Milena never viewed herself as an immigrant, happy to be able to discover the world in her role as a professional nomad.

“I’m often approached to help with fundraising for one cause or another but I usually decline. Teach For Bulgaria was different. Not only did I say yes, but I took the challenge to heart, because this is a cause I truly believe in. As a member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, I’m confident I can amplify the impact of its fundraising and outreach efforts, and I’ll be working to grow the base of advocates and donors by building on the energy of engaged Bulgarian communities around the world,” Milena shares.

“I’ve been fortunate to receive a world-class education, built on a strong foundation right here in Bulgaria. The talent that the Bulgarian educational system has produced — talent that creates and adds value across the globe — is proof that as a nation, we have the capacity and the potential. I’d like to believe that the Bulgarian educational system can once again produce world-class talent, rooted in quality education for every child. The work of Teach For Bulgaria Foundation is a vital part of making that happen.”