EVENT PROGRAM
Opening
1:30 – 2:00 PM - REGISTRATION
2:00 – 2:10 PM – Opening remarks
Nancy Schiller
President and CEOAmerica for Bulgaria Foundation
Optimism is a Healthy Habit
2:10 – 2:20 PM
Dr. Vanya Mitova
Department Head and SurgeonUniversity Oncology Hospital “Prof. Ivan Chernozemski”Creator of BreastHelp Mobile App
2:20 – 2:30 PM
Dr. Mariya Yurukova
Senior Assistant ProfessorSofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”
2:30 – 2:45 PM
Rosen Kosturkov
FounderTrakia Vocational Training Center
&
Georgi Petkov
Chairman of the BoardBTL Industries
2:45 – 3:00 PM
Todor Breshkov
Co-founder and Managing PartnerLAUNCHub Ventures
&
Trayan Trayanov
CEOTeach for Bulgaria
3:00 – 3:15 PM
Alexander Gramatikov
FounderMentor the Young
&
Zornitsa Mitkova
Managing DirectorTeenovator
Optimism is a Journey, Not a Sprint
3:15 – 3:25 PM
Stoyana Georgieva
Founder and Editor-in-chiefMediapool.bg
3:25 – 3:35 PM
Dobromir Ivanov
Founder and CEOBESCO – The Bulgarian Entrepreneurial Association
3:35 – 3:45 PM
Veselin Dimanov
Film DirectorMorality Is Goodness, Milen
3:45 – 3:55 PM
Tsvetomir Stefanov
Founder and OwnerChiprovsko Pivo
3:55 – 4:25 PM - Coffee break
4:25 – 4:35 PM - Surprise
Optimism Starts with You
4:35 – 4:45 PM
Bilyana Gyaurova-Wegertseder
Co-founder and DirectorBulgarian Institute for Legal Initiatives
4:45 – 4:55 PM
Galin Popov
Co-founderTaM Cultural Space – Veliko Tarnovo
4:55 – 5:05 PM
Natalia Fenerska
Chair of the BoardJune First Association – Byala Slatina
5:05 – 5:35 PM – Optimism Without Illusions in Philanthropy
Darina Stoyanova
CEOPrestige 96
&
Milena Dragijska-Dencheva
CEOLidl Bulgaria
&
Pressian Karakostov
Co-founderPubGalaxy
Moderator: Nadia Zaharieva
Program DirectorBusiness, Entrepreneurship, and TechnologyAmerica for Bulgaria Foundation
Closing
5:35 – 5:45 PM – Closing Remarks
Desislava Taliokova
Executive DirectorAmerica for Bulgaria Foundation
5:45 – 6:00 PM - Musical surprise
6:00 – 7:30 PM - Cocktail & Networking
Who are the speakers
Nancy Schiller
Nancy Schiller has been President and CEO of the America for Bulgaria Foundation (ABF) since June 2016. Prior to that, after 21 years of service as Managing Director of the Bulgarian-American Enterprise Fund (BAEF) (1992–2012) and the America for Bulgaria Foundation (2008–2012), Ms. Schiller was elected member of the ABF Board of Directors in December 2012 and became its Vice-Chairman in June 2015 until September 2016, when she was appointed president and CEO of ABF. Prior to Ms. Schiller’s involvement with BAEF and ABF, she worked in commercial real estate development in Chicago and for several not-for-profit organizations in the areas of management, finance, and marketing. Ms. Schiller has an MBA from DePaul University and a BA from the University of Illinois, both in Chicago.
Dr. Vanya Mitova
Dr. Vanya Mitova is a surgical oncologist and Head of the Breast and Reconstructive Surgery Department at Sofia’s Oncology Hospital. Her medical journey began humbly—as a hospital orderly while still a student—and took her through every level of patient care before she became one of Bulgaria’s leading specialists in breast cancer surgery. Guided by deep empathy and hands-on experience, Dr. Mitova believes that medicine is as much about listening and understanding as it is about operating. She is the creator of BreastHelp, a free mobile app offering trusted medical information, prevention tools, and post-surgical support for women worldwide. Supported by the America for Bulgaria Foundation, the app empowers thousands to take charge of their health. Beyond medicine, Dr. Mitova preserves Bulgarian heritage as a member of the Guardians of Bulgarian Heritage Association. Her mission: to heal, to inspire, and to bring back hope.
Dr. Mariya Yurukova
Mariya Yurukova is assist. prof. in the European Studies Department and head of the Master Program „E-Europe“ at Sofia University. She holds a PhD in Media Policy and Law of the European Union and she is an expert in policies, legislative initiatives, and soft law measures against harmful content online. The topic of her PhD dissertation is “Disinformation Online: Counter-strategies in the EU.” Under the CoDE project – Countering Disinformation Environment (Ecosystem) in Bulgaria (2023 – 2026), executed in collaboration with the America for Bulgaria Foundation, she is responsible for the CoDE Academy and the DisInfoHack events. She is a trainer in different NGO projects in the field of countering disinformation and media literacy and a strong supporter of the idea that EU efforts to create an adequate and disinformation-proof media ecosystem in the digital age and well-educated and actively engaged young people are fundamental to Europe’s prosperity.
Rosen Kosturkov
Rosen Kosturkov has over 25 years of professional experience as a manager in major multinational companies. He is a former Member of Parliament and served on the Parliamentary Committee on Education in the 47th, 48th, and 49th National Assemblies. He is the founder of the Trakia Vocational Training Center within the Trakia Economic Zone—the first of its kind in Bulgaria—serving businesses in an industrial park. The center is an open partnership project that brings together leading manufacturing companies from various sectors. Kosturkov is also the initiator, leader, and participant in numerous internationally funded projects aimed at expanding access to modern educational environments for students from vulnerable groups, involving industrial businesses directly in the learning process, and developing innovative educational content in collaboration with industry.
Georgi Petkov
Georgi Petkov is an experienced manager and entrepreneur with over 20 years of professional experience. He is Chairman of the Board of Directors of BTL Industries AD and Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Bulgarian-Czech Chamber of Commerce. He is also the founder and board member of the civic movement Buditel, whose mission is to improve the environment and opportunities for Bulgaria’s children. A strong leader with expertise in people management, business development, financial control, operational efficiency, and strategic planning, Petkov holds a master’s degree in Industrial Management from the D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics in Svishtov. He is fluent in English and speaks German and Russian at a working level. He believes that the development of people is the key to every organization’s success. A guest lecturer at three Bulgarian universities and more than ten schools, he says: “I always look ahead and look for ways for business to be not only successful, but also useful to society.”
Todor Breshkov
Todor Breshkov is a founding partner at LAUNCHub Ventures (established in 2012), an early-stage venture capital firm investing in technology companies across Central and Eastern Europe, with EUR 100 million under management. LAUNCHub Ventures focuses on supporting the region’s most ambitious entrepreneurs and helping them build globally competitive businesses. Before founding LAUNCHub Ventures, Todor co-founded the Bulgarian Real Estate Fund (BREF) in 2005, where he now serves as Chairman of the Board. BREF is a publicly listed and traded company on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange – Sofia. He also brings extensive experience in investment and commercial banking, mergers and acquisitions, and financial advisory services. Todor previously served as Managing Director of First Financial Brokerage House and was a member of the Boards of both the Bulgarian Stock Exchange – Sofia and First Investment Bank.
Trayan Trayanov
Trayan Trayanov is the chief executive officer of Teach for Bulgaria. He has been part of the organization’s team since its founding in 2010. Trayan holds a BA from Harvard University and an MPhil in sociology from the University of Cambridge. He serves on the board of trustees of the American College of Sofia.
Alexander Gramatikov
Alexander Gramatikov is the founder of Mentor the Young in Bulgaria and Serbia – a three-month, free mentorship program that supports young people in their career, personal, and entrepreneurial development. Over the past four years, the program has held 12 editions, engaging around 7,000 young participants and mentors, with more than 90% recommending it to others. He is also the founder of “nostalgia.” – a space “where we create memories”: a curated and personal community for people seeking authentic, meaningful experiences and new connections. On a personal note, Alexander finds inspiration in traveling to distant countries and cultures such as Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, India, Japan, and Cambodia. For many years, he has practiced martial arts – first traditional jiu-jitsu and, over the past two years, Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He is currently pursuing a four-year course of study with a specialization in psychotherapy, deepening his understanding of human nature and personal growth.
Zornitsa Mitkova
Zornitsa Mitkova is a communications expert with extensive experience in public relations, marketing, event management, brand building, and employer branding. Her professional path spans various fields, including media, IT, culture, and numerous social initiatives. Zornitsa is the Director of Teenovator – an eight-year-old program that connects 10th- and 11th-grade students with Bulgaria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through mentorship from successful professionals and business leaders. Her mission is to encourage young people to develop entrepreneurial thinking, confidence, and creativity. In her work, Zornitsa believes that a clear value system, honesty, and integrity are the foundation of successful relationships – both among individuals and between business and society. She is driven by a desire to build communities based on collaboration, shared values, and mutual respect.
Stoyana Georgieva
Stoyana Georgieva is the founder and editor-in-chief of the online publication Mediapool.bg. She holds degrees in philosophy and cultural studies from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski.” Her journalism career began at the newspaper Demokratsia and Radio Free Europe. Founded in 2001, Mediapool.bg is the first online news outlet in Bulgaria. Over the years, the publication has consistently upheld the cause of independent, reliable, and high-quality journalism.
Dobromir Ivanov
Dobromir Ivanov is an entrepreneur as well as co-founder and CEO of BESCO – The Bulgarian Entrepreneurial Association, which brings together over 1,000 of Bulgaria’s most high-tech companies. Together with his team at BESCO, he has spearheaded key legislative reforms such as the Variable Capital Company, the Startup Visa, the Digital Nomad Visa, and several other initiatives aimed at improving Bulgaria’s business climate and quality of life. Dobromir also serves as Chairman of the Board of ABLE (The Association of Bulgarian Leaders and Entrepreneurs) and is a co-founder of the Advocacy Academy, a joint initiative with the American University in Bulgaria.
Veselin Dimanov
Veselin Dimanov is a Bulgarian film director and screenwriter who uses documentary cinema as a tool for public dialogue and social change. He made his debut with Morality Is Goodness (2022), a film dedicated to jurist Assoc. Prof. Kristian Takov. The film won the Union of Bulgarian Filmmakers’ award for Best Documentary Debut in 2023 and drew tens of thousands of viewers to cinemas in Bulgaria and abroad. In 2024, Dimanov received the “Awakener of the Year” award from Bulgarian National Radio following strong public support. His work consistently highlights significant figures and social themes, linking civic ethics with the power of image, testimony, and archive. He is the co-founder of Afflatus, an independent production company focused on author-driven, socially engaged films and educational initiatives. His latest project is the feature-length documentary MILEN, dedicated to journalist Milen Tsvetkov – a portrait of freedom of speech, personal courage, and public responsibility that seeks an honest conversation about the price of truth.
Tsvetomir Stefanov
I am Tsvetomir Stefanov – a 23-year-old brewer and entrepreneur, founder of Chiprovsko Pivo. I believe in the potential of the local community – that when people unite around ideas born from the heart, they can breathe new life into their hometown and restore its sense of pride. For me, beer is an art form – a way to express myself, to blend tradition with modernity, and to show that Northwestern Bulgaria has its own authentic flavor and spirit.
Bilyana Gyaurova-Wegertseder
Bilyana Gyaurova-Wegertseder is one of the founders and the Director of the Bulgarian Institute for Legal Initiatives (BILI). She holds a master’s degree in law from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and is a fellow of the European Foundation Centre as well as an alumna of the International Visitor Leadership Program of the U.S. Department of State. She also completed the Political Management Program at the Bulgarian School of Politics. Before founding BILI, Bilyana worked as a Senior Staff Attorney at the American Bar Association Central and Eastern European Law Initiative (ABA CEELI, now ROLI). With over 20 years of experience in the civil sector, she has designed, managed, and implemented complex projects in the areas of rule of law, anti-corruption, good governance, and judicial reform—from improving the selection of legal professionals for leadership positions to advancing alternative dispute resolution and civic education. Bilyana is also a certified mediator and mediation trainer, Deputy Chair of the National Association of Mediators, and Chair of the Board of the German School – Sofia. She frequently comments and writes on issues related to judicial reform, good governance, and the challenges facing Bulgaria’s justice system.
Galin Popov
Galin Popov was born in Veliko Tarnovo in 1983 and has been actively involved in cultural management for more than a decade. He is the co-founder of TaM, a space for social and cultural initiatives that, for over 10 years, has hosted photography exhibitions, film festivals, theater performances, art installations, debates, literary readings, and music events featuring artists from Bulgaria and abroad. In 2015, Galin participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the U.S. Department of State, focused on cultural management. The following year, he completed the Cultural Academy of the Goethe-Institut and was selected as one of the finalists in Darik Radio’s “40 Under 40” initiative. In 2017, he completed a year-long training in the European program ViabilityNet, and in 2019 he worked as a coordinator for Plovdiv Caravan, one of the flagship projects of Plovdiv – European Capital of Culture 2019. Over the past year, Galin has dedicated himself to the project “Future for KDK,” aimed at restoring the Club of Cultural Workers in Veliko Tarnovo, as well as to initiatives promoting the Varusha South neighborhood of his hometown.
Natalia Fenerska
Natalia Fenerska was born in Byala Slatina in 1976. She holds a master’s degree in social work from Veliko Tarnovo University “Sts. Cyril and Methodius” and a master’s degree in human resources management from the University of National and World Economy. She also holds a qualification as a teacher of economic disciplines from Burgas Free University, has completed the certificate program in European project management at the American University in Bulgaria, and the national program in managerial skills at the Bulgarian School of Politics. In addition, she has participated in numerous trainings in social services management, project evaluation, and related areas. Since 2002, Natalia has been leading the June First Association, which implements projects in education, social services, youth initiatives, philanthropy, and volunteerism across municipalities in the Vratsa region. Her professional path has been closely connected to the organization, where she has held various positions – social worker, project coordinator and manager, and trainer. At her initiative, in 2015, the first community donation fund in Byala Slatina was established. Natalia is married and has two grown children.
Darina Stoyanova
Darina Stoyanova is a business leader with a significant contribution over the past 30 years to the establishment and success of several major international companies in Bulgaria, as well as to the promotion of responsible business practices in the sectors where she has worked. She is among the founders and a member of the Management Board of the Food and Drink Association in Bulgaria and the Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria, and she serves as Co-Chair of the Bulgarian chapter of LEAD Network Europe. Darina is also a member of several Bulgarian and European organizations engaged in advancing responsible, diverse, and inclusive business environments. She is the creator of the School for Leaders: Be Inspired initiative, whose mission is to support the personal development and career guidance of students. Darina Stoyanova is the Chief Executive Officer of Prestige, one of the leading companies in Bulgaria’s food industry. Previously, she served as General Manager of Henkel Detergents for Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Albania, and as President of Henkel Bulgaria. In 2024, Darina was honored with the Inspirational Change Agent award at the annual LEAD Network Europe Awards.
Milena Dragijska-Dencheva
Milena Dragijska-Dencheva is a business leader with more than 20 years of experience in international retail. Since 2009, she has been the Chief Executive Officer of Lidl Bulgaria, under whose leadership the company has become one of the leading retailers on the Bulgarian market and a major contributor to the country’s economy. Through long-term corporate programs supporting education, culture, social equality, climate protection, and media literacy, the company also plays an active role in strengthening civil society at both national and regional levels. Milena’s commitment to Bulgaria’s economic development and to supporting the nonprofit sector extends beyond her corporate role. She serves on the boards of the America for Bulgaria Foundation, BESCO, and the UN Global Compact Network Bulgaria.
Pressian Karakostov
Former entrepreneur, founder of PhoneArena and PubGalaxy. Now an investor and supporter of the Bulgarian entrepreneurial ecosystem, and a board member of Endeavor Bulgaria, BESCO, BEX, and Future Unicorns.
Nadia Zaharieva
Nadia Zaharieva, Program Director, Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology at ABF, has 17 years of experience in investments and banking. She was an investment manager in hotels and tourism at the Bulgarian-American Credit Bank and before that at the Bulgarian-American Enterprise Fund. She has a major in International Relations from the University of National and World Economy in Sofia.
Desislava Taliokova
Desislava Taliokova has been ABF’s Executive Director since its inception at the beginning of 2009. Ms. Taliokova’s experience spans philanthropy, international development, banking, and private sector growth. She previously managed the Bourgas Branch of the Bulgarian-American Credit Bank and coordinated a long-term U.S. technical assistance program that advanced Bulgaria’s transition to a free-market economy and private sector development. Ms. Taliokova holds an MSc in Foreign Service with a concentration in International Finance and Commerce from Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and a BA in English and American Studies from Sofia University. She further enhanced her expertise through Harvard University’s program in Strategic Perspectives in Non-Profit Management.