Set in the picturesque Pirin Mountains in Bulgaria, SI Bulgaria welcomed the leaders of tomorrow. With the World Heritage site as a backdrop, participants engaged in sessions to cultivate soft skills that are a prerequisite for success, such as communication, teamwork, and commitment.
In June, the SIE Leadership Academy Bulgaria 2023 warmly received 23 young women (18-30 years old) in person from Bulgaria, Kuwait, Netherlands, Poland and Türkiye, along with online participants from Aruba. Over the course of the week-long event, running 26th June – 2nd July, participants received comprehensive training to become socially engaged leaders of the future.
Trainers and trainees embodied inspiration
Guided by SIE leaders Nilgün Pakkan, SIE Vice President; Anne-Marie Vreman, SIE Scholarships and Mentoring Chairperson; Milena Popova, SI Bulgaria President 2023-2024; Ani Chakarova, SI Bulgaria Immediate Past President; and Rosina Makedonska, SI Bulgaria member; and a team of professionals from the Leader Academy (LA), the attendees shared their wisdom and experience, fostering discovery and personal growth.
The agenda featured multiple insightful panels and engaging discussions, including:
- A ‘Walk the Talk’ panel that allowed participants to interact with the speakers, who shared their expertise, motivation, and experiences.
- A thought-provoking panel on ‘Women’s Rights’ that shed light on SIE’s best practices in combating violence against women, empowering attendees to contribute to this critical cause.
- A panel on ‘Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainability’, led by Marina Stefanova, PhD, Chairperson of the Bulgarian Association of CSP Specialists and Consultant for the ‘Business for Results’ programme at UNICEF Bulgaria, which inspired participants to explore innovative solutions to create positive change.
After the summer camp concluded, the leadership academy continued with a 12-month online leadership mentoring programme.
SIE LA Bulgaria 2023 proved to be a life-changing event for the young women participating, preparing them to become drivers of change and inspiring them to join Soroptimist International of Europe.
Socially engaged leaders of the future
Engaging in various cultural activities allowed us to broaden our horizons and appreciate different traditions. The program emphasised the importance of teamwork and project collaboration, enabling us to develop essential skills in these areas. Additionally, the invaluable friendships and mentorships formed during this week have been unforgettable.
Zeynep, Türkiye
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Zeynep, Türkiye |
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Dilyana, Bulgaria |
I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in this journey. It was a rich and rewarding experience that exposed us to diverse cultural practices and perspectives. The program equipped us with skills that are vital and unique. We learned things that we could not have learned anywhere else. It was a wonderful experience and I am grateful for all the connections and friendships that I made.
Dilyana, Bulgaria
Empower young women to become the leaders of the future by holding your own country Leadership Academy. Additionally, this serves as a gateway for these inspiring young women to explore the prospect of joining Soroptimist International of Europe.
Contact SIEHQ at siehq@soroptimisteurope.org who will put you in touch with our Scholarship and Mentoring Committee.
Together, let’s foster a generation of strong and capable female leaders, making a lasting impact on their communities and beyond!