Evelina Prodnova
Bulgaria → Denver, CO
“The J-1 program is one of the best opportunities in the world. My exchange experience exposed me to different cultures, put me in environments that challenged me to grow, and helped me define what I wanted to do in my professional career and personal life.”
“As a J-1 exchange student, I was exposed to lifelong values and philosophies such as a strong work ethic, integrity, and hard work.
"It planted seeds for my entrepreneurial mindset and a drive to change the world and fight against unfairness. I was shown that dreaming big matters. The experience taught me not to be afraid to try!
“My J-1 experience helped me get accepted into a 5-week intense course by Babson College in Massachusetts and the Institute of International Education (IIE) Summer Entrepreneurship Program that was sponsored by the America for Bulgaria Foundation. I had the chance to meet venture capital investors, angel investors, small and big entrepreneurs, incubators and accelerator programs from the USA, which allowed me to gain experience on how to turn ideas into successful businesses.
“The J-1 program is one of the best opportunities in the world. My exchange experience exposed me to different cultures, put me in environments that challenged me to grow, and helped me define what I wanted to do in my professional career and personal life. This program will open your horizons. I encourage everyone not to miss the chance to try it!”
What she's up to now:
Pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology at Sofia University in Bulgaria; Co-founder of the Brain Workshop Institute, a network of professionals and experts who provide consulting, trainings, and targeted research.