DIVERSI.FITY: diversity and solidarity

"Values in Action" is a series of networking events designed to create a space for sharing, exchanging ideas and practices, and building solidarity among colleagues from the nonprofit sector. Join us to come together during those moments when mutual support amplifies our voices.

DIVERSI.FITY

Diversity and Solidarity

Join us for this networking event that highlights the power of differences and gives visibility to individuals outside conventional norms. DIVERSI.FITY is a space for connection and sharing, merging the concepts of diversity and solidarity. It is open to everyone who broadens their horizons and promotes equality by fostering self-expression and mutual understanding. This is a space where everyone is seen.

Come on October 30, 2024, at 4:30 PM in Toplocentrala, Hall 4, to hear stories from people who live beyond societal standards or dedicate their time to equality and the right to a dignified life. Together, we will celebrate the uniqueness of each individual.

Diversity: The energy of different perspectives and possibilities

Diversity encompasses differences not only in ethnicity and culture but also in social, economic, gender, and age aspects. For Bulgaria's nonprofit sector, diversity is a source of ideas and a deeper understanding of the needs of various communities. For businesses, it brings innovation, higher revenues, and productivity. For society, it is a wealth of culture, knowledge, and connection to diverse traditions and perspectives. Including people with varied experiences leads to richer discussions and socially just, sustainable solutions.

Solidarity: Embracing others’ perspectives and believing in human rights and collective power

Solidarity is the foundation of collaboration between different social groups and organizations. It also involves recognizing and empathizing with others' truths and circumstances. Within the context of European values, solidarity embodies empathy, inclusion, equality, and active advocacy for human rights. Across civil society and all sectors, it is critical for pooling resources and efforts to achieve common goals. Solidarity means working together and supporting one another because our strength grows when we unite.

Activism: Commitment to action and professionalism in service of others

Diversity demands constant efforts and active measures for the benefit of people. Recognizing those who fight daily for equality, inclusion, and human rights is a key step toward building a better, united society. Let us together support those who are often left behind and work for a world where everyone can be themselves without fear or discrimination.

Program

The event is organized in partnership with Jamba. Event partners include GLAS and Deaf.bg.

We invite you to an inspiring event and open conversation where you will have the opportunity to share your experiences, meet new allies, and reconnect with old partners for shared causes and goals!

Join us at 4:30 PM.Presentations start at 5 PM, followed by questions and informal discussions until 7:30 PM.

Special Guests

• "My name is Yanka, and I was born deaf. But I can ‘hear’!"

  
  

  I communicate with people easily because I can lip-read—a skill I developed through great effort on my part, with support from specialists and my mother. I am married with two wonderful children—a boy and a girl aged 14 and 6. My husband is also deaf.

I hold a bachelor's degree in architecture and a master's in spatial design, and I am completing two additional master’s degrees in developmental psychology and sign language linguistics. I've always supported the deaf community by acting as a translator, helping them communicate, understand their rights, find opportunities, adapt, and learn.

For two years, I chaired the Youth Organization of the Union of the Deaf in Bulgaria, traveling extensively and realizing the higher levels of discrimination in Bulgaria. This motivated me to advocate through my personal story and become a face of various campaigns. Currently, I chair the Social Future Foundation, empowering and advocating for people with different abilities in Bulgaria.

• "My name is Alexandra, and I am 25 years old, from Razlog."

  
  

  I hold a degree in leadership, business, and management and have experience as a local parliament member in Razlog. My activism began as a volunteer with the Permanent Roma Conference (now the Roma for Democracy Foundation). Since 2021, I’ve been organizing local groups and structures across the country.

Together with local communities, we run campaigns, inform Roma individuals about upcoming elections and political platforms, and help them make informed voting decisions. Our goal is to empower and engage Roma communities while ensuring their rights during electoral processes.

• "I am Robert, dedicating my time to helping others."

  
  

  I spent 11 years in the U.S., earning a bachelor's degree in Investment Analysis. Inspired by the kindness of people in Bulgaria, I returned to contribute.

I have experience in analytics and mathematical modeling, with a passion for complex systems, physics, and astronomy. I founded the Dari Vreme (Donate Time) platform to connect people’s kindness with those in need.

• "My name is Preslava. I am a mother of two, an activist, and an NGO professional."

  
  

  I have over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, with half my career spent in the UK working for leading charities (Diabetes UK, Stroke Association, Wellbeing of Women) and the other half in Russia as director of a British grant-making foundation. I left Russia in 2014 due to the Crimea annexation and the 2013 Foreign Agents Law.

Currently, I divide my time between Sofia and London as the co-founder and director of the Buditelkite Foundation, which fights against domestic violence. Our vision is "to live in a society where domestic violence is unacceptable, and women's rights are guaranteed."

• Valeria Doicheva

  
  

  Valeria is a senior leadership development expert and program manager for LIDL Palitra, a diversity and inclusion initiative at LIDL Bulgaria. With over 16 years of HR experience, Valeria holds a master’s degree in Bulgarian Philology and is pursuing a master’s in Developmental Psychology.

She believes in lifelong learning and is passionate about fostering connections, strategic thinking, and community well-being.

The BIRDS in BG project is co-funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.