Iliana Dimitrova, a project manager at Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, has always been passionate about international relations and advocating for positive societal change. In 2024, she joined the first Advocacy Academy program in Bulgaria, where she gained the confidence, tools, and knowledge to elevate her impact in both her career and the advocacy field.
While her international project work helped her cultivate a diverse skill set, Iliana’s passion for advocacy remained strong. Coming back to Bulgaria after studying and working abroad, Iliana faced an unexpected challenge—advocacy was rarely discussed or practiced. Rather than discouraging her, this fueled her determination. Then, serendipity struck. While scrolling through LinkedIn, she stumbled upon the Advocacy Academy at AUBG, a program in partnership with BESCO and funded by CIPE. It was exactly what she had been searching for. Driven by her desire to make an impact, she applied immediately. The Academy’s weekend classes provided the perfect balance, allowing her to dive into her advocacy training without missing a beat in her career.
Through the Academy, Iliana gained a new lens through which to view the world and a deeper understanding of the art of advocacy while unlocking new ways to drive change through strategic, focused efforts. Unlike other short-term courses, the Advocacy Academy offered a truly unique and transformative experience that combined immersive team-building activities during remote retreats with a strong sense of community fostering collaboration among participants. This vibrant network included high-quality speakers and dedicated individuals all committed to making a positive impact in Bulgaria. The Academy not only offered her valuable insights into advocacy and policymaking, but also helped open doors to new professional opportunities, broadening her expertise and expanding her career horizons.
Her experience at the Academy soon became a topic of discussion during a meeting with her manager who not only encouraged her to continue developing in this direction, but also introduced her to a mentor who connected her with the company’s advocacy teams. These new professional relationships led to a stretch assignment, where she applied her newly gained knowledge in real-world scenarios, contributing to HPE’s advocacy efforts at the European level. Leveraging the skills she gained during the Advocacy Academy, such as positioning methodologies and data-driven persuasion, she started her new endeavor with a solid foundation. This experience helped raise her profile and visibility among senior managers in the company, enhancing her chances for learning opportunities and future success in this field.
Iliana’s story illustrates how advocacy goes beyond policy and activism. With passion, the right skills, and a supportive network, it can unlock new career opportunities and accelerate both personal and professional growth, proving that mastering advocacy can truly elevate your impact in any field.
