Out of respect for your time, I will try to keep this as short as possible...

I am Iva and in a few hours I will be turning 35 years old. I am originally from Sofia, Bulgaria, where I am currently residing as well.  Throughout my life I've had different professional roles (consultant, advisor to the deputy Prime Minister of my country, dance teacher, among others), but underneath them all, I like to consider myself as a performer. My artistic outlet of choice is social salsa and bachata dancing.

So here is the story:
This past one year was the most excruciating, painful time of my life. It started with my divorce (which even though ultimately led to the freedom of my soul, brought so much pain to my heart), continued with the short, yet very intense illness and passing of my beloved grandmother Krisi, followed by the colon cancer diagnosis and two life-threatening, yet life saving surgeries of my father and chemotherapy. It was also a time I had to reevaluate my business endeavors, make some tough decisions and close down my art/dance studio. I also made the choice to withdraw my O1 petition to work in the U.S., because the process was already taking more than 2 years and all projects I had worked on in the years before were now becoming outdated. Suffice to say, this meant significant financial losses. 

I would like to share with you some encouraging words from my mentor in life,  which empowered me to persevere through the rough times and turn challenges into opportunities for growth and development.
"In life, when we feel we have reached a limit, that is when the true battle begins. Just when you despair and think it is impossible to go any further, you have the choice to become apathetic or to stand up with an unyielding spirit. The victory in your battle is decided by this single determination." - D. Ikeda

So, to test my "unyielding spirit", I made two important decisions. First, I applied and was accepted to the first cohort at Harvard's School of Education post-grad program in "Early Education Leadership" (which I am expected to graduate in Feb 2020). I also determined to (at age 35) to compete at the World Salsa Summit 2020 in Miami this coming January 6-13. Yes, it's unusual for someone my age to be "debuting" at competitive events so late in life, yet this is proof age has nothing to do with how strive to live your life. And I want to live mine breaking molds, resetting mindsets and approaching each day as an opportunity to continue doing my revolution as a human being.

Competing at World Salsa Summit 2020 (while representing Bulgaria!) is my way of telling my story to hopefully inspire others to turn challenging times into value-creating opportunities. I would love to have your support in this. Whether it's a wish of good luck or making a donation, all your positive energy and solidarity would mean the universe to me.  

Your contributions will be allotted towards my flight tickets, hotel stay during competition week, registration fees, competitor's pass, dance costume, dance shoes, rehearsal studios' rent, coaching sessions. All of these expenses add up more than $2,500, but with your help, I will be able to focus more on the high demands of training and create an experience that will empower all of us towards aiming for even greater goals in the future. 

Thank you. Thank you! AND THANK YOU!