Trying to have an impact in Bulgaria and back in the US

My fascinating experience so far…

Nora MadjarAssociate Professor, University of Connecticut

Fulbright Scholar, Sofia University

My goalsTeach creativity and entrepreneurship

Do research on the factors that stimulate or hinder

creativity in the Bulgarian business environment

Expose my kids to the Bulgarian language and culture

Give back or pay forward, mentor students, entrepreneurs, doctoral students

Fascinating time Especially through the eyes of my

two kids who are experiencing the full immersion in Bulgarian schools

My major activitiesTeach a course on Managing Creativity and Innovation

for Entrepreneurial Ventures at Sofia University

Organize a seminar and assist in the establishment of a High-Tech Business Center as part of Sofia University

Workshops on opportunity generation to college and high-school students

Seminars on publishing in premium journals

Interviews and survey research with different samples from the Business community

Research Projects onSocial networking and its nature in the

Bulgarian Business Environment

A study on social networks, trust, knowledge sharing and creativity between bank employees and their clients.

A study on knowledge seeking patterns for students who are creating their new ventures

Major accomplishmentsHad my students come up with a creative

fundraising campaign for a goal of $125 or $250

Causes and Fundraising Initiatives Causes:

Painting classes for gifted children from low-income families

Armenian community charity concert Landscaping of the Students’ town

Fundraising initiatives:

Party for the international Erasmus students Selling children’s drawings Garage sale Lottery with concert tickets

Results from teaching activities so farVery successful projects, raising

between $124 and $460 eachMade students think seriously

about charity eventsThe project was contagious and

really boosted self-esteemStudents practiced creativity and

found their inner motivation

Some of the results:

Some of the results

Promoting creative thinking in the Bulgarian Business Community

Managed to gather in a seminar, faculty inventors, business entrepreneurs and students, - three different groups who almost never connect but are ready to collaborate on multiple projects.

Organizing a workshop for Managers on how to foster creativity and innovation in the workplace (through the Sofia University Business Alumni Club)

Moderated a workshop for CEO level executives on creative solutions for BDZ

And my tips for others…Ask Bulgarians to smile more, it works – one

by one they start doing it

Teach them how to network

Make them do projects. They will protest but when they finish them, the enthusiasm is contagious, their confidence and sense of accomplishment are worth the push!

Thank you!

Happy Holidays Everyone!