By Tsvetta Kaleynska
July 4th, 2023, was a momentous day for me, underscoring the distinctive approaches to immigration and migration embraced by the United States and Bulgaria. This annual holiday holds significance for each and every one of us, marking a juncture where diverse paths converge in celebration. It is a day when we all come together to commemorate the birth of a nation founded on the principles of liberty, equality, and justice. I reflect on my own journey, obstacles, and triumphs that have shaped me as I integrate into my adopted community’s collective identity.
Independence Day 2023 carried particularly profound significance for me as a new U.S. citizen. For three decades, I stood resilient in this land of opportunity, facing and overcoming obstacles on my journey to citizenship. My unwavering determination reflects the embodiment of the “American Dream.” It’s not merely a pursuit of material success, but a testament to the belief that with hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to one’s aspirations, opportunities exist to carve a path to success and fulfillment in this diverse and dynamic nation. This dream encapsulates the idea that individuals, regardless of background, have the opportunity to shape their destinies and contribute to the rich tapestry of American life, fostering a spirit of unity and shared purpose.
In 1992, as a 4-year-old girl in Bulgaria, I had my first encounter with Americans that would shape my life forever. A couple from Pennsylvania arrived in my town, bringing medical aid to Bulgarian orphanages. Their selfless efforts saved countless lives between 1992 and the early 2000s. The couple spoke passionately about America, as a land where great ideas could transform anyone into a success. This was my first realization that there was a bright place under the sun called “America”, where everyone has the right to be treated as an equal. In contrast, growing up in post-communist Bulgaria, after the fall of communism in 1989, all my memories were related to hearing nothing but negative words such as “there is no way”, “this is impossible”, “be realistic and stop walking on clouds”.
Each time I saw the American couple during their bi-annual orphanage visits in Bulgaria, they would share with me exciting updates from their lives in Hanover, Pennsylvania, and show me photos from the U.S. With fascination I absorbed all of their stories and I would envision it all, dreaming that one day I would be able to visit Hanover. While this small town in Pennsylvania may be unknown to many in the U.S., through the couples’ work in Bulgaria, Hanover became a favorite place name for many kids in Bulgaria, including myself. With each visit to Bulgaria, the couple brought with them Utz pretzels, as well as Hershey kisses and chocolates (proudly made in Pennsylvania). You can imagine that, to a child who spent every weekend waiting in endless lines for rationed flour and sugar, and often going without electricity or water, tasting pretzels and chocolate was a unique and memorable experience. I learned how to ration my pretzels and Hershey kisses. I recall thinking that if I ate one small bite each day, my precious pretzels and kisses would last for a few months. To this day, I buy these products to bring back to Bulgaria when I visit in an effort to share the joy with other kids who need a little bit of inspiration, even if it’s in the form of a chocolate kiss.
In my teen years, I was once again brought into a community of foreigners when I was provided a chance to collaborate with Americans through the Peace Corps. In 2001, several U.S. volunteers established a female empowerment camp in Bulgaria called GLOW – Girls Leading Our World. The Peace Corps volunteers saw that young females were groomed from a very young age by Bulgarian society to have aspirations to simply become housewives, marry a wealthy man, and serve as a carrier of his children. These societal norms were in contrast with the fact that Bulgaria encouraged education for all. While women often excelled in many fields, their opportunities were never equal to the ones men had. Camp GLOW, to this day, empowers girls aged 14 to 18 to reach beyond Bulgarian society’s norms. I received the opportunity to attend this fully English-immersed summer camp free of charge thanks to U.S. donors who provided scholarships to girls such as myself. The experience not only enhanced my language skills but also provided me with yet another window into the broader world and the possibilities I had as a woman.
In 2008, I received a scholarship to attend St. Francis College in Brooklyn. Complete strangers from California, friends of the Pennsylvania couple, sponsored me, covering my travel expenses and helping me find accommodation, without any expectation from me. Thanks to yet another kind American, I found an on-campus job at the Office of Special Events to cover my expenses, and the vibrant streets of New York City inspired me daily. I could not understand and believe how many Americans along my journey, some of whom I had never even met, were willing to help me achieve my dream.
Arriving in America as a student was not the ultimate event. I learned that if I wanted to stay in the country after graduating, I would have to secure a work visa, which after the economic collapse of 2008 seemed like another impossible task. Having faced one challenge after the other, I saw this not as an obstacle but as a mission. I became laser-focused on my goal to not just become a U.S. citizen but to become an example for other young girls around the world. I began my journey by networking and taking on unpaid internships. I eventually landed an opportunity with a small marketing agency, quickly progressing to a director-level position. I was so close to obtaining my work visa in 2012, but, alas, my name was not among those drawn out of the lottery, which annually grants only 60,000 work visas to immigrants such as myself. This experience left me devastated, but it also led me to continue to pursue other possible avenues toward a work visa that would ultimately lead to citizenship in the U.S.
Since 9/11/2001, the green card process has become exponentially more difficult to obtain. Ultimately I discovered the existence of a unique green card reserved for individuals with extraordinary abilities. I thought I might qualify for this visa category, which had rigorous academic and professional experience requirements, due to all my accolades and accomplishments. Incredibly, I was granted the card, which heightened my resolve to become a success here. In retrospect, I am thankful that I didn’t have an easier path, as it made me appreciate even more the gifts I have been afforded.
As I reflect upon my early immigration experience in this significant year of 2023, which commemorates the 120th year of Bulgaria-US diplomatic relations, as well as my now dual-citizenship status, I am reminded of my journey, appreciating the enduring values of freedom, opportunity, and inclusivity that this country offers. The United States is a land of endless possibilities, where hard work and determination can be recognized and rewarded, regardless of one’s background. In today’s complex social and political landscape, where debates on diversity and inclusion persist, I affirm my belief that the United States remains a unique beacon of opportunity for immigrants. I stand firm in the conviction that this nation provides a platform for dreamers and hard workers from all backgrounds to transform their aspirations into reality, enriching the tapestry of this great country.
The United States is a beacon of hope and a testament to the fact that when people come together, embracing both their similarities and their differences, they can create a society that thrives on innovation, collaboration, and mutual respect. With each passing moment, I am reminded of the countless individuals who have fought, sacrificed, and paved the way for me to call this great nation my home. I can only hope that my homeland of Bulgaria will adopt the American example by becoming less patriarchal and providing greater opportunities for girls, women and immigrants to achieve their own dreams beyond the traditional roles of family life.
Today, I proudly stand as an accomplished female entrepreneur in the social listening industry. I attribute my success to the support of countless Americans who believed in immigrants’ potential. Despite the difficulties that immigrants such as I face on a daily basis, this story is a testament to the gratitude a lot of us feel towards this country. The United States has proven to me to be a place where equal opportunities exist to learn, grow, and leave a mark on the global stage. I can only imagine if I had remained in Bulgaria where I might be today. I don’t believe I would have created my own business or become as independent as I am because of the opportunities I have been afforded here. Nevertheless, I continue to embrace my native country, culture and language, sharing it with my two young children, now U.S. citizens, who I hope will grow up to strengthen the bridge between our two very different countries.
Tsvetta Kaleynska is an entrepreneur, author, and TV commentator specializing in AI and technology. Fluent in five languages and with extensive consulting experience, she is the founder of a successful boutique firm in New York City – RILA GLOBAL CONSULTING, a leading social listening agency.
Tsvetta is also globally recognized for her work at the European Commission, where she serves as one of the three Investment Jury Experts at the European Innovation Council. Since 2019, she has been advising the European Commission’s Blockchain and Digital Transformation division of Horizon 2020 on the identification and investment in high-impact unicorn scale-ups and startups, with a budget of €80 billion euros.
As an immigrant from Bulgaria, Tsvetta has been actively working on empowerment initiatives for women through her involvement with Girls Leading Our World (GLOW), a Peace Corps initiative, where she serves as an international ambassador. She has received multiple awards for her work and has been featured in esteemed outlets such as Forbes, Associated Press, FORTUNE Magazine, Washington Post, Financial Times, Sky News, Forbes, TedX, Elle magazines, and Cosmopolitan, among others.