Interview Spotlight with Yana Dinchiyska from 1-StopAsia

Continuing with our interview series celebrating our 20th Anniversary, ELIA’s Roots: Stories from Our Member Companies, next up is Yana Dinchiyska from 1-StopAsia.

This interview series is a continuation from our Past Board Members series, and this time we turn to the ones who have allowed ELIA to grow into the association it is today and showed support and engagement throughout the years: our Members.

In each edition, a Member Company shares their unique story with ELIA, from special memories and Member value, to business milestones and industry connections.

Now, let’s hear from Yana Dinchiyska on her ELIA journey since 2012.

When did you first join ELIA, and what brought you to the association?

We joined as a Member Company back in 2012 and my first ever event was ND in Vienna in 2018. What always brings us to the association is the endless opportunity to learn, talk and develop. It is an organization where knowledge is formed through collaboration and so is business adaptation. 

What is one of your favourite memories from an ELIA event or within the community?

I would go back to the first event I joined in Vienna as it was an ND event we went to with Gergana Toleva. The initial Welcome Drink event is the place where I immediately felt at home and it never gets old or changes. We were first-timers then and it was an amazing experience for me when I actually started talking with people who I’ve never met but felt like we were the same. I keep those connections up until today. 

What do you value most about being part of the ELIA community?

The opportunity to understand and re-align with reality in business. This is one of the most precious things of the ELIA community, where we could share what is now, what is ahead and how we can get there. Being part of an environment, where you could openly talk non-operational but strategic is really what brings in value for us. 

How has ELIA impacted your business or your professional journey?

ELIA is one of the organizations that truly helped us grow in all ways possible: meet and bring collaborations in place, build on partnerships, develop ideas and exchange knowledge. 

Looking ahead, what do you see for the future of ELIA and our community?

I see at least another 20 ahead and a true direction for change, support through challenging times and many more connections and experiences shared. 

Thank you to Yana for sharing 1-StopAsia’s ELIA journey! Your engagement and support continue to inspire and guide our community and Members, and we are grateful for the ELIA Family we have fostered together.

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Stay tuned for the next ELIA’s Roots article.