Iva Tsolova-Kutsarova is a visionary leader and changemaker in the fields of inclusive innovation and social entrepreneurship. She is the co-founder of Soziale Zukunft – Verein zur Förderung der Integration behinderter Menschen, an Austrian non-governmental organization which empowers people with disabilities and chronic illnesses to develop digital, ICT, and AI-related skills, and connects them with meaningful, secure and flexible employment opportunities in the digital economy.
With over 17 years of experience in the nonprofit sector across Europe and internationally, Iva has collaborated with renowned organizations including the United Nations Association, the Council of Europe, Caritas, AIESEC, and ASEF. As a former UN and Council of Europe Youth Delegate, she has represented Bulgarian youth at high-level forums and has led awareness campaigns and projects focused on human rights, youth participation, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Iva’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, including Forbes Europe’s 30 under 30 in Social Entrepreneurship. She holds a Master of Science in Environmental Technologies and International Affairs from TU Wien and the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna.
In addition to her professional dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Iva is a passionate environmental activist. She advocates for a more conscious relationship between humanity and nature—one where we act as stewards, not just consumers—giving back with intention and cherishing the Earth as our one irreplaceable home. Through her contemporary portraits of the world’s most endangered animals and her sustainable children’s brand AIA+GAIA, she weaves stories that spark wonder, empathy, and a sense of responsibility—inviting everyone to treasure and protect the wildlife of our planet.
