Meet Ceitci Demirkova-Harper

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ceitci Demirkova-Harper. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ceitci below.

Hi Ceitci , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
In the tapestry of my life, the thread of purpose was woven from the heartache of loss and the determination to bring love and hope to others. At seven years of age, I eagerly anticipated the arrival of my little sister, only to witness her passing at the hospital due to premature birth complications. Alone on the balcony that night, gazing at the stars, I felt an unseen presence. Though raised under communism, a world that didn’t acknowledge the existence of God, I knew someone was watching me and knew about the sorrow in my heart. That night, I made a vow to help children in honor of my sister. I can say that it became the first seed of “why” I do what I do today.

A year later, the shadows of depression cast their weight on my eight-year-old shoulders. In an effort to bring solace, my parents applied to adopt a little boy. The process unfolded with both hope and heartache as we discovered he faced health challenges beyond our means, thus we were rejected as a potential adoptive family. Tragically, he passed away shortly after from malnutrition and lack of physical touch in the orphanage. Facing this profound loss, my promise to make a difference deepened, solidifying my commitment to helping orphaned boys and girls find a brighter future.

As the political landscape shifted with the fall of communism on November 11, 1989, so did my life’s trajectory. Hearing the Gospel for the first time at age 16, I found my true purpose in a calling to bring hope, love, and a future to children worldwide. In the fall of 1994, shortly after graduating high school, I was offered an opportunity to come and study in the United States. Arriving at age 19 with 100 words of English, $100 in my pocket, and lots of unknowns, I embarked on a brand new journey of faith, trust, and perseverance. Little did I know at that time, it would be the most challenging and simultaneously the most rewarding experience of my life.

I chose to write about these experiences in one of my latest books, “Motivated by the Impossible: Recognizing Your Invisible Mentors” which also became a best-seller and won several awards in 2018 and 2019. The book sheds light on the transformative power of life’s challenges, urging each reader to recognize their invisible mentors within the depths of hardship. Despite the heartaches, we all have the capacity to rise above the ashes and become beacons of hope, purpose, and love for those around us.

Embrace your unique journey, for within it lies the power to create a brighter tomorrow.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Born and raised in Bulgaria, a former communist nation, my journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. At age 19, I formed a nonprofit organization “Changing a Generation” and this year we celebrate 28 years of impact and transformation we bring to various spheres of life around the world. A true entrepreneur at heart, I thrive on challenges, bringing relentless persistence and determination to my role as a leader.

Over the years, I’ve crisscrossed the entire United States as an inspirational and motivational speaker, authoring six books, and contributing as a live coach, radio, and TV guest across various broadcasting networks in the States and Europe. My international travels have broadened my perspective, but our heart remains in Bulgaria, where we currently focus our primary efforts.

At “Changing a Generation,” we’re making a tangible difference in the lives of a thousand children weekly, spread across 35 locations nationwide. Our multifaceted approach revolves around education, humanitarian aid, and fostering thriving communities. A significant part of our initiative involves providing playgrounds, and I’m thrilled to share that we’ve recently dedicated our 13th playground on September 5th, 2023, with two more set to install and open by December 2023, bringing the total to an impressive 15 in just three years. These playgrounds offer a safe space for children in very deprived communities and allow our organization to meet and offer fun summer or after-school programs.

One of the most exciting endeavors on our horizon is our collaboration with the Ministry of Education in Bulgaria. We’re awaiting approval for a groundbreaking initiative that includes an anti-bullying curriculum and a three-year educational business leadership program. Geared towards empowering young students to become the future entrepreneurs and leaders of their communities, these programs hold the promise of reshaping the educational landscape. Anticipating approval in early 2024, we’re eager to extend our positive impact to schools throughout the nation, fostering a generation of empowered and inspired young leaders.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, three transformative factors have played a significant importance. Firstly, my unyielding faith in Christ has been a bedrock, providing unwavering support during challenging times. Equally pivotal has been the incredible network of individuals who recognized my potential before I did, offering invaluable encouragement and guidance. Surrounding yourself with those who believe in your capabilities can truly fuel a remarkable journey.

Another critical element has been adopting a positive perspective and attitude, allowing me to draw strength from all past experiences, rather than disregarding some of them as negative or traumatic. Emerging from a childhood of deprivation and fear, I made a conscious choice to embrace the positive aspects of my upbringing, such as discipline, loyalty, and perseverance. This choice empowered me to bring about impactful change in societies and communities, illustrating the strength that lies within adversity.

A profound lesson from my journey as a CEO and a speaker is that having a vision is merely the beginning; it requires practical steps and continuous development. To those embarking on their entrepreneurial path, I encourage you to value every small victory, surround yourself with mentors, and embrace a mindset of perpetual learning. Throughout my 28-year journey, I’ve maintained the spirit of a student, recognizing that growth comes from learning from successes and mistakes, adapting positive qualities, and viewing challenges as opportunities for development. The strength of mind to persevere, coupled with the understanding that our vision (dream) must be bigger than ourselves, creates a path for others to learn from us, thus it has been my driving force. Life’s circumstances and challenges are not hindrances but stepping stones, shaping a legacy that paves the way for the next generation.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My journey from a shy and insecure child, growing up in central Bulgaria to a leader who thrives amidst challenges is intricately woven with the impactful choices and examples of my parents. Our home was a sanctuary of trust and safety, regardless of the fear, chaos, and uncertainty installed by the communist party.

My father, a resourceful and tenacious man, possessed a remarkable ability to fix anything, even when the stores offered no solutions. His dedication to preserving what we had, ensuring that every item served us for as long as possible, left an indelible mark on me to always look for solutions in the most unusual places. My mother, a beacon of strength and creativity as a teacher and fashion clothing designer, further enriched our home and my life. Her love for serving others extended beyond the classroom, as she welcomed relatives, neighbors, and students into our lives with an open-door policy. This sense of inclusivity fostered a profound love for people, family, and community that shaped my worldview.

I recall vividly one incident when for the first time after communism fell, bananas were offered for purchase in the stores. Each family was allowed to buy one banana. In an act of selfless sacrifice, my parents chose to forego their share, content with a couple of slices, so that I could have the most. It was these sacrifices, these everyday acts of love, that shaped my perspective and continue to influence my life today. Living a life of simplicity, we discovered that true wealth lies not in possessions but in the bonds we share with one another.

As you read my story, may it inspire you to pay attention and appreciate the moments that shape your own life. In moments of challenge, remember the enduring wealth found within the bonds of family and community. Your journey, like mine, is uniquely yours, crafted by the choices you make and the resilience you show. Embrace it with gratitude, for within every challenge lies an opportunity for growth and connection.

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Image Credits
All images are taken by our team at Changing a Generation

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