IGNJATOV Ivana
Fundraising and Communications Director, SOS Children's Villages Serbia
My journey reflects a blend of professional excellence and a deep commitment to social good, which I believe are essential for driving meaningful change.
I began my career in the banking sector, starting from scratch as a bachelor of the Faculty of Economics, University of Belgrade. Together with my peers, I built and developed the business of a newly established bank. As a member of the first generation of managers, I significantly contributed to achieving business results, increasing efficiency, and positioning the brand effectively. Over the years, I have become a trusted manager, successfully assembling and developing teams ranging from 10 to 70 members. These teams have consistently delivered both quantitative and qualitative goals to recognized banking institutions across the Serbian market.
Currently, I hold a senior management role at SOS Children’s Villages Serbia, where I serve as the Fundraising and Communication Director. In this capacity, to accomplish our organizational goals, my dedicated team and I work on creating and implementing fundraising and communication strategies. We focus on establishing partnerships, and increasing our donor base to ensure the continuity of our programs, which support vulnerable children, youngsters, and families.
Aligning with ESG standards is essential, and our efforts are geared towards this alignment. Our organization is positioned as a strong and consistent brand, serving as a key partner in implementing the social component of these standards.
Additionally, we advocate for better conditions for philanthropy in our country, recognizing that there is significant room for improvement. I strongly believe that by working together—across the private, state, and NGO sectors—we can find better solutions and make significant positive impact.