Denitsa Balkanova

• Supervised a team of six members in a highly competitive worldwide investment competition organized by a recognized institution.
• Designed and managed portfolio strategies based on market analysis and risk assessment.
• Continuously researched and analyzed equity investment opportunities through a variety of asset classes.
• Prepared and delivered investment presentations, defending strategic decisions before a jury
• Qualified for the semi-finals and represented the school at an international level.

• Selected by faculty to mentor eighth, ninth, and tenth-grade students academically, socially, and emotionally
• Completed three professional training programs led by education and counseling specialists
• Provided ongoing academic guidance, transition support, and personal development mentorship every week for two years.
• Collaborated closely with the Student Counseling Team to support student wellbeing
• Planned and delivered substance abuse prevention presentations, communicating evidence-based information on substance use risks, peer pressure, and long-term consequences

Marketing Director Marketing & Finance Director Co-Leader & Finance Director

SofiaTalks Business 2024

• Led marketing strategy and branding for Bulgaria’s largest student-run entrepreneurship event
• Coordinated sponsor visibility, outreach campaigns, and audience engagement
• Delivered a sold-out event with 350+ participants and 40+ partners

SofiaTalks Health 2025

• Oversaw marketing campaigns and financial planning for a national youth health conference
• Coordinated partnerships with athletes, medical professionals, and psychologists
• Delivered a sold-out event with 250+ participants; raised over 11,000 BGN for youth initiatives

SofiaTalks Business Bootcamp 2025

• Co-leading SofiaTalks’ flagship national entrepreneurship conference
• Led financial planning, budgeting, and sponsorship strategy
• Generated 80,000+ BGN and reinvested 100% into youth entrepreneurship initiatives
• Secured partnerships with Experian, Lidl, Technopolis, Eleven Ventures, A Data Pro, etc.
• Coordinated cross-functional teams across Marketing, Logistics, Partnerships, and Talent Recruitment
• Delivered a large-scale event reaching 950+ students, with 60+ speakers and 60+ expo partners
• Designed workshops, mentorship tracks, and VIP networking sessions
• Achieved national media visibility, including National Television, Forbes Bulgaria and Capital

• From 2021 - 2024, I served as the Editor-in-Chief for the only fully student-ran newspaper, overseeing a staff of 20 writers and editors in all aspects of newspaper creation.
• My primary responsibilities included creating a vision for all newspaper content and theme, assuring the writing was of high quality and maintained consistency with previous editions.
• Directed the preparation of seven different newspapers, three printed versions and four digital versions.
• Worked closely with the administration to ensure the launch of the newspaper on the school's official website.
• Coordinated with the principal and other school officials, and developed unique ways to market and sell the newspaper, which resulted in a revenue increase of 70%, with over 5,000 BGN generated by each edition.
• The newspaper has helped increase student participation and activity within the school's community and beyond.

• Supported policy research related to public finance, budgeting, and macroeconomic strategy
• Assisted with financial reporting and data analysis for internal government use
• Contributed to briefing materials prepared for senior officials
• Gained exposure to national budgeting processes and Eurozone-related policy discussions

• Worked with SMEs on bookkeeping, financial records, and tax documentation
• Assisted with compliance-related processes under UK accounting and regulatory standards
• Developed practical understanding of corporate taxation and financial reporting
• Worked independently in an international corporate environment

• Developed a conceptual framework for an AI bias detection tool in collaboration with an IT professor
• Completed Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals and the Elements of AI program to support technical understanding
• Analyzed academic research and existing AI systems to identify sources of algorithmic bias
• Examined economic and social implications of biased AI, particularly in finance and healthcare
• Explored mitigation approaches to improve fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI-driven systems