I vividly remember that rainy night when our plane touched down at SFO, marking the start of our journey in the US. For me, my husband Yavor, and our nearly 2-year-old daughter, it was a mix of emotions—exhilaration, fear, and the fulfillment of a long-held dream all at once. I don’t typically get personal on LinkedIn, but the approaching 20th anniversary of my family’s move to the US felt like the perfect time to reflect. Over time, I’ve also realized the power of sharing our stories, as they help us connect in meaningful ways. Our first year was a blur of important milestones—getting more comfortable with the language, finding a place to live, and adapting to an entirely new way of life. At the same time, we embraced the adventure, exploring everything the Bay Area had to offer. Growing up in Bulgaria, names like Oracle, Google, UC Berkeley, and Stanford University were legendary. During those early months, we visited them all, unknowingly creating our own bucket list. Never did I imagine that, years later, we would work for those same and other iconic companies and that I would have the opportunity to study at both prestigious institutions. The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. I remember the heartbreak of leaving our crying daughter at preschool as she struggled to adjust without knowing the language. With no connections, I applied to hundreds of jobs before landing my first role. Even then, navigating the corporate world wasn’t easy: trying to understand subtle cultural nuances and unwritten rules often learned the hard way. Yet, the rewarding moments have far outweighed the tough ones. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who have supported my career—leaders who recognized my grit and potential, even with my diverse background. They opened doors, advocated for me, and provided advice and encouragement when needed. Now, as I continue my own leadership journey, I aim to pay it forward by helping others unlock the opportunities they deserve. The greatest lesson I’ve learned along the way is that our unique paths and perspectives are what make us shine brightest. They fuel our drive to achieve anything we set our minds to. And when we lead with curiosity, courage, and kindness, the right communities will form around us, lifting us higher. As I reflect on this 20-year journey, I’m filled with both gratitude and pride for the opportunity to forge our own path. It’s been a road marked by both challenges and victories, each one shaping who I am today—and I wouldn’t change a thing. 🙏
Inspiring story. Proud of your achievements
Keep sharing your story! It is so full of hope, courage and grit and we all need inspiring stories.
Beautifully put. I’m so proud to have worked with you! Congrats on such a big anniversary!
Thank you for sharing your story Galia! You're story is truly inspiring!
2005 :)))))) Thanks Galia and Congrats !!!!!
Thank you for sharing your path to finding yourself and creating a world of opportunities for your daughter. The struggles you shared, worded so well, I can relate. Hope to meet you at me2we’25.
Wonderful post
Love this Galia Goulisheva
27 years for me!
Principal and Founder at Portal Creative Marketing
1wWow... I met you 4 years after you arrived in the USA, then! I enjoyed every second of working with you. Your professionalism and grit left a lasting impression. Congratulations on this big milestone.