Eva Staněk Michálková

Upon completing my high school education at High school Litomericka, I pursued my undergraduate studies in International Relations and European Studies at Metropolitan University Prague. During this time, I had the opportunity to enhance my language proficiency by studying English at the International Language Academy in Toronto and participating in the Erasmus program at the Law Faculty of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. My education and experiences have been integral to my personal growth and a priority in my life, particularly given my hearing disability. Rather than being a hindrance, my disability has become a source of motivation and has taught me to rely on myself and work hard to achieve my goals. The Bakala Foundation provided me with the opportunity to pursue a Master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, which I obtained in May 2015. Subsequently, I remained in the US to gain more work experience in Organizational Dynamics & Leadership and worked as an Operations Department Intern at the Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation. My responsibilities in this role included team building and management, which challenged me daily and pushed me beyond my comfort zone. After residing in the Czech Republic for an extended period, I was fortunate enough to obtain permanent residency in the United States through an EB-2 NIW visa. I am currently based in Boston, engaged in a range of intriguing projects, and I am also a proud mother.