Dana's story

In 2022, despite what looked like a successful life—a thriving business, a family, and recognition—I hit burnout. Panic attacks and deep unhappiness became part of my daily routine. Then the war broke out, and I had to flee Ukraine to Germany, leaving my business in ruins. It was one of the lowest points of my life.
On one particularly tough day, I turned inward. I started meditating and wrote down everything I wanted to change and all the dreams I had. That moment changed everything. It was the beginning of my transformation.
But this journey didn’t start there. Back in 2010, I took over Osnovy Publishing, a struggling company on the brink of bankruptcy. I had no roadmap, just determination. Over the next 14 years, I turned Osnovy into an internationally recognized brand—and in the process, I transformed myself too.
In 2024, I reached one of my biggest goals: I sold the business. But it wasn’t just about selling the business; it was about personal growth. Letting go of what I thought defined me opened up new doors, and I found a deep passion for impact-driven work. I realized I wanted to be part of projects and initiatives that make a difference. 
That’s why I founded Empower Impact Academy 🎓—a global membership platform providing AI-powered training and certifications for changemakers. The academy is designed for those advancing their careers in nonprofit, impact investing, and social enterprise, offering the tools and knowledge needed to stay at the forefront of social and environmental change. 
Alongside this journey, I dove deep into Buddhism, meditation, and spiritual teachings from Lao Tzu, Wayne Dyer, and Thich Nhat Hanh. These helped me unravel old patterns and find inner peace. I embraced practices like visualization, gratitude, and working with mentors and coaches. These daily practices brought me clarity, resilience, and a sense of calm.
My journey has also been shaped by learning from some incredible programs. I hold an Executive MBA from Oxford’s Saïd Business School 🎓 and I’m proud to be an Emergent Ventures Fellow 📖and a graduate of the Young Leaders Program at the Aspen Institute Central Europe 📝 I also completed the Philanthropy for Impact Learning Journey 📚 which fueled my passion for making a real difference.
Through all of this, I realized I had a calling: I’m passionate about empowering people to transform and live their best lives. That’s why I mentor founders, executives, and leaders—because I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to give everything you have and still not get what you want. I’ve felt the anxiety, juggled the demands of entrepreneurship while raising kids, and faced the feeling of being stuck despite doing it all.
I’m here to help guide you through your own transformation. Whether it's your personal life or your business, I believe anyone can make a change and create the life they dream of. Let’s do this together. ✨