Interview
STELP: Introduce yourself and tell us, what you are doing at STELP?
Ivana: I am Ivana Stipić and I am managing director at the STELP Events UG. So STELP and I are in the process of establishing a second STELP social business in Stuttgart in addition to our non-profit café NATAN. Our event company. So far, we have focused primarily on our own charity events. I take care of everything that has to do with the staging of events: The entire organization, the request of the locations and everything related to sponsoring, I could still enumerate a long list of tasks.
STELP: Why not guide us through the year? What events have already taken place and what is in the pipeline?
Ivana: This year we have already been able to implement many beautiful events. We had some great yoga sessions, an amazing concert with Joy Denalane & Max Herre on the Grabkapelle and the highlight this year is the 4th fundraising gala coming up on December 2.
STELP: Why is the gala the highlight of the year for you?
Ivana: Last year, we raised half a million euros on the evening of the gala with 300 guests. Of course, that’s insane and we hope to top that this year. It’s an incredibly glamorous, but also upsetting evening for everyone. For our guests, but also for us as a team. Because there is not only an exclusive gala menu and champagne, but also a tear or two. On stage we report about our missions from this year and take people with us into the reality on the ground. It’s definitely an evening of contrasts – but that’s what makes it special, in my opinion.
STELP: What is the biggest challenge during the planning for the gala?
Ivana: As with all STELP events, our goal for the fundraiser is to not incur any overhead costs. Without the great support of our sponsors, we would not be able to do all this. Die Galaplanung selbst wäre wohl schon ziemlich aufregend, das alles pro bono zu organisieren, ist schon eine Herausforderung. That’s why you can find me on the phone most of the day at the moment.
STELP: With so many different topics, how do you clear your head?
Ivana: It’s not always easy and during the intense phases, such as planning the upcoming gala, I try to find my balance in yoga.
STELP: Do you have a life motto?
Ivana: Empower with compassion, be the change.
