At Hazera, we are proud of our dedicated team, which works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While we tend to put our products in the headlines, it is the Hazera team that drives our success. We believe it’s important to reflect on the contributions of women who are planting the seeds for a brighter future. So in honour of International Women’s Day, we are interviewing Milena Vulcheva, Deputy CEO of Hazera. We sat down with Milena to discuss her journey and her hopes for a world where women lead with confidence as the norm, not the exception.
Milena grew up in Bulgaria, where her love for agriculture began on her grandparents’ farm. With a career spanning over 20 years across diverse roles in the agriculture and food industry, Milena holds a Business Administration degree and an MBA from ESADE Business School. Now Deputy CEO at Hazera, she focuses on enhancing the organisation’s strategic direction and operational excellence. “I really value the team’s passion and commitment. With its agility, strong focus, and investments in vegetable seeds, the company is well positioned for exciting growth ahead.”
Over the years, Milena’s career has taken her to Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, and Uruguay, and now she resides in the Netherlands with her husband and daughter. While the weather can be gloomy at times, they enjoy living there because of the welcoming people. When she’s not working, Milena enjoys skiing, biking, and exploring new cultures with her family. She is also an avid reader of various genres.
If you could explain why your work matters in a way that inspires the next generation of girls, what would you say?
“My work matters because every day I help shape an organization that feeds communities and gives people access to healthy, tasty vegetables. But the deeper meaning of my work goes back to my childhood, standing in my grandparents’ farm,” she explains. “My grandpa used to tell me, ‘If you take good care of planting the seeds, they will grow into something that nourishes others.’ Only later did I realize how important this is in leadership.”
She now applies that lesson by helping ideas, people, and teams grow. “In the vegetable seeds industry,” she notes, “the decisions made today directly influence future food security and livelihoods.” Milena’s role as Deputy CEO allows her to empower talent and convert potential into tangible outcomes.
When speaking to the next generation, Milena’s message is clear and direct: “Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. And leadership begins with the courage to take the first step.”
What’s the boldest or most defining moment in your career that made you proud?
For Milena, one of the most defining moments of her career was accepting the role of Deputy CEO at Hazera. “I stepped into the role at a time of transformation, when the organization needed clarity, cross-functional alignment, and renewed confidence. I knew the expectations were very high, and the path ahead would require difficult decisions and courageous conversations.”
Looking back, she says her pride comes not from the title, but from having the courage to trust her experience, instincts, and ability to unite people around a shared goal. “From day one, I committed to listening deeply, tackling difficult topics with honesty, and empowering teams to bring Hazera to the next level. That reaffirmed something essential,” Milena continues, “leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about facing uncertainty with conviction, inviting others to walk with you, and creating the conditions for people to rise.”
What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in your field?
Milena shares several core principles that have guided her career. She first stresses the importance of self-belief. “In agriculture, seeds grow when they’re nurtured,” she says. “Your ideas work the same way. Speak up with courage.”
She also advises young women to stay curious and learn the business from end to end. “The field connects science, innovation, farmers, and global markets. The more you understand the full picture, the more confidently you can lead.”
The value of building a strong network shouldn’t be underestimated either, according to Milena. “Surround yourself with people who lift you higher and learn from everyone. Seek mentors and peers who challenge and support you — and be that person for others as you grow.”
Milena encourages embracing difficult moments as opportunities for growth. “Courage,” she says, “builds real leadership. But above all, authenticity is key. Be yourself. Your authenticity is your advantage. It will eventually bring you to work in the right place with the right people.”
In conclusion, Milena encourages young women not to be afraid to take the first step. After all, opportunities open for those who move with purpose.
Looking ahead 10 years, what change for women in your field would make you most excited?
What would excite Milena most is seeing women in agriculture leading with confidence as the norm, not the exception. “I envision a future where women’s expertise is recognized and their leadership is integral to shaping strategy and global food security.”
“Another important change we must see, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries,” Milena continues, “is real access to education and equal pay for women in agriculture. I’ve met women whose determination reminded me why I chose this field, yet their opportunities were limited simply because of where they were born. When women are able to learn, earn, and grow on equal terms, entire communities rise with them. When more women feel free to use their voices, trust their ideas, and step into bold roles without hesitation, it will be one of the most meaningful changes our industry can achieve.”
