Ruth Koleva

As an accomplished musician and winner of multiple awards including Grazia Magazine's Woman of the Year, Forbes 30 Under 30 and Best Jazz Vocalist at the JAJ Awards in Japan, Ruth Koleva is a prime example of a contemporary musician and successful female entrepreneur in the music industry. As Head of Partnerships for China's largest independent music company, Kanjian, Ruth is a key connection for international companies and artists looking to grow in the world's largest micro market. In 2020, New York-based Koleva founded Sofia Live Festival in her native Bulgaria, a contemporary three-day festival exploring innovation and interdisciplinary arts and genres. The event was an immediate success with over 8,000 visitors at its first edition. Since 2022, Ruth is a member of the board of the Bulgarian Society for Neighboring Rights - PROPHON, and is the founder and CEO of the SoAlive music conference in Sofia, Bulgaria, scheduled to launch in 2023. Koleva is also an avid supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, being the first performer to take the stage at Sofia Pride in 2013 and is a member of the advisory board of the LGBTQ+ Single Step Foundation.