Aleksandra Degernes is the President and CEO of the Eastern European Business Network (EEBN), an organization based in Charlotte, North Carolina, that connects Eastern European professionals and entrepreneurs with business opportunities in the United States. In this episode, Aleksandra shares her personal journey of moving to the U.S., adapting to a new culture, and building a platform that fosters economic integration, workforce development, and immigrant entrepreneurship. Her leadership reflects resilience, adaptability, and a passion for creating meaningful connections.
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Jack Ossa and Aleksandra Degernes dive into a candid conversation about cultural identity, business growth, and the challenges of adapting to life in a new country. Aleksandra shares how EEBN began as a way to unite people with shared heritage and quickly grew into a professional network that bridges international talent with local opportunities. The network hosts events, promotes collaboration between members, and creates partnerships that help businesses thrive.
Throughout the episode, Aleksandra reflects on her own experiences—learning a new language, navigating a different business environment, and building trust with local partners. She talks about the importance of authenticity, community support, and persistence when building something from the ground up. Jack and Aleksandra also discuss the role of cultural heritage as a strength in business, showing how diversity can create new opportunities and perspectives.
Relationships are the foundation of EEBN. Aleksandra emphasizes the value of creating authentic, long-term connections over transactional networking.
Maintaining cultural traditions while adapting to a new environment can be a unique advantage in establishing trust and credibility.
EEBN thrives on bringing people together to share knowledge, resources, and ideas, resulting in stronger business outcomes.
Aleksandra’s story shows that embracing change and being open to learning are key to succeeding in a new market.
Having a supportive network can help entrepreneurs take bold steps and overcome obstacles more effectively.
Success in business often comes from staying committed to a vision despite challenges and setbacks.
This conversation with Aleksandra Degernes illustrates how a personal journey of reinvention can evolve into a mission that impacts an entire community. Through the Eastern European Business Network, she is helping international entrepreneurs integrate into the U.S. business landscape while preserving and celebrating their cultural identity. Her leadership demonstrates that when people come together with shared goals and mutual support, they can create lasting opportunities that benefit not only individuals but entire regions.
By connecting talent, fostering trust, and promoting collaboration, Aleksandra and EEBN are building bridges that strengthen both the Eastern European community and the broader business ecosystem in Charlotte and beyond.