Her Story
About Olga
I've always been very passionate about healthcare and helping people live their best, healthiest life. I went to George Washington University in DC where my major was in international finance, though I always wanted to be pre-med but couldn't tolerate cytology at the time. I was very fortunate to be introduced to the founding father of genetic testing called PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis). At that time, we were the first ones using the test for fertility patients, and now it's used in 99.9% of all fertility clinics worldwide. I was responsible for promoting this genetic testing nationwide and worldwide, and I even had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Bob Edwards, the first person in the world who started doing IVF. I worked for Universal Knowledge Chicago and then went on my own, partnering with various fertility clinics to help them promote their services by working with OBGYNs, urologists, family practitioners, and oncologists. I also worked with a company in Nashville where we partnered with Reproductive Endocrinology to build ambulatory surgery centers and IVF laboratories nationwide. I'm very well respected in the field. After having my son, who is 8 and a half and took me 7 years to conceive, I didn't want to travel anymore and switched to working for an inpatient rehab hospital. Recently, the company restructured and I lost my job a month ago. Now I'm still very involved in helping couples navigate their fertility journey on a volunteer basis, which to me is about paying it forward because I feel God has given me such an amazing child. Even though I knew the process in and out, when you go through it yourself, you feel very isolated and alone. It's a very stressful, painful journey, and I want to help others through it.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Olga
01What do you attribute your success to?
I come from a very well-educated, hardworking family. Both of my parents have PhDs and are very successful. My grandmother and grandfather played a huge role in my success. I grew up in a very hardworking family - they're not successful money-wise, but very hardworking. I think what really shaped my career is having a passion for healthcare. You have to have a passion for what you do, anything you do in life.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be true to yourself and be honest, and always try to help people. Always work very hard, and don't let people discourage you from your goal.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think the biggest challenge in navigating fertility treatment is the cost - the financial aspect is very, very expensive. But also the emotional part of it. I don't think there's enough help out there for the emotional side. It doesn't matter where you go or how you navigate this journey, whether you're single, with a husband, or a same-sex couple, it's a very, very stressful process because you take a lot of hormones and it really messes up with your well-being throughout the whole process. I feel that there really should be more support groups for fertility. It's one thing for couples to go talk to a reproductive endocrinologist, but it's another thing to talk to someone who not only knows it inside out, but also went through it herself.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Transparency and honesty are most important to me.
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