A storyteller at heart and a marketing strategist by trade, Mira Kopanarov is anything but conventional. Throughout her 20-year long career, she has broken down silos, challenged norms and created spaces where women’s voices are heard. From corporate boardrooms to art exhibitions, Mira’s journey has been fuelled by her belief in the power of connection.
“The bridge to connection is critical thinking - questioning, understanding, and uniting diverse voices to drive real change,” says Mira, as she talks about the impact of a York education on her career. “The content of my Communications Studies education was valuable, but something that stayed with me is the ability to think critically. York set me up with that, allowing me to enter any area – business, social, or creative – with the mindset to connect with people and to critically evaluate information. I still value that deeply.”
It is precisely this perspective that Mira channels in her work as the chief storytelling officer at Mirable Storytelling Agency. She is also an artist with featured work in multiple exhibitions, as well as a breathwork and mindfulness practitioner. Prior to her current roles, she was the head of marketing at a major commercial real estate company.
As she climbed up the corporate ladder, she realized that people were being siloed within industries. She saw an opportunity to break down these barriers – especially for women. This vision prompted Mira to co-create ‘The Women’s Connection’, an immersive experience series introducing women from diverse backgrounds to network and redefine success across industries.
“When we bring women together, we collectively share creative energy,” says Mira. "Our participants start working together, refer each other and lift each other up even when they are not in the same room. The best part is the connection that grows within.”
This year, to mark International Women’s Day, The Women’s Connection is hosting the ‘Modern Storytellers’ event on March 6. The experience includes a thought-provoking panel discussion, an art exhibit, a silent auction, and inspiring networking. Speakers and participants will discuss the importance of stories in the making of ‘the modern myth’. Speaking of the event’s significance, Mira says, “There isn’t just one truth; there are many truths. We cannot engage in critical thinking or innovation if we don’t invite everybody’s voice to the table.”
Ultimately, these events inspire women to ‘do power differently’. Doing power differently – leading with inclusivity rather than exclusion – is one of Mira’s guiding principles. “Women have been subjected to so much throughout history,” she says. "We need to draw wisdom and power from our experiences. It means adding our value to conversations, leading with fairness and support, working with allies.”
This philosophy extends to her leadership in the business world as well, where she is determined to bring in more fresh, diverse perspectives.
“Women belong in every room where decisions are made,” she says. “We need more women in advisory and leadership roles; that’s how we accelerate action. And when we get there, we need to hold the door open for others.”
For young women navigating their careers, Mira insists on not letting fear be an obstacle and focusing on the importance of mental and physical health. “Every time someone told me ‘no’, I went for it anyway.” She also emphasizes the importance of authentic connections. “At the end of the day, what truly matters is how you make people feel. Are you listening? Are you supporting others? Are you creating opportunities for those around you? And are you taking care of your inner wellness? That’s where real success comes from.”