Silvija is a senior HR Business Partner at DocuSign. She moved to Ireland in late August 2008 with one small sports bag and just enough cash to pay a month's rent and cover a month's expenses. She's embarrassed to say that she did almost no research of what to expect as, at the time, a non-EU citizen and aspiring international student. Silvija had a clear vision of what she wanted but she was afraid that was all. It didn't take her too long after arriving to Ireland to learn that she needed a plan B: she missed the application deadline for college, she had no money to pay international student fees, she needed a visa, and, her English was actually not as good as she thought it was. She was 18 and alone in a new country. But, she didn't give up. She joined an English language school on the back of which she secured a student visa, and she got a job as a waitress. A year 'out' helped her build her network, save cash for international student fees and find her feet. In September 2009, Silvija started her Bachelor's Degree in Accounting & Finance. She was in college during the day and waitressed in the evenings. In November 2013, she graduated with Masters in HRM. She discovered HR in the first year of her Accountancy degree and she knew it was what she wanted to do 'when she grew up'. She hasn't looked back. She's currently a Senior HR Buisness Partner at DocuSign where she supports EMEA based client group. Prior to joining DocuSign, she made an impact in multinational and semi-state organisations across a variety of different sectors including retail, banking, sports and tech. She's passionate about DE&I, Workplace Wellness and making an impact in the local community. On her journey, she received the most incredible support from great mentors who believed in her and helped her navigate through her personal and professional life. She wants to be that person now and provide support and mentoriship to those who need it.