Diana Dimova often describes herself as a “guest from the future,” as the causes and issues she advocates for are far ahead of the political and social development in Bulgaria. Being around her evokes a similar sense—she is a seemingly fragile woman with a calm and determined presence, who speaks measuredly even about the greatest injustices she has witnessed. Diana believes that every battle lost makes her stronger and more prepared for the next because, as she puts it, “we are at war.” She is unafraid to lose herself and reinvent her path repeatedly. Yet, one thing she will never change is her calling as a social worker—a role she holds with pride. Diana Dimova is the director of Mission Wings, an organization based in Stara Zagora. 

“Being an activist means getting involved in problems and trying to untangle a tangled ball,” says Diana. 

Those familiar with Mission Wings’ work know she speaks from experience. The team often finds itself in the eye of the storm when society faces major challenges. Whether it’s helping people in extreme poverty, supporting mothers and children escaping domestic violence, or responding to refugee crises from Syria, Afghanistan, or Ukraine, Diana and her team are always on the front lines. 

“I just can’t do anything else. I want to be where they need me. And when I go home at night, my day feels different… but it’s worth it because I know I did something meaningful,” she says. 

It All Started with the Children 

For Diana, her journey began spontaneously 25 years ago when her hometown, Stara Zagora, faced a crisis of homelessness among children. 

“There were so many—probably around 45 children—living permanently near the railway station. There’s a memorial locomotive they used to sleep in. So, a group of young people, including myself, started feeding them,” she recalls. 

This marked the beginning of her professional path in helping vulnerable groups. Over time, those groups have changed, but one thing has remained constant: 

Diana’s Fight Against the Status Quo 

Whether it’s challenging outdated institutions housing parentless children in “barracks-like” conditions, addressing domestic violence, or combating discrimination against refugees, Diana is unafraid to confront injustices and demand systemic change. 

“I’m not doing this to seek attention,” she says. “On the contrary, it burns me inside to know that such terrible injustices exist in the country I live in.” 

Her determination is unwavering, even in the face of institutional resistance. Diana often hears the question, “In what role do you presume to send us this alert?”—a question familiar to anyone who has chosen the thorny path of social work. 

Always on the Front Line 

Despite resistance, Mission Wings has become a trusted partner for institutions during crises. Diana recounts numerous examples, one of which stands out—a story she shares for the first time in this article. 

A truck carrying Afghan refugees was intercepted on a highway near Stara Zagora. At 5:30 a.m., the police called Mission Wings for help. On arrival, Diana and her team witnessed a harrowing scene: 25 out of the 56 boys in the truck were unconscious. 

“It was like a battlefield,” she recalls. 

Ambulances made multiple trips to transport the critically injured boys to the hospital, while a single medical specialist cared for all of them. Diana and her team carried many of the boys themselves. “It was terrible—something I’ll never forget,” she says. 

This experience reinforced her commitment to her work: “No one should lose their life while seeking protection. That’s something I can’t accept,” Diana says. 

Over the past three years, hundreds of migrants have lost their lives on Bulgarian soil while trying to seek refuge. Mission Wings works tirelessly to prevent these tragedies, partnering with volunteers and alerting authorities when people are in distress. Sometimes, the help comes too late, and the team steps in to support grieving families, ensuring their loved ones are buried with dignity. 

Addressing Domestic Violence 

Diana’s work with refugees has also brought her face-to-face with cases of domestic violence in refugee centers. In one instance, a young woman sought help after being beaten by her husband, who had also assaulted her 4-year-old son. Pregnant and desperate, she turned to Mission Wings for safety. 

After safely relocating the woman to a crisis center, Diana personally went to retrieve her belongings with a police team, despite warnings of potential danger. Instead of aggression, she encountered a frightened man who handed her 50 leva and a pair of gold earrings, asking her to give them to his wife along with an apology. 

The Importance of Community 

Diana describes the 2013 refugee crisis as a turning point in her life. Another watershed moment was the rejection of the Istanbul Convention and the backlash against women’s rights. “It hurts to be vilified, spat on, and insulted,” she says. “But somehow, if we’re being applauded too much, I feel like something is wrong.” 

To cope with the constant pressure, Diana relies on the support of communities like the Bulgarian Fund for Women. “They’ve always been there, saying, ‘Go ahead, and here’s a little support from us,’” she says. Diana firmly believes in the power of solidarity: “If we’re left alone or only complain like victims, we’ll never win. Even if we keep losing battles, each one prepares us for the next, bigger fight.” 

A Dream for the Future 

Diana is well aware of the challenges ahead but is confident in her ability to endure. “In my darkest professional moments, a firefly unexpectedly appears. Often, it’s a stranger who ends up being closer than a brother,” she says. 

For the people she works with, Diana dreams of a world where their differences go unnoticed—not because they don’t exist, but because they no longer matter. In this envisioned future, her role might become unnecessary. It’s a day she hopes for—a day when she can finally rest. “I just want to sleep,” she says with a smile.