Founder/CEO Vlada Vladic, along with board member Nina Cullen and VSL volunteer Ana Tasevska, attended the first Serbian Cultural Center Gala fundraiser organized by the Serbian Cultural Center San Diego, December 3, 2022.

The event honored Serbian-Americans that have helped change the world, including:

• Nikola Tesla (1856-1943). Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, and futurist.
• Mihajlo Pupin (1854-1935). Member of the American Academy of Sciences, the Serbian Royal Academy and an honorary doctor of 18 universities.
• Milutin Milankovic ( 1879-1958). Serbian mathematician, astronomer, climatologist, geophysicist, civil engineer and popularizer of science.
• Milena Pavlovic (1909-1945). Painter and poet. Her career peaked as an illustrator for Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Many of her works are part of permanent exhibitions in New York, Rome and Belgrade.
• Peter Bogdanovic (1939-2022). American director, writer, actor, producer, critic and film historian.
• Rose Ann Vuich, first female member of the California State Senate.
• Karl Malen, an Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actor.
• Steve Tesich, Oscar-winning screenwriter, playwright and novelist.

Vlada’s Seeds of Life was recognized for its contribution toward reconnecting families and communities in America while promoting Serbian culture and heritage.

Special Honoree plaques were presented to:

• Aleksandar “Alex” Jakovljevic, Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor at Westpac Wealth Partners. Alex is recognized by the most prestigious business magazine Forbes as one of the top 100 Financial Professionals in the country.
  
  
• Vlada Vladic, Founder / CEO of Vlada’s Seeds of Life Non-profit Organization. Vlada is known for her work in helping reconnect families and communities in an effort to foster a healthier and happier environment for children and future generations.
  
  
• Nikola Loncar, Serbian-American inventor, President & Founder of the Tesla Science Foundation based in Philadelphia, PA. The Tesla Science Foundation is one of the most prominent non-profit groups dedicated to promoting the life and scientific innovations of Nikola Tesla.
  
  
• Additional guests and organizations included:
  • Tesla Science Foundation USA
  • Embassy of Republic of Serbia
  • Serbian Cultural Association Nikola Tesla – Detroit
  • French American School – La Jolla
  • Ali Dadr – Board member of the Persian Cultural Center San Diego
  • and many others.

To find out more about the Serbian Cultural Center in San Diego, visit: serbianccsd.org.