Svetlana Shammasova’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, vision, and bold ambition. Raised in a remote village in the Ural Mountains, she immigrated to the U.S. to study at one of America’s premier universities and make a meaningful difference in the world. Through education, innovation, and leadership, Svetlana has transformed her life and the lives of many others. Her journey is about personal achievement and inspiring others to break barriers, dream big, and make lasting contributions to the world. In the interview, Svetlana reflects on her journey and shares her vision for empowering future generations.
Interviewer: Svetlana, your journey is inspiring and full of transformation. Can you tell us about your early experiences and how you went from a small village in the Ural Mountains to becoming a graduate of Columbia and Stanford?
Svetlana Shammasova: My journey to the U.S. began in 2007, but long before that, growing up in a remote village in the Ural Mountains, I sensed there was more for me beyond the life I knew. I spent my childhood watching my aunt milk cows and helping my family with the hard physical labor that came with rural life. While deeply connected to nature and the simplicity of that way of living, I felt a pull toward something more significant. That inner drive led me to earn a degree in foreign languages and interpreting, followed by a second degree in finance, before working as an interpreter for the U.S. Congress Open World Program. Traveling with delegations from Russia to the U.S., I was surrounded by some of the brightest minds in law, media, and medicine. It became clear that if I wanted to make a real impact, I needed to immerse myself in innovation and leadership. That’s when I decided to immigrate to the U.S., start from scratch, and pursue a bigger dream.
Interviewer: You applied to the premier universities in the U.S. and were accepted into all of them. That’s incredible! What led you to choose Columbia University, and how did that shape your path?
Svetlana Shammasova: Columbia University in the City of New York was a dream come true. It was my gateway to understanding the complexities of the global economy and gaining the tools I needed to navigate it. I chose Columbia because it represented excellence, diversity, and challenge. Studying at Columbia proved truly transformative, especially as I had the privilege of learning under Professor Xavier Sala-i-Martin, a global economic growth and innovation leader. His development of the Global Competitiveness Index and pioneering work on poverty reduction and income inequality profoundly shaped my understanding of how technology and economics intersect to drive global progress. Additionally, I studied under Professor Graciela Chichilnisky, the architect of the Kyoto Protocol’s carbon market, whose work in environmental economics highlighted the crucial role of technology in tackling global challenges like climate change. These experiences strengthened my foundation in economics and opened doors to opportunities I could have only dreamed of, making Columbia a true launchpad for my career.
Interviewer: From Columbia, you went on to Stanford GSB to study Entrepreneurship and Technology. How did this experience further shape your career and vision?
Svetlana Shammasova: After graduating from Columbia, I worked in equity sales and trading at a leading global investment bank. This role gave me invaluable insights into the financial markets and sharpened my ability to think strategically in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. However, I wanted to explore how business and technology could intersect to create something innovative. That was when I switched to working as a Product Manager at a growing ad tech startup, leading teams and developing internal tools. While working as a Product Manager, I attended Stanford Graduate School of Business, which allowed me to apply my education in real-time to my work. Through this experience, I could immediately implement what I was learning, scaling businesses and managing teams more effectively. Stanford expanded my understanding of how technology reshapes the world, showing me where I could make a meaningful impact by driving innovation and improving efficiency.
Interviewer: Your career evolved from product management to software engineering. How did you manage such a significant transition, and what motivated it?
Svetlana Shammasova: My motivation has always been about creating solutions and understanding how things work at their core. As a Product Manager, I was always leading technical teams, but I wanted to understand the architecture behind the products we were building. That curiosity drove me to transition into software engineering. I was awarded full scholarships from Google, Moms Who Code, and Fullstack Academy to study front-end and full-stack software engineering. It was a challenging journey, but I thrive on challenges. Learning to build real-world applications, working hands-on with code, and developing technical solutions gave me a new layer of insight into how innovation truly happens.
Interviewer: You were in the final rounds of interviews with FAANG companies just before COVID hit, and then you made a significant pivot. Tell us about how that shift led to the creation of the Academy of Success.
Svetlana Shammasova: The pandemic was a turning point for many. I had reached the final rounds of interviews when COVID-19 disrupted the world. Rather than seeing it as a setback, I saw it as an opportunity to refocus. I received many requests for advice from immigrants and others trying to navigate their careers and finances during those uncertain times. That was when I decided to create the Academy of Success. My goal was to provide a platform for personal finance and career guidance, specifically for those facing the same challenges I had overcome.
Interviewer: The Academy of Success has helped many people, especially immigrants, find their way. How has this venture grown, and what impact has it had?
Svetlana Shammasova: The Academy grew rapidly, especially during the pandemic and the following political shifts. People seek guidance not just on how to survive but on how to thrive in a new environment. I aim to empower them with the knowledge and skills they need to build generational wealth, achieve financial stability, and pursue educational opportunities. My team and I have helped over multiple families during this period, providing tools for financial literacy and career advancement. The most fulfilling part for me is seeing the ripple effect of our work—how one person’s success can uplift entire communities.
Interviewer: Throughout your journey, you’ve consistently combined technical expertise with leadership and business acumen. How do you see these skills influencing your future endeavors?
Svetlana Shammasova: I believe the future lies at the intersection of technology, leadership, and social impact. My goal has always been to not only build businesses but also to make sure they have a positive impact on society. Whether I’m working in tech, business, or another field, I will always focus on creating solutions that benefit people. The combination of technical skills and leadership allows me to drive innovation while ensuring that it’s aligned with making the world a better place. Whatever I do next, it will always be rooted in this vision.
Interviewer: Your journey from a small village to influencing global change is incredibly inspiring. What advice would you give to others who want to make a difference in their own lives and communities?
Svetlana Shammasova: The biggest advice I can give is to never stop believing in your vision, no matter how impossible it seems. I came to the U.S. with a dream, and I faced countless challenges along the way. But every step, no matter how difficult, brought me closer to that vision. If you want to make a difference, start by taking small, consistent steps toward your goal. Don’t be afraid to pivot or take risks when necessary. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, keep learning, and never stop evolving. You have the power to change your life and the lives of those around you.
Interviewer: It’s clear that continuous learning is key to your success. Can you share more about how you stay inspired and keep growing?
Svetlana Shammasova: Absolutely. I’ve always been a believer in continuous learning. I stay inspired by reading books on personal growth, brain science, finance, innovation, and technology, as well as listening to podcasts and taking online courses. It keeps me engaged and helps me evolve with the ever-changing world. I’m also working on a book and have many exciting plans for the future. The world is constantly evolving, and I think the powerful thing we can do is keep evolving with it. If you keep growing and expanding your knowledge, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
