A Fireside Chat with Purpose: Kaloyan Valentinov Danchev Launches Foundation with Secretary Pompeo in Washington

Hospitality entrepreneur Kaloyan Valentinov Danchev hosted a fireside chat with Mike Pompeo in Washington, D.C. to launch his new foundation focused on civic engagement, youth education, and combating disinformation in the Balkans and beyond. 

Washington, D.C. — September 19, 2024 In a powerful evening that blended statesmanship, civic urgency, and global leadership, Kaloyan Valentinov Danchev—the visionary hospitality executive and emerging philanthropic voice—launched the Valentino Danchev Foundation (VDF) with a landmark event featuring former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. 

Hosted in the heart of the U.S. capital, the fireside chat tackled a timely and globally relevant topic: “Unmasking Disinformation: Combating Malign Russian Influence in the Balkans.” But beyond geopolitics, the evening marked the public debut of a bold new initiative aimed at renewing democratic engagement and civic courage around the world. 

Danchev, who moderated the discussion with a steady and statesmanlike presence, is no stranger to high-level leadership. As CEO of Fidelis Marketing Group, he has spent decades at the helm of one of Latin America's top luxury tourism companies, while simultaneously championing charitable causes through efforts like the Chilpayate Foundation. Now, through the Valentino Danchev Foundation, he is expanding that influence to address one of the defining challenges of our time: the global erosion of democratic values. 

“Freedom and transparency are not abstract ideals,” Danchev told the audience. “They are the foundation of every healthy society—and the responsibility of every generation to defend.” 

The conversation featured candid insights from Secretary Pompeo on foreign disinformation tactics and the need for Western resilience, while the Bulgarian Prime Minister emphasized the role of media literacy and civic education in countering malign narratives. But it was Danchev’s ability to weave personal heritage, professional credibility, and philanthropic vision that gave the evening its distinctive impact. 

A New Foundation for Democratic Change 

The Valentino Danchev Foundation is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders through civic education, free press advocacy, and public engagement. Drawing from Danchev’s own experience growing up in Bulgaria and building a billion-dollar enterprise across the Americas, the foundation’s mission is ambitious: to ignite the spirit of democracy worldwide by promoting integrity, transparency, and informed participation. 

Whether through its support of youth-driven programs like Let’s Learn Together, or global partnerships with reformers and thought leaders, the foundation is creating spaces where young people can lead the charge for more accountable governments and vibrant public discourse. 

“This wasn’t just a launch—it was a statement of purpose,” said one guest following the event. “Valentino isn’t just donating or convening—he’s leading from the front.” 

Bridging Boardrooms and Civic Forums 

Danchev’s career has long transcended borders. From his early days in European textiles to his leadership in luxury resort development in Mexico, he has consistently operated at the nexus of strategy and scale. What sets him apart now is how he’s channeling that success into social good. 

The fireside chat in Washington made clear that Danchev’s impact will not be confined to boardrooms. With the Valentino Danchev Foundation, he’s building an institution that merges the precision of business with the moral clarity of purpose—positioning himself as a rare kind of changemaker: one who builds not only brands, but futures. 

As the event concluded, the message was unmistakable: In an age of noise and uncertainty, democratic ideals need champions with clarity, courage, and credibility. Through VDF, Kaloyan Valentinov Danchev is answering that call.