Silvana's Story

Silvana Dugandžić-Penavić (the dž is pronounced like the “j” in “joy”, the ć is pronounced like “ch”) is a Croatian-American designer, author, speaker, entrepreneur, mom of four and grandma of three. Silvana trained as a physics and math professor in Zagreb, Croatia, where she was raised before moving to the USA in 1990, where Silvana received M.Sc. in business management from SUNY at Stony Brook. Her further interest led her to receive Reiki Master Teacher certification from Loving Touch Center on Long Island, and has studied the healing practices of the Shamans and the light body from around the world.   Her knowledge and experiences led her to found and launch Raul E® New York, a luxury beauty and fashion brand. When she’s not fulfilling her duties as CEO, Silvana works on her blog Fashion & Life for the Modern Woman, where she shares her experiences, views, and feelings on life, wellness, beauty, fashion, family, and creativity. She aims to inspire and motivate readers (like you!) to soar like an eagle in your own life. 

 In 2012, Silvana established Silvana Penavic Educational Fund as part of the P.E.O. International Organization Foundation. She was a charter sister of the Chapter CK in 2004, and has since served across several roles treasurer, chaplain, recording & corresponding secretary, and chair of the IPS Committee (the latter she has held multiple times). Silvana accepted a position to serve as the Chair on the P.E.O. New York State IPS Committee for the 2021-2023 term, and Chair of the P.E.O. New York State Website and Technology Committee for the 2024-2025 term.

Silvana loves to play guitar, dance the argentine tango, ride horses and bikes, hike, and read books. She’s also a soon-to-be published author! You can expect to read her published books and poems soon.