Written by: Cassandra Blake

Ivana Trump: The Czech-American Businesswoman Who Shaped the Trump Empire

Ivana Trump was a Czech-American businesswoman, socialite, and model who rose to fame in the 1980s as the wife of Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States. She was a key player in The Trump Organization, holding top managerial positions and overseeing the interior design, operations, and management of various Trump properties.

Early Life and Education

Ivana Marie Zelnková was born on February 20, 1949, in Gottwaldov, Czechoslovakia (now Zlín, Czech Republic). She grew up in a Catholic household with her parents, Milo Zelnek and Marie Zelnková, and developed a passion for skiing from a young age. Ivana's father encouraged her skiing abilities, which eventually led her to join the junior national ski team, offering her opportunities to travel beyond the Soviet-era communist boundaries of Czechoslovakia.

Rise to Fame and Business Ventures

In the 1970s, Ivana moved to Canada, where she met and married Austrian skiing instructor Alfred Winklmayr. The marriage was short-lived, and Ivana soon relocated to the United States, where she met and married Donald Trump in 1977. The couple became prominent figures in New York society, with Ivana holding key positions in The Trump Organization, including vice president of interior design, CEO and president of Trump's Castle casino resort, and manager of the Plaza Hotel.

Divorce and Post-Trump Ventures

The highly publicized divorce between Ivana and Donald Trump in 1990 marked a new chapter in her life. Ivana went on to develop her own lines of clothing, fashion jewelry, and beauty products, which were sold on QVC UK and the Home Shopping Network. She also wrote an advice column for Globe called "Ask Ivana" from 1995 to 2010 and published several books, including works of fiction, self-help, and her autobiography, "Raising Trump."

Philosophical Contributions and Beliefs

Ivana was known for her strong work ethic and business acumen, which were reflected in her autobiographical book, "Raising Trump." In the book, she shared her experiences as a mother and businesswoman, offering insights into her life with Donald Trump and their three children, Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric.

Influence on Modern Society

Ivana's impact on modern society extends beyond her business ventures and celebrity status. She was a trailblazer for women in business, paving the way for future generations of female entrepreneurs and leaders. Her determination and perseverance in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to many.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

• 1949: Born in Gottwaldov, Czechoslovakia (now Zlín, Czech Republic)
• 1960s: Joined the junior national ski team
• 1972: Earned a master's degree in physical education from Charles University in Prague
• 1977: Married Donald Trump
• 1988: Appeared on Czechoslovak Television in the children's television series "Pan Tau"
• 1990: Divorced Donald Trump
• 1995-2010: Wrote an advice column for Globe called "Ask Ivana"
• 2017: Published her autobiography, "Raising Trump"

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Ivana was selected as an alternate on the Czechoslovak ski team during the 1972 Winter Olympics.
• She was a naturalized U.S. citizen by marriage to Donald Trump.
• Ivana's father, Milo Zelnek, was an electrical engineer, and her mother, Marie Zelnková, worked as a telephone operator.

Ivana Trump's legacy as a businesswoman, socialite, and model continues to inspire and fascinate many. Her remarkable journey, marked by perseverance, determination, and a keen sense of business acumen, serves as a testament to the power of hard work and ambition.