Petrică Dulgheru
Executive Director of REDI Network
With a diverse educational background including an MBA from Central European University, a Ph.D. from University College Dublin, and participation in the Aspen Young Leaders program, Petrica combines academic expertise with practical leadership skills.
Beyond his professional achievements, Petrică is actively involved in various organizations, serving on the board of the Open Society Foundations program and the Romanian Diversity Chamber of Commerce.
Zeljko Jovanovic
Executive Director of Roma Foundation for Europe
Before joining the Open Society Foundations in 2006, Jovanovic worked for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and Catholic Relief Services. He also led a grassroots Roma organization, a community radio, civic and political campaigns, and mentored and trained managers, advocates, and leaders.
Since January 2024, Zeljko is the Executive Director of the newly created Roma Foundation for Europe
Gjoko Velcovski
Minister of Labor and Social Policy for the Republic of North Macedonia
Gjoko graduated with a degree in Foreign Trade from St. Cyril and Methodius University, Faculty of Economics, Skopje, in 2009.
Throughout his career, he has held various positions within the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, including roles as Head of Internal Audit Department and Cabinet officer in the field of labor law and rights.
Prior to his ministerial appointment, Gjoko served as Head of the Department for Mayor and Public Activities Support at Gazi Baba Municipality and as Secretary of the City of Skopje.
Bogdan Tatarchevskiy
Deputy Director of Investments, Open Society Foundation
A highly skilled and accomplished Managing Director, Board Member and Advisor with a demonstrated history and track record focused on investments inclusive finance, fintech, climate tech, renewable energy, energy transition, tech solutions in supply chain management in developed, emerging and frontier markets. Multi-segment exposure in private equity, private debt, VC, fixed income, funds across multiple sectors and geographies (40+ countries).
Bogdan Merfea
Executive Director, REDI FUND
Bogdan is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in the banking industry. He has served in various leadership roles, including CEO of Raiffeisen Bank Kosovo, Patria Bank, and Patria Credit IFN. Bogdan’s expertise lies in financial inclusion, and he has been actively involved in promoting access to financial services for underserved communities.
Tudor Hanea
Fund Manager, REDI FUND
Tudor Hanea is an accomplished investment professional with over 13 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and private equity across London, Zürich, and Bucharest.
Holding the prestigious UK Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification, Tudor’s expertise lies in transaction advisory services and impact investing.
Neda Korunovska
Division Director, Roma Foundation for Europe
Neda Korunovska is a division director at the Roma Foundation for Europe, and works from the Berlin office. Neda leads the portfolio on Roma and EU enlargement, aiming to ensure that the EU accession reforms reach Roma communities. Prior to joining the Roma Foundation for Europe, Neda worked at the Open Society Roma Initiatives Office and before that with youth and gender movements in the Western Balkans, working on economic empowerment and political participation.
Vase Davaliev
Executive Director, Microcredit Foundation Horizonti
Horizonti was established in January 2000, as a micro-crediting project of the Catholic Relief Services U.S.C.C. (Catholic Relief Services – CRS) in the Republic of Macedonia. The primary goal of the project was to provide access to financial services – microcredits for entrepreneurs in the country and create a self-sustaining micro-financing institution.
Raluca Andreica
CEO, Patria Credit IFN S.A.
Raluca Andreica is a highly experienced Chief Executive Officer with over two decades of expertise in the financial-banking industry, making her one of the pioneering microfinance specialists in Romania. Renowned as a “true believer” and a proactive “do-er,” Raluca has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic acumen throughout her career.
Lazar Nedanoski
Executive Director of the Macedonian Development Foundation for Enterprises – MRFP
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David Timiș
Global Communications & Public Affairs Manager at Generation | Global Shaper at the World Economic Forum | AI & Future of Work Expert
David Timiș is a dynamic keynote speaker renowned for his insights into the transformative impact of AI on the future of work. With a distinguished track record, he has shared his expertise as a guest lecturer at prestigious institutions such as Cambridge University and the College of Europe. David’s presentations have captivated audiences across a spectrum of clients, including tech behemoths like Google and esteemed bodies like the European Commission.
Elvis Memeti
Advisor of the Prime Minister of North Macedonia
Born on December 27, 1982, Elvis is deeply committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of the Roma community.
With a background in political science and public administration, Elvis has dedicated his career to advocating for marginalized communities. He played a key role in the adoption of the 10-year Strategy for the Inclusion of Roma in the Republic of North Macedonia, aligning national efforts with European strategic frameworks.
Ciprian Stănescu
President, Social Innovation Solutions
Ciprian is running the Social Innovation Solutions ecosystem, a group of organizations with a mission to empower individuals and organizations to understand future transformations and to develop sustainable tech, policy, and entrepreneurial solutions. SIS runs various educational programs in CEE, like Sustainability Academy and Transformator, and conversation platforms like Future Summit and Climate Change Summit.
Suad Skenderi
Chief of Party, Research and Policy Analysis – Romalitico
Suad Skenderi is a dedicated professional and influential figure in the field of research and policy analysis, particularly focused on advocating for the rights and empowerment of the Roma community in North Macedonia. As one of the founders of the Institute for Research and Policy Analysis – Romalitico, Suad has played a crucial role in advancing initiatives aimed at fostering social inclusion and prosperity within marginalized communities.
Redjepali Chupi
Interim Co-Director, Roma Education Fund
Redjepali Chupi is a dedicated professional with a strong commitment to promoting inclusivity and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. Currently serving as a ROMACTED Facilitator at the Council of Europe in North Macedonia, Redjepali specializes in providing consultancy services aimed at fostering the inclusion of Roma communities at the local level.
Selvije Mustafi Alkan
Executive Director, Roma for Democracy
Selvije Mustafi is a dedicated advocate and community leader, deeply committed to advancing the rights and representation of the Roma community in North Macedonia and beyond. As a national grassroots organizer for Avaja, the largest Roma movement in North Macedonia, Selvije plays a pivotal role in mobilizing and empowering Roma individuals to actively engage in shaping their future.
Kurto Dudush
Entrepreneur
Kurto Dudush, a dedicated and visionary leader, currently serves as the Mayor of the municipality of Shuto Orizari, a vibrant community nestled in the heart of North Macedonia. Born and raised in Shuto Orizari, Dudush has always been deeply connected to the rich cultural heritage, history, and traditions of the Roma people, who form a significant part of the municipality’s diverse population.
Cristina Marian
Senior Project Officer, Council of Europe
A dedicated advocate for human rights, brings over 15 years of extensive experience to her role as Senior Project Officer at the Council of Europe. Armed with a Master of Laws (LLM) in Human Rights from Central European University, Budapest, Hungary, and a Master’s in Business Law from Moldova State University, Republic of Moldova, Cristina has dedicated her career to championing the rights of marginalized communities.
Margherita Calderone
Entrepreneur
Marko Bislimoski
President, Energy and Water Services Regulatory Commission of the Republic of North Macedonia
Marko Bislimoski is a distinguished authority in energy regulation and management, boasting over two decades of experience in the industry. Currently serving as the President of the Energy and Water Services Regulatory Commission of the Republic of North Macedonia, Marko has been pivotal in shaping energy policies and market rules in the region.
Nikola Markovic
Owner
Entrepreneur – Skopje
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