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“We believe in walking alongside young people, giving them the tools, support, and hope they need to build a life beyond vulnerability and fear.”

Ben Wells is a visionary leader dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable youth in Cernavoda, Romania. With a heart for service and a commitment to action, he has been serving at Fundația Nightingales Children’s Project, driving initiatives that protect, uplift, and equip young people with the tools to create a better future.

Originally from the UK, Ben chose to make Cernavoda his home, leading by example as he builds programs that prevent human trafficking, support differently-abled individuals, and foster education, independence, and resilience. Together with his wife, Luiza, he continues to inspire hope, cultivate opportunity, and shape a future where every child has the chance to thrive.

“We aim to help children build a strong foundation for life—one that shapes their character, values, and way of seeing the world, preparing them to grow into responsible and wise adults.

Simona Moașa is a dedicated leader who believes in the power of exploration, learning, and faith to shape the next generation. With a deep love for people, nature, and meaningful experiences, she is committed to creating environments where children and young people can grow in character, resilience, and purpose. As the leader of Micii Exploratori, part of the international Youngstars International movement, she works to provide experiences that not only encourage adventure and discovery but also nurture kindness, integrity, and a strong foundation of faith and values.

Through creativity, spontaneity, and a heart for her community, Simona ensures that every program she leads is more than just an activity—it’s a journey of growth, self-discovery, and deeper understanding of the world and one’s purpose in it. Under her guidance, Micii Exploratori has become a place where young people not only explore nature but also develop faith-driven principles, wisdom, and courage as they grow into the adults they are meant to be.

“Real change happens when we stop waiting for the future and start shaping it. Every young person deserves the chance to rise, to be seen, and to make their mark.”

Mihai Cucu-Dumitrescu is a former performance fencer turned social entrepreneur, using sports and community development to create real impact. After 15 years in professional fencing, he shifted his focus to education and inclusion, returning to Romania in 2018 to build initiatives that empower young people. As the founder of Sword Nation, he promotes social inclusion through sports, ensuring that fencing becomes a tool for resilience, discipline, and opportunity for all children. He also leads Agenția de Comunități Social Seeds, a boutique agency focused on strengthening communities for nonprofits and businesses.

Beyond his core work, Mihai serves as an international fencing referee and moderates Aspen Leadership Seminars for youth in the CEE region, guiding emerging leaders toward systemic change. Whether on the fencing strip, in boardrooms, or within local communities, his mission remains the same: to foster growth, create opportunities, and help the next generation shape their own future

“Justice isn’t just about laws—it’s about giving a voice to those who need it most and refusing to look away.”

Mihaela Chiper is a journalist, activist, and relentless advocate for victims of abuse. With a background in communication and years spent reporting on justice, she doesn’t just tell stories—she changes them. In 2014, after uncovering a shocking case of abuse at a private kindergarten, she realized that Romania lacked the proper structures to protect vulnerable children. Instead of turning away, she took action, founding the Association for Victims of Sexual Crimes (VIS) and working tirelessly to ensure that children are heard, protected, and supported.

Mihaela has helped establish child-friendly interview rooms in courthouses, creating safer spaces for minors navigating the justice system. Whether through investigative journalism or hands-on advocacy, Mihaela fights for a world where victims are believed, justice is accessible, and silence is no longer the norm.

“Every life is worth fighting for. When we open our eyes to injustice and take action, we don’t just rescue victims—we help them rise as survivors, strong and free.”

For over a decade, Laetitia Dragan has been fearlessly fighting to break the chains of human trafficking and restore dignity to Romania’s most vulnerable women and children. Born in France, she first came to Romania as a volunteer, but witnessing the brutal realities of exploitation transformed her mission into a relentless pursuit of freedom. She walks the streets, builds trust with survivors, and provides a safe refuge for those escaping abuse.

As the founder of a shelter for victims of human trafficking, she offers not just rescue but full restoration—providing women with the support, resources, and empowerment they need to reclaim their lives. Through direct interventions, prevention campaigns, and holistic healing programs, Laetitia is rewriting the future for survivors, proving that no life is beyond redemption.

“I give back what I have received. When children believe in themselves, they can change their future. Education is not just about learning—it’s about building self-esteem, confidence, and hope.”

Ionela Pădure is a passionate educator dedicated to breaking barriers for Roma children. Growing up with limited opportunities and facing prejudice, she refused to be defined by stereotypes. After earning degrees in Romania and France and teaching French for 3 years in Paris, she chose to return to help the next generation build a better future.

She started a program with her husband that gives Roma children extra help with school, a safe place to learn, and the confidence to believe in themselves. Beyond merely imparting knowledge, she inspires them to aspire higher and recognize their value in a society that frequently contradicts their worth. Through patience, kindness, and education, Ionela is proving that every child, no matter their background, has the right to learn, grow, and build a better future.

“Change starts when we refuse to be silent. Every Roma voice matters, and every story deserves to be heard.”

Alexandru Fechete is a dedicated Roma activist fighting for dignity, rights, and better living conditions for marginalized Roma communities. He grew up in Cluj-Napoca until 2010, when he was forcibly evicted to Pata Rât, an informal settlement near the city where hundreds of Roma families live in extreme poverty next to the landfill. There, he experienced firsthand the systemic discrimination and racism his community faces daily. Refusing to accept the status quo, he became a voice for his people, determined to create change.

Through his work with Radio Pata, a community-led initiative amplifying Roma voices, and his relentless advocacy for housing rights, social inclusion, and education, Alexandru brings visibility to a community often ignored. He works closely with NGOs, local authorities, and international partners to fight forced evictions, push for policies that protect Roma families, and challenge deeply ingrained prejudices. His mission is not just about improving conditions in Pata Rât but about ensuring that every Roma person is seen, heard, and given the opportunity to thrive.

“Don’t stop helping because it hurts. The suffering of these children doesn’t lessen if we look away.”

Adelina Toncean’s journey began with a simple yet profound truth—no child should have to fight alone. Witnessing the struggles of critically ill children who lacked access to life-saving treatment, she knew she couldn’t just stand by. That conviction became Asociația Blondie, an organization that provides medical flights for children whose only hope for survival lies beyond Romania’s borders, ensuring they receive the urgent care they need.

To those who know her, Adelina is a power source—someone who relentlessly recharges hope, strength, and possibilities for those who have none left. She gives everything so that children and families facing the unimaginable never lose the energy to keep fighting. She has traveled tens of thousands of kilometers, raised funds, and even secured Romania’s first dedicated medical transport plane, ensuring children reach help in time. She believes that love doesn’t end—it transforms, carrying hope to those who need it most.

“I love what I am doing and I could never see myself do something else! I think I was meant to experience so many painful hardships so that I could be of real help and support for the kids I’m working with. I’m learning every day how to be better prepared to offer them what they need most and to help them find a new direction for their future”

Madalina was placed in the foster system at the age of 13, and for six years faced loneliness, distress, and a general lack of support. These hardships motivated her to rise above her circumstances and fight for the future of hundreds of kids who are among the most vulnerable in Romanian society.

At the age of 18, foster kids are kicked out of the system and left to manage life on their own. For many, their futures are limited by the violence, discrimination, and inequality they face on a daily basis.

Madalina is the President of ADDIP, a nonprofit whose mission is to empower kids in the foster system with the knowledge and life skills to change their future and become more confident in their potential to rise above the challenges and find their way to a hopeful future

“I believe that every child has huge potential, and we will fight to nurture it and enable every one of them to reach the maximum height of their potential.”

Andrei Vatra is a Co-Founder of Grow & Know, a nonprofit which focuses on providing support, supplies, and access to primary education in poor areas of rural Romania, where many kids live in great poverty and lack basic social services, quality education, and opportunities for the future.

Andrei and his colleagues have renovated schools and equipped spaces where kids can enjoy learning. They have also facilitated opportunities for people to donate supplies & gifts to the kids in these schools.

While the pandemic has left hundreds of underprivileged Romanian kids to experience the devastating effects of isolation, Andrei is tirelessly helping to bridge the gap and create opportunities for these kids to get back in school, catch up on their studies, and thrive.

“We want to be able to walk side by side with these people and spend quality time with them. We want to help them break free from the status of ‘social work beneficiary’ and become independent people, like most of us.”

Alexandrina and her teams have led educational programs for over 150 kids living in the slums of Cluj, while also offering young mothers support services as well as mentoring and counseling care. One of the many fruits of her labor has been getting to see the first generation of kids in the community attend school

“Disabilities are a mismatch between one’s abilities and the environment. Thus, it is my direct social responsibility as an architect to use design and space to amplify people’s abilities, not emphasize what they are not able to do or even create new disabilities where there are none.”

While a student at the Architecture University in Bucharest, Iris had a moment of breakthrough when she noticed a couple with visual impairment taking their baby out for a walk in the stroller through the National Park. She realised then, until that moment, all their school talks regarding accessibility revolved around ramps and not so much about empathy or human diversity.

After graduation, she started AMAIS, a nonprofit that is pioneering change through social projects, tech, designing and building inclusive spaces across Romania. They are removing barriers that inhibit choice and dignity so that as many people as possible can fully participate in even the most basic activities of their community.

The organization’s efforts in the area of inclusive and accessible design have been focused on building inclusive dialogue contexts, collaborating with policymakers, innovation, and making continual improvements. The team has designed experiential learning and awareness opportunities including inclusive playgrounds designed for children of all abilities and an urban mobility club for people with and without disabilities.

“Kenosis’ mission is to take a simple, common, invaluable, tossed-aside piece of wood and turn it into something of value. We use quality & expensive products to treat it and restore it so that all the imperfections are fixed and turn it into a beautiful, valuable, wooden table. We take the same approach with people: we welcome those that were neglected, cast aside, or rejected and invest in them our best resources and help restore their lives and positions in their community.”

Andreas is a talented Swedish entrepreneur who moved to Romania with a heart for building a business focused on empowering people through sustainable employment, specifically in Roma communities. With a passion and vision to make the world look more like what it was created to be, Andreas started Kenosis Design – a social enterprise that provides jobs as well as high-quality trade skills for people living in Roma communities.

Through Kenosis Design, Andreas and his team are not only working to develop the skills and maximize the potential of each individual, but ultimately their goal is to restore dignity and help people provide for their families. The business is part of a bigger vision for community development transformation and is focused on providing quality handmade wood-crafted products.

“LOGS Association is a place where thousands of refugees have found a home. Every day, they receive food, clothes, shoes and medical assistance. We managed to do all this with the support of the local community who has joined us in our efforts to show kindness to those who have taken refuge in Romania. In the years to come, I wish we’ll still be here…with love and passion for those around us.”

Flavius has been faithfully working for almost a decade with refugees and asylum seekers in one of Romania’s largest cities, Timisoara. In 2019, he launched LOGS – a volunteering platform that aims to build a welcoming local community for migrants settling in the country.

Flavius and his team provide educational resources, medical assistance, and social support to refugees from diverse backgrounds, including those that are most vulnerable, such as women and children. They also assist refugees with assimilation into their new communities by offering training, language courses, career guidance, and support services. Their efforts are also focused on promoting cultural understanding and awareness through art and cultural events like festivals, kids clubs, and intercultural nights.

For the past years, Flavius has also been partnering with the National Agency Against Human Trafficking in leading trainings for prevention against human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

“Through my diverse experience and expertise, I became who I am and do what I value most – empowering change, disrupt, and challenge. I am very curious and hungry for novelty, disrupting technologies/ideas/system and dedicated to learning, education, and development, as well as committed to staying up-to-date with the latest changes.”

Vlad is a visionary leader with a passion and ambition for innovating education through practices and programs that are impactful, sustainable, and effective in all areas of Romania.

With the help of a brilliant team, he started Innovation Education Lab – a nonprofit that is training educators and also educating young students in rural areas of the country through inclusive, innovative, non-formal programs which help eliminate the opportunity gap and enhance their skills and talents.

The team runs trainings for teachers in Romania and Moldova and also creates opportunities for young students in areas like youth employment, experiential learning, self-awareness, and collective responsibility.

“We must break the silence, we must fight for justice, it’s our responsibility to speak out for those who can’t speak for themselves. So encouraging to see many cities in Romania creating awareness on human trafficking and slavery.”

One of his biggest desires is to encourage their communities to step forward and make a difference for others, to see each individual’s own power to meet the needs of those around them, and to bring their faith into action.

The community is actively involved in ongoing projects for social justice in areas like human trafficking prevention.

“Volunteering completely changed my life. While the general idea is that you go and only help others, you actually rediscover yourself!”

After years of volunteer experience, Eli Neicut took on the challenge of building a house for a single mom and her six children. After bringing together over 1,200 volunteers, as well as 50,000 Euros in donations, Eli had managed to accomplish her biggest personal project on volunteer work. She decided to quit her IT corporate job and challenged herself to change and educate Romania’s mindset about volunteering.

In only a short amount of time, Eli created the first YouTube channel in Romania that’s focused on the topic of volunteering. Eli Vorbeste (Eli Speaks) has quickly become a growing community that’s eager to help and acts as a bridge between people who can do good and those who need it. Eli is strongly determined to bring awareness to the impact of volunteering on society as a whole.

“I want to make sure they feel valued and have a safe place where they can dream.”

Adelina and her team are the ‘trusted adults” offering support and motivation to these young people to make positive choices and resist the negative pressures. They hope their efforts leads to more community engagement, personal responsibility, and ultimately a more fulfilling life for the students they are investing into.

“We believe in the potential of children with autism and we are confident that they will be able – with the support of an early intervention- to start communicating and making progress. We believe we can change lives.”

In 2016, Dragos and his family moved to Campulung, RO and opened the first day-center providing special autism therapy programs in the community. Together, they help over 60 families handle the challenges of autism and provide a safe environment for both the children and their families.

“I think so many men return to prison because society is not ready to offer a hand to them.”

Ghita and his business partner are utilizing their company to offer a stable job to men exiting prison. In Romania, people with a criminal record have a small chance of being hired and can return to life behind bars just for the assurance of having minimum living conditions. Ghita shares his story in schools and prisons across the country to help ensure others live a life of freedom.

“When things don’t happen as planned, entrepreneurial thinking prompts you to take responsibility and get to action. Change starts with us and happens through us.”

As project coordinator for “I want to be an Entrepreneur” he helped over 26,000 students across the country learn about entrepreneurship. He’s now using his experience to help these next generation leaders bring innovative solutions to real business problems.

“Generosity is one of the most profound human qualities and it is at hand. It is up to us to practice it and cultivate it day by day.”

In 2017, László and the team at Envision introduced to Romania Giving Tuesday. a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. László is also part of the ARC team, being responsible to help nonprofits raise funds more efficiently and sustainably.

Andreea has been actively involved in starting a shelter for survivors of human trafficking. She helps provide survivors with counseling, legal and social assistance. She also trains social workers, teachers and students on the risks of human trafficking across her region of the country.

“EDUCATION is the daily celebration of children’s imaginatinative answers, their curious looks or simply their smiles. We cannot teach unless we look into a child’s soul.”

As the founder of both Fly High and Close to YOUth, and a member of the Romanian Coalition for Education, Claudia is a leader in bringing a lasting change to the Romanian education system. Fly High offers over 350 kids an opportunity to learn English & German in an innovative and creative way. Close to YOUth is a nonprofit offering young people opportunities to create change in their community.

“Through my work I want to encourage Roma girls to follow their dreams and take a more active stand, so that together, we can contribute to improving their current situation.”

In 2013 she joined the E-Romnja organization whose mission is to promote fairness and justice for roma women in all of Romanian society. Currently, she is actively engaged in grassroot initiatives in four communities (Mizil, Giurgiu & Valea Seacă). She’s also leading an initiative to help roma girls to stay in school and pursue their dreams. She is a graduate of the Politics, Gender and Minorities Master and she was also part of the State Department program on Community Organization in 2019.

“My dream is to reach every school and college in Bucharest and make sure every student is correctly informed about the disaster caused by drug abuse.”

After fighting addiction for over 15 years, Andrei got a new chance at life. He’s found freedom and a new purpose in life, and is now helping educate young people about the dangers of drug abuse.

He’s recently started an NGO running a powerful drug prevention program in schools across Romania. The students hear personal stories from former addicts and how their choices led to destruction.