Team

Elena Maksimovich is the founder and chair of Saint Anna Foundation, established in 2015, and a driving force behind initiatives with sustainable social impact. She has expertise in standardization and certification, occupational safety and financial management, supported by a master’s degree in finance and qualifications as a lead auditor for ISO 9001 and OHSAS.

She is also the creator of the social enterprise Art Room – Varna and actively works to build sustainable connections between citizens, institutions and communities. Her work is guided by a clear mission: creating more opportunities, affirming human dignity and giving people a voice.

Maria Slavkova is a restorer, lecturer and doctoral researcher with more than 15 years of experience in the conservation and socialization of cultural heritage. She has participated in archaeological projects, exhibitions and educational initiatives in Bulgaria and abroad.

She works actively with children and vulnerable groups, applying art practices and art therapy. Her practice combines science, art and civic engagement aimed at the sustainable preservation of cultural values.

Eleonora Chorbadzhieva-Miteva is the founder and head of Our House Community Social Services Centre Foundation, a qualified educator and psychologist. She has gained experience working with children with acquired cognitive deficits and children and young people with complex needs in Bulgaria and abroad.

Eleonora is also a senior trainer in European mentoring in social care and a certified trainer for the European Care Certificate.

Narine Khachaduryan-Bankova has been chair of Joy for Our Children Foundation since 2012. She holds a master’s degree in Social Activities from the Technical University of Varna.

She has completed numerous additional trainings and certificates in management and work with vulnerable groups, children and young people with disabilities and their families. She has participated in the management of European projects between 2018 and 2020, as well as many locally and nationally funded projects.

She created and manages the Radost Social Bakery, where young people with difficulties work, and has been invited as a speaker at numerous conferences and trainings.

Silvia Dimova holds a master’s degree in Social Work with Children and has an educational background in Engineering Pedagogy – Electronics from Varna. Since 2006 she has developed her career in the social sector, beginning as a volunteer at the Complex for Children and Families – Varna.

In 2007 she worked in a non-governmental organization as a mentor and coordinator of social assistants for children with special needs, maintaining active contact with schools and kindergartens in the city. Since 2008 she has been part of Joy for Our Children Foundation, working directly with children and families and participating in projects focused on social integration and employment opportunities for young people with disabilities.

Since 2012 she has served as director of a social services complex at the foundation, responsible for management, monitoring and reporting. She has participated in international initiatives and projects in social entrepreneurship, including visits and events in Greece and North Macedonia.

Valentin Todorov is chair of Cancer Patients and Friends Association – Burgas and an expert with long-standing experience in civic engagement, advocacy for health rights and management of projects with public impact.

Under his leadership, the organization has become an active intermediary between patients, their families and institutions, creating sustainable mechanisms for dialogue and participation in decision-making processes.

The association has extensive experience in information campaigns, trainings and public initiatives focused on awareness, prevention and social support. Its work covers both regional and national levels through partnerships with patient organizations and participation in working groups on health and social policies.

Rumina Todorova is a student in the Public Health Administration and Policy master’s program at the University of Minnesota. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science from the University of the West of England and has a strong interest in public health, work with vulnerable groups and the development of more accessible and effective healthcare solutions.

Since the age of 16, Rumina has been a volunteer and activist with Saint Anna Foundation, actively participating in initiatives, campaigns and activities supporting people in vulnerable situations. Over the years she has gained practical experience in community work, organizational activities and the foundation’s volunteer causes.

She is currently a project coordinator intern at Saint Anna Foundation, where she supports the organization and coordination of trainings, events and community-related activities. She assists communication, planning and reporting processes, working closely with partners and the project team.

Rumina aims to develop her skills in project management and coordination by applying her academic knowledge in a practical setting and contributing to socially significant initiatives.