Ageng Sajiwo, a visionary leader from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is a beacon in the fields of Business Development, Marketing and Management. As Director at Future Skills by Pijar Foundation, he is shaping the future of learning for closing the talent gap. His entrepreneurial prowess is evident by his years of experience managing digital businesses. With an MBA from the People's University and an Engineer degree from Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Ageng's journey is testament to his persistence in pursuing excellence and innovation.
Htet Thiri Shwe
Myanmar Hub Leader • MYEO
Htet founded MYEO as a university project whilst finishing her second degree at the University of Hong Kong in 2014.
Htet has 10+ years of experiences in Edtech sector focusing on Myanmar market with background in Business, Economics, Design Thinking and Finance. MYEO is Myanmar's human capital accelerator, upskilling youths with 21st-century skills through our online ecosystem, and connecting them to motivated peers and exciting job opportunities.
MYEO has +170,000 youths engaging with MYEO's Facebook community, +34,000 youths trained exclusively online, +33,000 youths trained in-person and online and +61,000 youths using MYEO's learning chatbots. Htet is a strong advocate of "Community Entrepreneurship" and "Education Equity" with dedication to build technology tools and solutions for the cause.
Sara Mitchell
Peru Hub Leader • Amantani
Originally from the UK but growing up in Peru, I have dedicated my academic and professional life to the development sector by first studying a BA in International Development in the University of Liverpool and later completing an MSc in Poverty Reduction Policies at SOAS (University of London). I have over 10 years of experience in fundraising, coordinating and leading social development projects and have spent the last 9 years working with Amantani in fundraising and project management roles.
I firmly believe in developing projects with a sustainable and participatory approach, with a particular focus on gender and education-focused projects working alongside women as agents of change.
Spyridon Kogkas
Greece Hub Leader • Imagine Heritage
European heritage advisor & EU culture funding analyst. Cultural entrepreneur, pioneer of digital humanities projects in Greece. Co-founder and CEO of Imagine Heritage nonprofit organization as well of Heritage Future consortium.
Operated one decade ago as a Leading consultant of regional synergy between Mediterranean & Latin America. Worked in London as an advisor for the economic development & cooperation between Europe, South Africa and Latin America, gained important international experience on the global issues before moving completely to the Cultural Citizenship & entrepreneurship field.
Today, totally devoted on the European heritage protection and reuse for the future, thinking and writing on the importance of a "European Culture Contract" for an open heritage republic.
Moreover, co-founder, editor and member in International Cultural and Scientific Journals & Publications for the reworking of Anthropocene, Noosphere and Social networks in our age. Visionaire & active citizen for a new educational paradigm in defence of an universalist and ecumenical reloading of life's meaning.
Member of Europa Nostra.
Medina Erkinbekova
Kyrgyzstan Hub Leader • Nice Kyrgyzstan
Medina Erkinbekova is a Project Management Officer at NICE Kyrgyzstan, with experience in team leadership, financial management, and project oversight. She is an expert in education institution empowerment and developing programs to enhance educational opportunities. Medina has a proven track record in implementing international educational programs and operating in multicultural and multilingual environments. She holds a MBA from the Diplomatic Academy under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan. Fluent in English, Turkish, Russian, and Kyrgyz, Medina is committed to fostering productive international cooperation in the educational and Civil Society sectors.
Roman Pták
Slovakia Hub Leader • Nanosymphony
Born in 1972, graduated in Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava as software engineer with strong experience with ORACLE database. He supports the development of contemporary art, creates conditions for the activities of artists and performers and facilitates the implementation of joint projects. He He implements genre-oriented and multimedia projects, workshops, cultural events and festivals for young artists and performers. He is also involved in activities related to the protection of cultural heritage and implements projects aimed at the preservation of cultural heritage. In addition, it supports the activities of the internationally renowned Experimental Studio Bratislava. Through the sonicArt project, it disseminates the historical legacy of the studio and implements new projects in the field of classical music, jazz and experimental works. It permanently develops the activities of the Nanosymphonic Orchestra
Alina Baimen
CEO and Co-founder of EdHeroes
EdHeroes unites people and organizations within education to achieve United Nations SDG 4 — quality education. EdHeroes creates a decentralized network that connects, communicates, and accelerates education processes and projects. This approach is unique because it is based on the concept of glocality — a global vision with a strong respect for both local organizations and individuals. EdHeroes' worldwide network includes educators, parents, students, policymakers, and many others passionate about education. EdHeroes is bringing them together to share best practices, build innovative approaches and catalyze partnerships to better education.
Alina led several charity projects, including building kindergartens in remote areas of Thailand, leading educational initiatives for persons with disabilities in Singapore, creating and presenting projects on sustainability and education in India, and many more. She taught and tutored during her time at Toronto University, and she believes that delivering quality education is always a priority.
Reuse Italy, a Community
Italy Hub • Reuse Italy
People who decide to participate in our activities are part of a community who believe in the reuse of the forgotten heritage, and share our vision of saving them thanks to the architecture project.
Reuse Italy promotes the re-use of the forgotten historical buildings in Italy, in team with national organizations, institutions, worldwide famous architects and the local citizenry.
Farhannisa Nasution
Expansion Director of EdHeroes
Farhannisa Nasution, Expansion Director of EdHeroes, was born in Medan and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia. From an early age, she developed a keen interest in culture, literature, education, and writing, leading her to study at the University of Indonesia, where she graduated with a degree in Netherlands Culture and Literature. She also attended junior high school in Malaysia as an exchange student.
With over a decade of experience in broadcasting and journalism, Farhannisa spent seven years as a CNN Indonesia news anchor and journalist, interviewing numerous world leaders and ambassadors. She also serves on the board of the Amir Hood Nasution Foundation, a 35-year-old educational institution in Medan. Under her leadership, the foundation's Riza Playgroup and Kindergarten achieved an "A" accreditation from Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Farhannisa is committed to giving back to society, volunteering with organizations such as the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia for 5 years and Yayasan Puteri Indonesia for 2 years.
Jason Ng
Co-Founder and Executive Director of Allin Technologies. EdHeroes Singapore Hub leader
Jason Ng is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Allin Technologies. As the first recipient of Singapore’s Ecommerce Business Model Master’s Scholarship, he published the nation's pioneering Master’s dissertation on E-commerce Business Models. A seasoned serial entrepreneur, Jason brings deep expertise in internet technology, e-commerce, and successful start-up exits. His proficiency extends to IP patents and trademarks, having represented Singapore in numerous high-profile forums.
A leader in EduTech, Jason is pivotal in advancing rural school projects, enhancing access to quality education in underserved communities. His innovative approach leverages technology to bridge educational gaps, ensuring that quality learning opportunities are available to all.
Alona Sukhanovskaia
Brand Manager, EdHeroes
Alona Sukhanovskaia is the Brand Manager at EdHeroes, bringing extensive experience in startups and global business strategy. Previously, she was a Program Coordinator at 500 Global, where she supported the growth of emerging startups and fostered entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Alona has led numerous projects promoting social adaptation, intercultural interaction, and tolerance. She holds an MSc in Management from the Harbin Institute of Technology.
With her strategic vision and deep commitment to cultural understanding, Alona drives EdHeroes’ mission to inspire and empower educators and learners worldwide.
Dr. Özlem Mecit
EdHeroes Turkiye Hub, Istanbul • Managing Partner, InCommon
Dr. Özlem Mecit, a dedicated leader in education, was born in Turkey. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology Education from Middle East Technical University (METU) in 1999, followed by both a master’s degree and a PhD in the Department of Secondary Science and Mathematics Education at METU. Her academic research focused on fostering students' conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills. During her doctoral studies, she worked as a Research Assistant for four years.
Dr. Mecit has extensive experience in school leadership, having served as a School Principal in several International Baccalaureate (IB) schools in Turkey. Most recently, she held the position of Middle School Principal and Executive Board Member at Istanbul ENKA Schools. In this capacity, she successfully led IB, CIS, and NEASC accreditation processes, showcasing her expertise in educational quality assurance and strategic leadership.
Dr. Mecit contributed to the Teachers Academy Foundation (ÖRAV) as a part-time instructor, delivering professional development workshops in various provinces across Turkey. Her training sessions focused on classroom management, effective communication, and assessment strategies, further solidifying her role as a mentor for educators.
As an IB Educator, Dr. Mecit continues to serve as a Consultant and Evaluation Leader, supporting schools globally in implementing and enhancing the IB philosophy.
Currently, Dr. Mecit is the Managing Partner of InCommon, a global community of fellows committed to transforming the educational and social paradigm for a sustainable and peaceful world. InCommon facilitates collective learning and action through its innovative platforms—Studio, Fellows, and Tools—finding collective solutions to collective problems.
Since August 2022, Dr. Mecit has been residing in the Netherlands, where she is embracing the challenge of learning Dutch and exploring new cultural horizons.
Elvis Boniface
EdHeroes Nigeria Hub • Edugist
Elvis Boniface is an education and media innovation specialist with a knack of technology as a veritable tool for change, with a privileged portfolio of working with different clients; institutions and government in Africa and around the world for the African social impact sector.
He is the Founder and Managing Director of Edugist, an impact-focused newsroom and innovation lab devoted to education in Africa. Edugist drive change by providing vital data, leading advocacy, reporting education, and driving initiatives to ensure inclusive and high-quality education for all. He is the Convener of the Nigerian Student Venture Prize, the first and only student venture prize in Nigeria that identify the talent and technology of tomorrow and empower them to take their ideas to the next level.
He is the Executive Producer & Host of The Education Dialogue, a radio program that amplifies strong conversation aimed at improving education in Nigeria because he believes education is the pivot of Africa’s development. Elvis earned degrees in Education Technology and Early Childhood Education from the Institute of Education, University College London (UCL), United Kingdom and University of Lagos, Nigeria and certifications in digital strategy, multimedia/broadcast journalism, data management, film-making and ample training locally and abroad. Elvis is a fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants of Nigeria and an accredited member of the international council of management consulting institutes as well as Member, Education Thematic Group of Nigeria’s think-tank, Nigeria Economic Summit Group.
Muyuan Liu
China Hub Leader • International Exchange Center for Confucius Studies
Muyuan Liu is CEO and Co-Founder of International Exchange Center for Confucius Studies in Qufu and Vancouver and Relationship Manager at Grok Global Services.
Muyuan, born in Qufu, Shandong province, M.A. in International and Intercultural Communication from Royal Roads University, Canada. She is currently studying in the UCL MBA program at National School of Development, Peking University (PKU).
Muyuan has a rich background in marketing, student recruitment, and international education project management. She went to Canada as an exchange student in 2005. After graduating with a B.A. degree and an M.A degree in Canada in 2010, she stayed at Royal Roads University to serve as an administrative assistant in the Office of the Vice President, Global Advancement, Marketing & Business Development and as a graduate teaching assistant in the M.A. in Educational Leadership and Management for another three years. She returned to Beijing in 2013 and worked as the Social Media Manager at Grok (Beijing Office) by launching and maintaining the official localized online presence for overseas universities and educational institutions in China. Her past work experiences include working as Director of Communication at PKU-Dalton Academy, Cooperation Specialist for the International Department at the China Association of Trade in Services, and Recruitment Officer for New College, Faculty of Arts and Science and Rotman Commerce at the University of Toronto.
Muyuan currently works full time as the Relationship Manager for Grok Schools Community based in the Beijing Office, with the aim to connect local high school counsellors with overseas university representatives and to support best practices in helping students fulfill their studies abroad. She is passionate about educational public welfare and founded the Confucius International Exchange Center for Chinese Studies in Vancouver and Qufu respectively in 2013 and 2014.
I was born in 1976 in the Orhaneli district of Bursa in Turkey. The village and physical environment where I was born had a geographical, cultural, and social structure that would influence the rest of my life.
My primary, middle, and high school education took place in Bursa. In 1994, I began my undergraduate studies at Gazi University’s Faculty of Communication and graduated in 1998. In 2001, I went to England, where I completed a degree in Curative Education (Camphill Academy) and Social Pedagogy (University of Aberdeen Faculty of Education), as well as a master’s degree in Child and Youth Education (University of Aberdeen). In 2014, I returned to my home country and continued my learning journey. My focus areas include Pedagogy, Rural Education,Holistic Education, Adult Education/ Social and Emotional Learning, which are fields where I strive to balance theory and practice. I am currently working as an education consultant at KODA. In addition, I am teaching as a guest lecturer at various universities.