THE MEUS ORGANISING TEAM
Model European Union Strasbourg is only made possible thanks to our dedicated Organising Team of volunteers, consisting of more than 50 young students and professionals from around Europe (and beyond) who dedicate hours of their weekly free time towards making a truly life-changing experience of European politics in the form of MEUS. Each of our Organisers bring their own skills and fields of expertise and take on dedicated roles and responsibilities to help make MEUS happen.
MEET THE MEUS 2021 ORGANISERS
The MEUS 2021 Organising team is split into five different divisions, each with its own specific responsibilities:
- The Management Division (MAN), which coordinates between Divisions, represents MEUS in legal proceedings, decides over the budget, structure and timeframe of the conference while ensuring that everything runs smoothly for MEUS;
- The Logistics Division (LOG), which is responsible for creating and overseeing our application process, designing and curating our workshops and panels, while coordinating logistical arrangements in Strasbourg and ensuring that MEUS is as inclusive an experience as possible for all;
- The Outreach Division (OUT), which focuses on presenting everything MEUS-related to our followers and alumni on social media, our partners and sponsors, as well as to the press and civil society at large;
- The Partners & Sponsors Division (PAR), which focuses on enhancing relations with existing partners, pursuing new fundraising and partnership opportunities and assuming an ambassadorial role for MEUS; and
- The Simulation Division (SIM), which is responsible for researching, preparing and coordinating everything related to the immersive simulation of European decision-making that lies at the heart of MEUS.
In the section below, you can click on the name of each Organiser on the MEUS 2021 Organising Team to find out their MEUS role, learn a bit about their background and discover one of their favourite memories or parts of MEUS!
MANAGEMENT DIVISION (MAN)
Tamara Bayreuther
Role: Director GeneralBackground: I was born in Southern Germany and I live in Berlin! I studied Sociology and Social research, but I currently work as a Data Analyst. My favourite part of MEUS is meeting great people at PMs and having great nights in bars with like- minded people.
Rhys Nugent
Role: Director General Background: A proud European who grew up in Wales and is currently residing in Bilbao, Spain studying MA Euroculture. My favourite part of MEUS is supporting and seeing the growth of 30 inspiring young participants as a political advisor at MEUS 2019
Dominik Bujňák
Role: Secretary Background: Born and living in the heart of Europe, Slovakia, with Europe in the heart. I studied English Language for The European Institutions and Economics and am currently working in a PR company. My favourite part of MEUS is the total exhaustion and happiness after the longest week ever as a PC at MEUS 2019.
Zuzana Tvrdoňová
Role: Treasurer Background: Born and raised in Košice, Slovakia but currently living in Prague. I studied diplomacy, economics and business and I am currently working as Revenue Analyst. My favourite part of MEUS is being part of an amazing team full of motivated enthusiastic people coming together to provide life-changing educational experience for peers!
Julius Graack
Role: Treasurer Background: Originally from Berlin, I'm currently living in Göttingen and studying Economics and Philosophy while working for a German MP as a student assistant. My favourite part of MEUS is organising a walkout of far-right MEPs and a press conference in protest at MEUS 2017.
Andrea Nieto Wiśniewska
Role: Organisers’ Coordinator Background: From Madrid, living in Brussels and working as a freelance translator and interpreter. My favourite part of MEUS is when it all becomes a little bit extra: Parliament walkouts, fake strikes, flowery and dramatic speeches.LOGISTICS DIVISION (LOG)
Yaren Gürbüz
Role: Head of LOG Background: I’m originally from Hamburg; currently based in Berlin and I'm studying an MA in National and International Administration and Policy and Law. My favourite part of MEUS is Meeting amazing individuals and working in an international team with people from various backgrounds.
Olivia Scott
Role: Workshops & Panels Officer; Background: I’m originally from the UK but I grew up in France and I am currently living in London while studying a BA in European Social and Political Studies. My favourite part of MEUS is seeing how much passion and affection there is on the Organising Team. Everyone is themselves and shares what sparks joy for them which is amazing to be a part of.
Morgan Guthrie
Role: Participants Coordinator Background: I’m from Scotland and I currently live there while studying a BA in International Politics and Languages. My favourite part of MEUS is working with incredible people who have amazing ideas!
Eveliina Torkkeli
Role: Inclusion & Diversity Officer and Assistant Participants Coordinator Background: I’m from Finland, but I study a BA in Politics and International Studies in the UK. My favourite part of MEUS is volunteering with kind and encouraging people who I’m happy to call my friends!
Celia Onsurbe Castellanos
Role: Inclusion and Diversity Officer and Assistant Workshops & Panels Officer Background: I’m from Spain and I’m currently living there. I'm a MA Euroculture graduate and doing a traineeship at the Academic Cooperation Association (Brussels). My favourite part of MEUS is having the opportunity to spend one week in the EP with such encouraging people from all over Europe.
Michal Vosinek
Role: Participants Coordinator Background: I’m from Czechia and I am a Law & Psychology student. My favourite part of MEUS is the tired and happy faces at the end of the Strasbourg week. (Note: Michal departed the MEUS 2021 Organising Team in June 2021 following 6 months of volunteering on the current edition).
Lea Siebel
Role: Workshops & Panels Officer Background: I'm from Germany and I study an MA in European Politics and Society. My favourite part of MEUS is feeling the energy of so many different people from all around the world working together on one great project (especially during our first Preparatory Meeting)!OUTREACH DIVISION (OUT)
Elisa Condini
Role: Head of OUTBackground: I am originally from Trento, Italy but I was studying in Milan but due to the pandemic I left the city to come back into my mountains. I am currently studying a master degree in economics and corporate law. My favourite part of MEUS is meeting new people, which is always amazing, both on a virtual level or in Strasbourg. But if I think about my favourite memory about organising meus it is the possibility to travel around for the weekend, discovering new places and get to know people more.
Yuliia Kryvinchuk
Role: Chief EditorBackground: I’m from Ukraine and currently live in Kyiv and I studied English and Spanish Translation and Interpretation. My favourite part of MEUS is meeting people from different backgrounds and learning something new from each team member.
Lei Nguyen
Role: Social Media OfficerBackground: I was born and lived in a country where most people think of it as a war zone, I think of pancakes. I'm currently a gap year student working as Volunteer Writer for Ivolunteer, so yes, schooless and jobless! The best moment I have with MEUS so far is when I yelled out “Croissant” in my fake French accent and a handful of people started to laugh hysterically, not knowing that is actually how I pronounced it every single day of my life!
Uğur Gönül
Role: Social Media ManagerBackground: I am from Izmir, Turkey and I live in İzmir, Turkey. I studied Law and I am doing my master’s degree on European Union Law currently. My favourite part of MEUS is the combination of meeting amazing people, cultural exchange, being able to function with 3 hours of sleep a day. The last part makes it feel like it was a dream!
Milena Kurtiak
Role: Social Media Manager Background: I’m Polish but lived most of my life abroad and currently I study business management & leadership. My favourite part of MEUS is our multicultural background and the fact how easy it is to collaborate with everyone.
Deya Peris Comino
Role: Social Media Manager Background: I was born in Alicante, Spain. I live in Nairobi now. I work as an interpreter, and as a lecturer at university. My favourite part of MEUS is how well we work together, how much we collaborate and are willing to help one another!
Asimina Koliniati
Role: Media Relations Manager; Background: I’m from Athens, Greece, I’m currently in Athens, Greece. I’m currently doing my Master’s in Southeast European Politics, focusing on the Management of Migration through Technology and I’m working as an Executive Assistant in a PR agency. My favourite part of MEUS is the support system within our community and the growth mindset we all promote!
Chiara Liguori
Role: Graphic Designer;Background: Hi! I'm from Naples, Italy, but I study International Relations, Interpreting and Translation in Milan. My favourite thing about MEUS is working together with an international team of like-minded, enthusiastic and inspiring people!
Fraser Wilson
Role: Outreach OfficerBackground: I graduated two years ago from the University of Edinburgh in French, Spanish, and European Union Studies and am currently living in Glasgow. I like writing and photography and am doing courses on both outside of my work currently.
Casper Kroes
Role: IT Developer Background: I'm from Axel, Netherlands and now living in Delft, Netherlands. My field of expertise is Systems Engineering, specialising in Cyber Security specifically. My favourite memory of MEUS is participating in the panel discussion on MEUs affected by COVID.
Anna Misiuk
Role: Media Relations Manager Background: Originally, I come from Russia, but currently live in Germany, Munich. I work as Performance Marketing Manager at the Goethe-Institut in Munich. My favourite part of MEUS is our community spirit, which I appreciate now more than ever!
Štefan Ziman
Role: Privacy Officer Background: I'm from Slovakia and currently live in Wien while studying (or pretending to study) at the law faculty of Universität Wien. I'm also working at a financial institution and specialise in data privacy in the data quality department. My favourite part of MEUS is EVERYTHING!PARTNERS & SPONSORS DIVISION (PAR)
Maria Ivanova
Role: Head of PAR Background: I am from Sofia, Bulgaria and live in Munich, Germany, while studying Political Science. My favourite memory of MEUS is last April when I felt like everything in life was getting cancelled and I received an invitation to join MEUS 2020. I will never forget the mixture of fear and excitement!
Lena Eisenreich
Role: Partnerships Manager Background: I was born and raised in a small town in the heart of Bavaria (near Munich) before I discovered my passion for living in different countries. Currently, I am living in Kraków, Poland, studying an MA in Euroculture. My favourite part of MEUS is working together with like-minded, wonderful and hard-working individuals.
Maira Neubert
Role: MEUS Ambassador Background: I am originally from Germany, though I didn’t live there for the majority of my life. Now I live in Berlin while studying a BA in Social Science and Environmental Engineering. My favourite memory of MEUS is the moment i was told that I could enter the European Parliament although I had forgotten my Passport in Germany!
Ksenija Banovic
Role: MEUS Ambassador Background: I am originally from Montenegro and now I live in the UK while I am doing my Masters in International Relations. My favourite part of MEUS is our wonderful, friendly atmosphere all the time!
Amparo Gómez Castro
Role: MEUS Ambassador Background: Born and raised in Spain, but with a long international experience.I have lived in Germany, Hungary and the Netherlands, and studied in four different universities and am currently studying an MA in Euroculture. My favourite part of MEUS has been our sessions devoted to mental health.
Elitsa Smilyanova
Role: MEUS Ambassador Background: I was born in Bulgaria and currently reside in Paris while studying Finance and undertaking an apprenticeship in Corporate and Investment Banking. My favourite memory of MEUS is being a part of multiple editions, each of which has made me fall more and more in love with MEUS!
Alida Bojadžić
Role: Partnerships Manager Background: I'm from Montenegro and I'm doing my Masters in Business Law and currently working as a Court trainee. My favourite memory of MEUS is being a part of a group of awesome people.
Katalin Gordos
Role: Partnerships Manager Background: I’m from Hungary, currently living in Budapest. I am working as a Project Manager at Pro Progressione, a Hungarian NGO. My favourite memory of MEUS is Being surrounded by highly ambitious, EU-enthusiastic cool people.
Caterina Wesolowski
Role: MEUS Ambassador Background: I’m Polish but born and raised in Italy. Right now, I live in London, UK, studying a BA In Spanish and Portuguese. My favourite part of MEUS is meeting such a diverse group of people. I sometimes struggle to speak up in new situations, but I have never felt uncomfortable with anyone here as it’s always so friendly!
Annea Bunjaku
Role: Partnerships Manager Background: I was born and raised in Kosovo, I live in Prishtine and I am a 3rd year law student and currently working in the project Commercial Justice Activity by USAID (Kosovo). My favourite part of MEUS is there is always something fun to look out for!
Elena Liviero
Role: MEUS Ambassador Background: I am from Treviso, Italy and I am currently living there, although I am normally based in Brussels while studying an MA in European Studies. My favourite memory of MEUS is in the very first welcoming meeting we had; I could already feel all the energy the group would able to put into something we believe in!
Matej Zabret
Role: MEUS Ambassador Background: My ancestors used to live in a cave. However, right now I live in Slovenia, where I was born and raised. I currently study environmental protection. My favourite memory of MEUS is drinking and debating... sometimes both at the same time!SIMULATION DIVISION (SIM)
Debanwita Paul
Role: Head of SIM Background: I'm a Desi girl from Hong Kong, living her best life (within reason) in Vienna, Austria, while studying a Master's of Advanced International Studies. My favourite memory of MEUS is the general mayhem of people and the energy of everything, everywhere, all the time!
Chiara Fogo
Role: Content Officer Background: I was born in Padova, Italy, and at the moment I live in Rome and I am a Master's student in International Security Studies. My favourite memory of MEUS is the first time in the EP! Being there, walking down the halls, visiting the hemicycle, debating in an actual chamber… It was so unreal!
Julia Mousseau
Role: Interest Representatives Coordinator Background: I was born and raised in Paris, France, but I am now in the UK for my master’s at KCL in European Studies. My favourite memory of MEUS is being part of such a diverse, supportive and driven group who shares a common passion for EU policy making.
Alae Taybi
Role: Content Officer Background: I’m from Tangier, Morocco. I am doing my MA studies in European Affairs and Governance at Sc Po in Grenoble, France. Currently, I’m doing an internship in Brussels, Belgium in EU public affairs for a lobbying firm. My favourite part of MEUS is meeting people from all over the world, learning from each other and helping out one another. You simply have fun while learning and working!
Kristina Abovyan
Role: Journalists Coordinator Background: I’m from Yerevan, Armenia, and currently live in Yerevan while majoring in English and Communications. My favourite memory of MEUS is meeting new people from different parts of the world, being surrounded by motivated people, who don’t only know how to work but also how to relax and have fun!
Chingyz Jumakeyev
Role: Content Officer Background: Born in Uzbekistan, Kazakh citizenship (so from Central Asia, planet Earth). Currently in Warsaw, Poland studying an MA in Euroculture. My favourite memory of MEUS is our bubble where we share our passion and love towards the EU project and youth. Working among such enthusiastic, hard-working, and creative people will definitely be part of my EU memories and experience!
João Pedreda
Role: Photographers Coordinator Background: I was born in Porto, Portugal, and I work with a Marketing Agency based in the US, and I’m currently studying Photography! Currently in Gaia.. My favourite memory of MEUS is the Gala Night at the Hilton back at MEUS 2017 (?). Even in that setting, everyone just wanted to talk European Politics and it was just so energizing!
Marco Valenziano
Role: Interest Representatives Coordinator Background: I'm from Bologna, Italy and I'm studying an MA in Euroculture. My favourite memory of MEUS is for sure the moment when my amendments were voted with a striking majority at MEUS 2021, which went beyond my expectations!
Giuliano Cantadore
Role: Content Officer Background: I’m from São Paulo, Brazil; currently based in Lisbon, Portugal studying a Master’s in International and European Law. My favourite memory of MEUS is looking the sparkle in the eyes of my fellow participants when we visited the hemicyle in Strasbourg.
Selin Kumbaracı
Role: Content Officer Background: I’m Turkish but was born in Brussels and lived in the US, UAE, and Japan before moving back to Turkey for university, majoring in Political Science and Public Administration. My favourite memory of MEUS is giving my first speech in the EP and realizing, “oh my god I’m in the actual EP”!
Yogam Rajendra
Role: Chairs Coordinator Background: I'm from Singapore and currently living in Greece, finishing my PhD in Political Science. My favourite memory of MEUS is meeting individuals with a never-ending goal and passion of delivering the best possible experience for participants!
Marco Vento
Role: Content Officer Background: I was born in Palermo, Italy, and now I live in Pisa while doing a Master in International Security Studies. My favourite memory of MEUS is the incredible ability of making me feel like I am already working for an EU institution. People are always super prepared and motivated for MEUS as well as being incredibly talented. I love how we work hard to promote EU values and to spread them around Europe.
Michael Dijkstra
Role: Head of Content Background: From the Hague, Netherlands and now living in Brussels studying Global Politics, so I'm naturally a Software Consultant. ;) My favourite memory of MEUS is roaming the streets of Strasbourg at night
Katarzyna Młynarczyk
Role: Assistant Interpreters Coordinator Background: I was born in Poland and I'm based in Poland! I’m a conference interpreter and ESL teacher. My favourite memory of MEUS is the most ideal working relationship with the Team - I feel included, welcome, and understood. I am surrounded by people who kindly laugh at my memes! ♡
Artemis Sakorafa
Role: Interpreters Coordinator Background: I'm from Athens, Greece and currently based in Athens. I have an MSc in Interpreting and I work as a conference interpreter and translator. My favourite memory of MEUS is being part of a motivated international team + going on a lovely boat tour around Strasbourg after a long day!