It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the 12th International Week of Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) in the beautiful city of Chania, Crete, Greece. This event serves as a vibrant platform for fostering international collaboration, sharing best practices, and strengthening academic and research partnerships across diverse fields.

Throughout the week, we will engage in insightful discussions, exchange innovative ideas, and explore opportunities for future cooperation. Your participation is invaluable in shaping a dynamic and inclusive academic community that transcends borders.

We hope you enjoy not only the academic exchanges but also the unique cultural and historical heritage of Chania. May this week be productive, inspiring, and filled with meaningful connections.

Welcome to HMU International Week 2025!

Hi, I am Kyria Rebeca Finardi and I consider myself a very blessed person because I do what I like most (research/education) and in addition to getting paid for it, I learn a lot and travel to different places where I can speak other languages and expand my horizon and also meet wonderful people with whom I learn a lot. There’s an African proverb that says that ‘if you want to walk fast, walk alone, but if you want to go far, walk in company’ and I hope I can continue to make new friends and walk in good company, inspiring and being inspired by those who walk with me on this journey:) I am looking forward to the HMU International Week where I hope to exchange insights into how Virtual Exchange can be used a strategy to Internationalization at Home and for expanding the companies in the journeys we make:) To find out more about me, visit https://www.kyriafinardi.com/en

https://surl.li/xonsev

Carla M. A. Pinto

Since I started my collaboration with my university, I have been in charge of PhD and Master’s Programs. In my current

position, I take part in the developing of the Master’s programs in all stages, from

inception to implementation. We take special care with the new trends in higher

education exchange programming and the possibilities of stablishing Dual

Degree Master programs with national and international universities.

I feel very honoured and happy to take part in the HMU International Week. I am looking forward to meeting you in person. See you soon!!!

This is my Linkedin in case you want to know me and the work I do :)

(2) Lola García | LinkedIn

A results-driven marketing leader with 20 years of experience as a team leader and a marketing manager in executive positions.  motivated by discovering new opportunities and leading projects across global markets.

Thrives in a creative environment, surrounded by kind people—passion for empowering brands and experiencing new fields.

I am a true believer in listening and being present.

I Hold a PhD in Economics and Business Management.

Please see below a link to my LinkedIn profile, where you can get a glimpse of some of the projects I have led - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronysteinperi/

A results-driven marketing leader with 20 years of experience as a team leader and a marketing manager in executive positions.  motivated by discovering new opportunities and leading projects across global markets.

Thrives in a creative environment, surrounded by kind people—passion for empowering brands and experiencing new fields.

I am a true believer in listening and being present.

I Hold a PhD in Economics and Business Management.

Please see below a link to my LinkedIn profile, where you can get a glimpse of some of the projects I have led - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronysteinperi/

I am absolutely sure that networking and new ideas for successful international collaboration will be available for all participants in the event.

The organizers of the International week have brilliant skills and professionalism in organizing such significant international events and we (the participants) we will benefit from their experience and we will enjoy the perfect program of this week.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marupardal/?originalSubdomain=es

I am highly interested to attend the 12th International Week (12IW) at the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) has been accepted. The event will occur from June 2 to June 6, 2025, at our campus in Crete, Greece.

www.linkedin.com/in/eduardo-martínez-navarro-76b2151a6

I like to think of myself as a very creative, curious and hard-working person. This will be my 3rd year at the HMU International Week and can't wait to keep on discovering the beauty of Chania! Looking forward to meeting you all!

LinkedIn - Twitter - Website

I am really looking forward to this experience! See you soon!

I deal with databases, student careers and the Erasmus EWP platform.

I am an expert in Artificial Intelligence for teaching.

I have already been to your university last year and I had a great time. The Staff Week was very interesting.

Crete is beautiful and welcoming.

I am very happy to meet you again.

I teach ESP and EAP to master's and PhD students from various fields, and my research focuses on integrating digital technologies, virtual exchange, diversity, and inclusion into education. I have extensive experience organizing and coordinating projects, as well as leading professional development sessions on soft skills in digital learning, virtual exchange workshops, and inclusive teaching practices.

With over 150 publications, I’m passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in education and enhancing soft skills through virtual exchange. My expertise includes research methodology, data analysis, e-book design, and hands-on implementation of virtual exchange projects in collaboration with colleagues from the USA, Japan, and Europe.

Excited to be part of this amazing team – looking forward to seeing you all in Crete!

Here is my LinkedIn for networking

https://www.linkedin.com/in/iryna-simkova-53681a8b/

I teach ESP and EAP to master's and PhD students from various fields, and my research focuses on integrating digital technologies, virtual exchange, diversity, and inclusion into education. I have extensive experience organizing and coordinating projects, as well as leading professional development sessions on soft skills in digital learning, virtual exchange workshops, and inclusive teaching practices.

With over 150 publications, I’m passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in education and enhancing soft skills through virtual exchange. My expertise includes research methodology, data analysis, e-book design, and hands-on implementation of virtual exchange projects in collaboration with colleagues from the USA, Japan, and Europe.

Excited to be part of this amazing team – looking forward to seeing you all in Crete!

Here is my LinkedIn for networking

https://www.linkedin.com/in/iryna-simkova-53681a8b/

I am Roberta Kaušilienė , a project manager at the Lithuanian Sports University. I am delighted to be able to participate in the 12th International Week. This event is a great opportunity to strengthen international cooperation and exchange experiences.

It is especially important for me to learn good practices from colleagues from different countries, learn about innovative solutions in sports and education projects and apply these insights in the activities of the Lithuanian Sports University. I believe that this week will bring new ideas and valuable partnerships that will contribute to the development of projects on an international scale.

My research focuses on finance, particularly public finance, the efficiency of public spending, cultural economics, and interregional disparities.

I am very excited to meet and get to know you all! See you soon, and feel free to add me on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/malgorzata-galecka-8b8437b0)

It is a great pleasure to take part in the 12th HMU International week. I've been working at the University of Minho since 2001 and I'm a senior technician. I work in the School of Architecture, Art and Design and am responsible for the Pedagogical Council. I hope it will be a time of excellent sharing

Hope to see you soon

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gyongyverferencz16356a82/

PhD in social sciences in the discipline of management and quality sciences, Master of Business Administration, graduate of finance and banking at the Warsaw School of Economics and economics at the Catholic University of Lublin, as well as doctoral studies at the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin. Postgraduate studies in human resources management and educating business trainers.

Professionally associated with local government administration in Lublin, where he holds the position of Director of the department. Author of numerous scientific publications, in both domestic and foreign publishing houses. Speaker at many scientific conferences. Expert on the Common Self-Assessment Method CAF used in public administration.

I am a professor at the Faculty of Finance and Accounting, Romanian - American University in Bucharest, Romania.

The mission of the Romanian-American University consists in education, teaching, scientific research and innovation, the cultivation of scientific values and of universal culture in general.

In promoting a particularly strategic academic management, the Romanian-American University sets for itself as an objective its national and international recognition as an elite university.

I am UNICollaboration Managing Director and Project Manager but I wear several hats as I am a freelancer, so you may happen to see me around with other roles and positions (I also serve UNIMED as a consultant, I am a tutor of expert evaluators for the Italian National Agency for Higher Education projects, and a conference interpreter and translator...) I love UNICollaboration mission and vision of disseminating Virtual Exchange as much as possible and I love the people working for UNICollaboration. I met Kostas almost a year ago and I deem we share the same passion and enthusiastic approach to VE. This is why I was delighted when I received his invitation to speak about VE at the staff week in HMU. I am indeed keen on learning from you all and share knowledge and experience together. It is just a pity I will only be able to stay for the very beginning! Looking forward to meeting you and knowing a bit more of you all!!!

Hi, I'm Zuzanna Olejnik – the Students Mobility Communication Coordinator at Kozminski University. I’m responsible for promoting our events (you can check out our Instagram: erasmus_kozminski), and I support students with all kinds of matters. I've been working at the university for six months, but I'm already very engaged in what I do. This is my first staff week, so I'm both excited and a little nervous. I’m really looking forward to meeting you all!

I have a BA in history, museum studies and art history, an MA in history and an MS in library science. After 5 years as a museum archivist and 13 years in sales, I started in higher education just 5 years ago. I have 3 children (20, 15, and 13), two dogs, and love to travel with my husband and kids. This is my second trip to Greece in the last 12 months, but my first time in Chania. I am looking forward to attending my first International Week at HMU and learning from all of you.

I'd love to connect on LinkedIn.

I hold degrees in Law and Economics from Masaryk University in Brno, where I also earned the academic titles JUDr. (Doctor of Laws) and Ing. (Engineer). I am currently in the final stage of my Ph.D. studies, continuing my journey of learning and discovery.

My research and teaching focus on public procurement, the legal aspects of economic governance, and how public institutions can make smarter and more efficient decisions. I am especially interested in interdisciplinary approaches that combine legal analysis with real-world economic challenges.

I am very much looking forward to participating in the 12th International Week (2–6 June 2025). I truly enjoy connecting with others and learning from different cultures and perspectives. I see this event as a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas, meet colleagues from across Europe, and share my academic and research experience.

In my free time, I love dancing, doing sports, and spending time in nature — anything that brings energy, balance, and joy.

Contact Information: E-mail: jitka.matejkova@mendelu.cz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jitka-mat%C4%9Bjkov%C3%A1-4272b625a/

My name is Mary Mutisya, and I’m an Assistant Professor in Hospitality and Tourism Management at USIU-Africa in the beautiful city of Nairobi, Kenya. I'm genuinely excited to be part of this International Training Week at Hellenic Mediterranean University!

This week is not just about learning; it’s about building connections and friendships. I can’t wait to meet fellow scholars and practitioners, share our experiences, and learn from each other—both within our fields and beyond.

I'm particularly looking forward to exploring opportunities for collaboration, especially in joint grant writing. I believe that together we can create amazing projects that make a real difference.

Cheers to a week filled with inspiration, learning, and lasting partnerships. Let’s make great memories together!!

I'm really excited for HMU's International Week - it’s a wonderful opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and explore potential future collaborations in education, research, and sustainability. See you all soon!

Head of programmes for the Bachelor Electronics-ICT and Associate Degrees in Computer Networks and IoT at AP University of Applied Sciences in Antwerp, Belgium.

I lead a team of 70 staff members and support 1,500 IT students, with responsibilities ranging from curriculum development and quality assurance to R&D coordination, international partnerships, and collaboration with industry and alumni. I’m involved in various TETRA, Interreg, and Erasmus+ KA2 projects.

At AP, we focus strongly on educational innovation and internationalisation. I’m currently exploring how we can integrate an international semester and further develop microcredentials within our programmes.

I’m very much looking forward to meeting you all, exchanging ideas, and exploring new opportunities for collaboration!

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Education with a focus on Student Affairs. Over the past 13 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work across a variety of roles within higher education—spanning large public universities and small private colleges. My professional background includes experience not only in Advancement, but also in Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Community Service, and Career Development.

Outside of work, I enjoy quality time with my three young children (ages 6, 4, and 1) and spending as much time as possible at the beach.

I’m truly excited to meet each of you and to learn from the experiences and insights we all bring to the table!

In my work, I combine theoretical knowledge of mathematics with its practical use in economics and business. I am also involved in teaching, where I emphasize the development of students’ analytical thinking and their ability to apply mathematical tools to real-world problems.

I am looking forward to the upcoming week and to the possibility of future collaboration.

I'm looking forward to attending the 12th HMU Week and having the chance to connect with other colleagues and share a good experience there. See you soon!!

My name is Ewa and I represent the University of Humanities and Economics in Lodz, Poland. 

Currently holding the position of the Head of International Cooperation and European Projects and responsible for the Erasmus+ mobility programme (KA1), Erasmus+ partnerships (KA2) and other transnational projects. Passionate about projects related to innovation and new technologies in education.

I am excited to be part of this amazing team and looking forward to meeting everyone in Crete!

Let’s connect! My e-mail: eszczawinska@ahe.lodz.pl

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewa-szczawi%C5%84ska-98212b3/

I am very interested in getting to know all of you, establishing cordial relations and perhaps in the future - starting cooperation in various areas of activity - international exchange, alliance, as well as research cooperation - my university conducts research in all disciplines of science, and recently we have been developing engineering, medical and science sciences.

I work as an assistant lecturer at the Mediterranean University of Albania, where I try my best to make economics—yes!, even supply and demand—sound a bit more exciting than they usually do! 📊

Alongside teaching, I’m also part of our International Relations Office, where I wear the hat of an IRO officer 👩‍💻 and a project assistant on a couple of CBHE projects—so life never gets boring!

Right now, I’m navigating the PhD journey 🧠📚, focusing on resource allocation and distributive justice theories—so please send good vibes (and maybe coffee?) my way! ☕🍀

I’m looking forward to learning, collaborating, and exchanging ideas with all of you! 💬

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nerajda-feruni-177b71181

Over the past 15 years, I have gained extensive experience in both research and professional practice, particularly in the fields of accounting, auditing, and financial consultancy, working across various sectors in Albania. I have also worked as a Local Consultant for the TIAPS project – Training of Internal Auditors in the Public Sector, under the guidance of the Center of Excellence in Finance.

Beyond my academic and teaching responsibilities, I am actively involved in several EU-funded projects under the Erasmus+ programme, where I have contributed as a financial coordinator.

Looking forward to meeting all of you!

Currently, I am responsible for coordinating various issues arising from the Rector's contacts with various entities, and therefore also with the international community. I am a financier and economist by training, which makes me like to be in charge of money. :)

I hope that we will spend a pleasant and fruitful time together. I invite you to get to know each other and establish cooperation with our University.

In the international scholarship office, I am responsible for both administrative and operational aspects of three government-funded scholarship programs. I also take pride in organizing events that foster community and support for our international students while maintaining active cooperation with external service providers and offices to continuously enhance the student experience.

I am very much looking forward to meeting you all, and happy to be part of this inspiring international network on the international week.

Find me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luminita-hurbean-1311a117/

I’m Vicky and I work at the University of Cádiz, in the International Cooperation Office. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to share this week with all of you. I’m looking forward to learning, getting to know you, and enjoying this experience together. I’m sure it will be a great opportunity for both personal and professional growth!

See you soon in Crete!

Dr. Zeid teaches EPIC and postgraduate courses and plays an active role on various committees that promote communication among diverse student populations. Her academic interests include learning strategies, cultural diversity, and student-centered learning.

She is a participant in the international Erasmus+ “IMPACT” project and collaborates on COILs (Collaborative Online International Learning) focused on soft skills, leadership, research skills, and business English. Dr. Zeid also leads workshops on self-regulation, intercultural competence, and addressing linguistic challenges in international courses.

linkedin.com/in/samia-zeid

samiaz@wgalil.ac.il

l

I like to think of myself as a creative spirit who loves meeting people who see the world a little differently. I’m always on the lookout for new experiences—so naturally, I’m thrilled to be part of this exchange!

A few fun facts to break the ice: I’m an ENTJ, a proud Scorpio, and I live by the words of the great RuPaul: “If you don’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?”

Looking forward to getting to know all of you! 😊

My career began soon after graduating from AICU with a degree in French Language and Literature. Throughout my job, I have demonstrated professional skills, such as dedication, adaptability, analytical abilities and communication skills. I believe that these traits are essential in our work environment and have helped me to effectively navigate through various challenges we used to face.

I have more than 25 years of experience in international relations focusing on the cooperation with the francophone universities, scholarship programmes, admission of exchange and free mover students.

I am looking forward to meeting you all in beautiful Chania!

I'm in my final year of Data Science at Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College and currently doing an internship at EASTECH. I also work at the Israeli Ministry of Health, where I deal with data auditing and analysis related to healthcare services.
I'm passionate about data, learning new tools, and growing professionally.

Outside of work and studies, I love traveling, horse riding, and exploring new languages and cultures.
I'm really looking forward to discovering the beauty of Chania and Super excited to meet you all there:))

This is Joana Taçi and associate professor of linguistics and first and second language acquisition.

As of last June I am also chairing the department of foreign languages, University "Eqrem Çabej" Gjirokaster, Albania.

Dear friends and colleagues my department members me included are open and are welcoming your support and assistance as we really are looking forward to building up collaborative bridges that will facilitate our transition from traditionally oriented teaching programs to more market-defined ones. Please feel free to lend us an helping hand.

Sincerely yours,

Joana Taçi

jbazaiti@uogj. edu.al

She realized many research visits at the Institute of Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry at the Karl – Franzens University of Graz, Austria as a Master and PhD student. Lastly, she accomplished Postdoc research studies at the University of Vienna, Austria with a project title ‘’Developing electro-active molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nanoMIP)”.

She was academic coordinator for ICM Erasmus + project between University of Prishtina and Keele University (2018-2020).She already coordinated two research based projects funded by National stakeholders and is part of some International projects (Erasmus, Horizon 2020 Cost action etc.)

Additionally she was very active as a voluntary worker being member of regional organization called Western Balkan Alumni Association (WBAA) 2017 -2022 and currently she is a co-founder of NGO named Organization for Kosovar-Austrian alumni (OKAA).

I’ve walked many paths: from quality management in the manufacturing industry to education, from Dutch SMEs to greenfield startups in the Czech Republic, from rocket engines to Lean coaching. You could say I’m powered by curiosity, complexity, and a good sense of humor. I take particular pride in my Czech start-up years and in how I jumped from industry into higher education — basically overnight.

On paper, I might look like a hard-core engineer — aerospace, factories, systems, tools & methods — but beneath that, I’m endlessly curious about people, languages, cultures, and how we connect across disciplines and borders. I love nature, travelling, beautifull buildings and nice views but also love to get lost in the world of a good movie. I strongly believe in the “mens sana in corpore sano” principle — regular sports not only keep me balanced, but once helped me recover after a spinal cord injury I sustained as a student.

I love working at the intersection of people, processes, and innovation — especially when things are a little messy and unstructured. That’s where energy and change live.

Let’s talk about:

• Designing meaningful learning experiences

• Kickstarting innovation with nothing but a napkin and a bold idea

• Teaching (or parenting!) with humor and patience

• Systems thinking, leadership, or lunar bases — your pick

• Or simply: tell me what you care about and why. I’ll be happy to listen and explore it together if you want.

Looking forward to meeting you in Chania!

Oh...feel free to visit me here: Ralph Peters | LinkedIn

I'm Perrine, 26 y.o, from the Catholic University of Lille, France.

I am an International Relations Coordinator at the Faculty of Management, Economy and Sciences (FGES) of the Catholic University of Lille, France. I did a master's in international affairs at the Graduate Institute of Geneva and semesters abroad in Finland (Jyväskylä ) and the US (SIS in D.C.).

I look forward to meeting all of you! I believe being open to other cultures and meeting people from all over the world is one of the best ways to learn and grow. I also believe international cooperation is key to our humanity and international peace. Therefore, I decided to dedicate my career to international cooperation.

At my faculty, we are engaged in an internationalization process. This International Week is a great opportunity to bring home your testimonies, experiences, cultures and best practices.

perrine.cavenne@univ-catholille.fr

international.fges@univ-catholille.fr

https://www.fges.fr/international/incomings/

https://www.univ-catholille.fr/en/

Kind regards

Perrine

My name is Ioana Grăjdeanu, I am 26 years old, and I work as a Marketing Specialist at the International Relations Office of the "Gheorghe Asachi" Technical University of Iași. My main responsibilities include promoting international mobility opportunities, supporting communication strategies for international projects, and enhancing the university's global visibility.

I am passionate about international cooperation, strategic communication, and the role that education plays in connecting people and cultures. I truly believe that meaningful exchange and collaboration across borders are essential for innovation, understanding, and growth.

I look forward to meeting you all in Chania and to sharing experiences and best practices during what I’m sure will be a very inspiring Staff Week.

AI tools, university sustainable management, intercultural communication, international business, international marketing, public relations,  international project management, cultural heritage

management and protection of monuments. CONTACT: anna.opalka@pans.nysa.pl More about the UNI: https://arc.pans.nysa.pl/aktualnosci/pliki/University_of_Applied_Sciences_in_Nysa.pdf Summer programme: https://pans.nysa.pl/org/ico/blog/summer-programme

piotr.opalka@pans.nysa.pl

I am looking forward to meeting you in Chania 😊

He received his PhD from the University of Maribor in 1992. After graduation, his research and teaching focused on software development methodologies, then on quality systems and decision theories, and in the last decades on the information society and media convergence.

Previous professional activities:
From 2014 until April 2020 he was Director of the Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS, now ARIS), an independent public funding organisation.
For several years he was a State Secretary (Deputy Minister) in the Government of the Republic of Slovenia. Between 2001 and 2004, he was State Secretary at the Ministry of Information Society. He was involved in the EU accession process in this area.
From 2008 to 2011, , he was State Secretary at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, including the portfolio of Information Society. As such, he was responsible for the introduction of a new higher education funding model aimed at increasing the autonomy and was involved in the preparation of two national strategies (Audacious Slovenia) for research and higher education.

Contact:

https://banjaluka.academia.edu/ZeljkaSajin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/%C5%BEeljka-%C5%A1ajin-a8471253/

At KEEI, I focus on developing and strengthening international academic partnerships. I am particularly interested in expanding cooperation through the Erasmus+ programme, especially in the areas of student and staff mobility and Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) projects.

Our goal is to foster meaningful collaboration with universities and institutions across Europe and beyond, with a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and educational excellence. I am always open to exploring new ideas that contribute to institutional growth and global cooperation.

This is my first time participating in the HMU International Week, and I’m truly looking forward to meeting fellow professionals, exchanging experiences, and planting the seeds for future joint initiatives.

See you soon in beautiful Crete!

In my role, I actively lead efforts to broaden our institute’s global engagement by building strategic partnerships with higher education institutions worldwide. My work is particularly centered on promoting international collaboration in areas such as academic exchange, joint research, and institutional development.

Participating in the HMU International Week is a great privilege for me. I see this as an excellent opportunity to connect with colleagues from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds. I am especially eager to explore possibilities for joint initiatives that can contribute to innovation, sustainability, and shared educational growth.

I look forward to meaningful discussions, collaborative spirit, and future cooperation with fellow participants throughout this inspiring week.

Let’s shape impactful projects together!

Have a photo of my dog! His name is Puszek - which means fluffy ❤️

I study Psychology and Sociology at Emek Yezreel College, and I’m passionate about working with people and understanding human behavior.

I’ve volunteered for two years in the medical field and currently work at a coffee shop. I love taking on new challenges, adapting quickly, and connecting with others from diverse backgrounds.

This is my first time joining an international program, and I’m truly excited to meet you all in Chania!

I'm looking forward to meeting new people, hearing new ideas and overall good vibes from this trip.

Pleasure to meet you all!

I have a Master’s degree in International Relations, with a focus on the Middle East and North Africa.

Although my professional journey is still at an early stage, I had the chance to get expertise on a variety of topics such as migration, gender-based violence, youth unemployment, digital innovation, e-learning, and non-formal education. I really enjoy working across different fields, in international environments and learning as much as I can along the way.

What I love most about experiences like this one is the chance to connect with people from different backgrounds, exchange ideas, challenge my own perspective, and maybe even spark some future collaborations.

I’m very excited to be part of this week and I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you!

my name is Omer, In a second year student of electrical engineering, 26 years old of age, I work as a security guard so I can do my uni assignment and still get paid while doing it, before university I used to work as a su-chef in a mediterranean restaurant, in my free time I love to go out and travel with my camera and capture beautiful pictures of landscape and happy people, and play video games.

my dream is to build an iron man suit just like in the movies, and to solve energy supply problem.

looking forward to meet and network with all of you. see you soon!

My name is George Kakavelakis, and I am currently an Assistant Professor and the Erasmus Coordinator at the Department of Electronic Engineering of the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU).

Prior to joining HMU, I was a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellow at EPFL in Switzerland, and a Junior Research Fellow at the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge.

We are delighted to welcome you to our event! Get ready for a full week of learning, networking, cultural exchange, and fun activities.

As a member of the organizing committee, I will be present throughout the week to support the smooth implementation of the program and to assist you with anything you may need. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Looking forward to meeting you all and sharing this exciting experience together!

Warm regards,
George Kakavelakis

My academic and research interests focus on management, especially in the areas of project management, quality management, and comparative management.

This is my first time participating in the HMU International Week, and I’m truly excited to meet all of you, share experiences, and learn together.

See you soon in Chania!

My research passions include linguistics, terminology, and intercultural business communication. I’m always up for a good book, a new destination, and great conversations across cultures.

I’m really looking forward to this International Week—to share ideas, swap good practices, and connect with inspiring colleagues from different corners of the world!

Curious to know more? Find me here: https://www.rau.ro/museanu-elena/?lang=en

I’m a curious and open-minded person who loves learning new things and stepping out of my comfort zone. I’m especially interested in technology, psychology, and everything that connects logic with people.

In my free time, I love traveling, reading emotionally intense novels, and exploring different cultures and languages — I’m currently learning Arabic!

I joined the Erasmus program to live something different, connect with new people, and challenge myself in an international environment. I’m really looking forward to sharing this journey with all of you

Katrin

Web2Learn: https://web2learn.eu/

In my role, I guide students through their personal and professional development journeys, both in one-on-one coaching sessions and in group learning settings. I help them explore their values, strengths, and ambitions, and support them in developing ownership, self-awareness, and confidence in their path forward. My approach is talent-based, reflective, and grounded in positive psychology. I enjoy designing and facilitating learning experiences that are meaningful, engaging, and tailored to the diverse needs of students.

Outside of work, I love going to the cinema, especially for thought-provoking films and I stay active by climbing and spending time at the bouldering gym. I'm looking forward to meeting you all and learning through new connections.

I am Lizel Bester from the Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. I am a senior lecturer in Taxation. I am a PhD student in Accounting. I can't wait to see you all next week.

I hope we can get along.

I'm a part of Working Group in Long Life Learning in HEROES ALLIANCE UNIVERSITY.

I'm really looking forward to meeting all of you at the conference!

Hi, I'm Vered Uziel, Head of the General Courses Division and the Public Administration Program at the School of Management, Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College (JMC).
I hold a Ph.D. in Management from the Department of Public Policy and Management at the Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business and Management, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

My research focuses on innovation in the public sector, local government, collaborative management and equality — topics I’m deeply passionate about. Alongside my academic work, I consult, lecture, and write policy papers for government ministries and local authorities. With nearly two decades of hands-on experience in the municipal field, I bring together a solid academic foundation and rich practical know-how.

Hey everyone. I am Georgios, a Greek event professional who loves bringing people together through international education and great experiences.

I am currently the Event Director of the International University Fair (IUF), the biggest student recruitment event in Southeastern Europe, connecting universities with students across Greece, Romania, and Italy.

I also work with Hellenic Mediterranean University as a Scientific Associate to the Vice Rector for Extroversion & Internationalization, helping run projects that support student careers and international links.

I have a mixed background in hospitality, events, and international mobility, and I am all about MAKING THINGS HAPPEN, whether that’s a major B2B fair or a student workshop that changes someone’s path.

I will be around for just one day, Thursday, 6 June, and I would love to meet as many of you as possible! You will catch me in the very last session at 17:00 in the main conference room where I will be talking about:
“How to Organize Your Next International Event”

Let’s connect ahead of time, whether you are a student, working in international mobility, passionate about events, or just enjoy meeting new people. I would love to hear what you are working on and exchange ideas!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/giorgosvardalachakis/

I live and breathe the AI revolution. I lecture on innovation and creativity, and implement artificial intelligence systems.

In addition, I am an entrepreneur and speaker in the field of personal coaching and self-fulfillment, and a student of psychology, innovation, and artificial intelligence (studying remotely at MIT).

I am also studying at the Western Galilee Academic College in the multi-disciplinary, single-major program.

My story begins with one simple point – curiosity.

As a child from Beit Jann, with my head in the clouds and feet on the ground, always searching for ways to turn ideas into reality, I always knew that I didn’t just want to understand how the world works – I wanted to reshape it.

Today, I implement AI systems in businesses, teach organizations and individuals how to think differently. I take advanced technology, break it down, and rebuild it – simply, clearly, and humanely. I analyze complexity and turn it into something practical, simple, and above all – inspiring.

Today, I am the mind and voice behind Bee Inspired, through which I lecture, introduce innovative tools, and guide transformative processes that lead to real breakthroughs.

The connection between creativity, technology, and humanity – that’s my fuel.

I’m here to show the world that artificial intelligence is not a replacement for humans – it’s an amplification of their potential.

My academic background combines a Master’s degree in Archival Studies from the Faculty of History with a second degree in Human Resources Management from the Faculty of Management at the University of Warsaw. I’m also in the process of completing my PhD, focusing on archival challenges in tropical countries – a topic that reflects my passion for both history and global perspectives.

A heartfelt thank you to the amazing organizers and inspiring speakers for such a meaningful and productive meeting. It was a real pleasure to be part of it, and I truly hope to see you all again at future events – it’s always a joy to be in such great company!

Why this one? It shows my students and their international peers embracing each other totally, completely, wholeheartedly, and sincerely. I witnessed this all week long, and I fell in love with that observation. This is what the whole idea of this BIP is about. Should be about. Isn't it?

And to make it even more emotional for me personally: this picture was born from a sheer coincidental meeting at the old harbour. I bumped into my students, then the others happened to pass by and joined in the spontaneous moment of fun... and then they embraced me—both someone of their own and someone different at the same time. And just like that, the snapshot in time became a fact.

Goosebumps at the highest level!

I am a connector and therefore also co-founder of the global initiative Agile in Education. I use eduScrum® and the agile mindset with students and trainers worldwide in all his classes and projects, no matter the subject. “It is not about doing agile, but about being agile”. An important basis for his thinking and acting has been created in his years of involvement in Aikido, Chi Kung and Shiatsu. I  wrote and contributed to several books on agility and eduScrum; eduScrum guide, Scrum in Actie, ‘Agile and Lean Concepts for Teaching and Learning’, and ‘Industry Practices, Processes and Techniques in Education’ by Springer Books.

I want to build a bridge between the educational system and market requirements, and believe that we can empower each other by collaborating. Together we create projects and products that contribute to a bright new world and develop students into lifelong learners and leaders of tomorrow.

Ever since 2011, I trained more than 3000 teachers in more than 50 countries, online and on location, with eduScrum®, together with my eduScrum® trainers and I worked with more than 2500 own students. Now, I work together, every month, with teachers and students in our eduScrum community of practice with more than 400 active members. These numbers continue to increase every day.

Willy Wijnands

Creator & Founder of eduScrum®

Chemistry teacher at Agora school in Leiden in the Netherlands.

Mobile: +31644086315

Email: info@eduscrum.nl
https://www.eduscrum.nl/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/willy-wijnands-41077254/
The Netherlands

My name is Roxana Dogaru from the West University of Timisoara. I am a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Computer Science of the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science. I am responsible for teaching database subjects to undergraduate students. I have research interests in the field of artificial intelligence applied in different fields. I have also worked in a private company as a Database Application Developer.

Thank you to the organizers of this successful event held in the picturesque city of Chania and to all participants for sharing the experience and expertise together.

Hi everyone! 😊

I'm Fahimeh, a mathematician and currently a PhD student in Innovation Engineering. This was my first international academic presentation in English — and honestly, I was terrified before it started! But standing there in Chania, surrounded by amazing people from different countries, I realized something beautiful: we all speak the same language when it comes to kindness, respect, and learning from each other. 🌍💬

This experience was truly one of the most special moments in my life. I learned how powerful it can be when people from different cultures and religions come together with open hearts. I made friends I’ll never forget and memories that will stay with me forever. 💖

Thank you to everyone who made this week unforgettable. I really hope our paths cross again — somewhere in this beautiful, shared world. Until then, sending warm wishes to each of you. ☀️🌺