Bucharest, March 2026 – Adriana is a young professional from Bucharest who believes that meaningful change in society begins with people who are willing to lead by example. At 30 years old and a graduate in International Business, she recently took part in the Roma Leadership Programme. The experience deepened her understanding of Roma identity, culture, and leadership, and helped shape the path she is now pursuing.
Following the programme, Ariana joined the Roma Education Fund as an intern, where she works on projects designed to create positive social impact. For her, this work is a chance to contribute to a society where more voices are heard and where opportunities become accessible to those who may not have always had them.
Listen to Adriana as she talks about leadership, Roma identity, and her journey:
Ariana sees leadership not as a title, but as a set of values and attitudes that guide how a person acts in any situation. To her, being a leader means creating spaces where people feel safe, respected, and empowered to speak and act. It is about influence, responsibility, and the ability to inspire others through everyday actions.
Through both her professional work and personal interests, Ariana continues to explore ideas, stories, and perspectives that shape how she understands the world, and how she hopes to change it.
Outside of work, Ariana enjoys spending time with books and films. She is a regular visitor of Bucharest’s independent cinemas, where she often drops in to watch whatever film happens to be playing that evening. Reading has also played an important role in her life since her teenage years.
Watch the interview with Adriana here and learn more about her journey. Follow us to stay connected with Adriana’s story and with the inspiring paths of other young participants in the Roma Leadership Programme.