Introducing the Alumni Team
Jana Cox - Ireland/The Netherlands
Chairperson:
My job is to lead the senior alumni committee , help them accomplish their tasks and coordinate all our meetings
Nowadays I'm a scientific researcher, working on sustainability of coastal areas.
Favourite CEI memory: either the Ceilidh in Scotland 2013 or the online flashmob at CEI 2021
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Julien Beuken - The Netherlands
Senior Alumni Liaison:
I represent the alumni in discussions with the CEI International Board and act as a mediator of discussions
Currently, I work as Senior Policy Officer at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working on the UN Development Programme and Enviroment Programme.
Favourite CEI memory: this is hard! At the 2021 online conference some participants were emotional it was over, proving that it’s possible to build real connection and friendship in a short time - even online! - when you share the same ideals and drive to protect our natural world. It’s so valuable that CEI can contribute to help young people realize they are not alone and they have allies across the globe fighting the good fight with them.
Laura Kelly (née Cox) - Ireland
Secretary:
As the most organised member of our team, I write the emails, the lists and try and keep everyone on track. I am also the Alumni Website Administrator
I have dual roles in my job working for a Tour Operator - Assistant Manager Product Database and TTC Sustainability Officer. I lead our sustainability team in the office and contract our sightseeing experiences.
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Favourite CEI memory: Hosting the CEI 2021 Conference, especially having former Irish president and Climate activist Mary Robinson open the conference
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Nadia Young - USA
Social Media Director:
I am responsible for updating, maintaining and moderating the alumni social media channels and providing media support before and during the conference
I enjoy recycling fabrics, discovering new recipes, and collecting indoor plants. Living so close to downtown has given me the ability to access fresh and local produce but also taught me how to become a responsible consumer. Being a caretaker has been my responsibility since the moment I was born. I will fight and advocate for my planet and my people until environmental equity is established.
Samuel Thelaus - Sweden
Junior Alumni Coordinator:
I work closely with the junior alumni in their day-to-day tasks ahead of the conference and work in a mentoring and supporting role. If junior alumni have any questions, whether it be personal or work related, they can turn to me for guidance.
I work as a software engineer in London.
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Favourite CEI memory: Eating watermelon 3 meals a day every day in Taiwan 2014 <3
Vildana Basic - Sweden
Teacher Representative:
I work closely with the teachers and bridge the gap between the alumni and the teacher's. I also am in charge of chairing the teacher's meetings during the conference and lead the teacher's clan/group during the conference. I also provide guidance to the alumni team and input from a teacher's point of view.
I am a PhD student at the graduate school RelMaS at Malmö University. In my research, I plan to use participatory action research and transformative learning to explore students', teachers' and science professions' changes in motivation and interest in career learning in teaching.
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Junior Alumni & Supporting Team
Junior Alumni
Vanja Taseva
Junior Alumni
Macedonia
Job:
Software Engineering Student
Favourite CEI memory:
online opening ceremony CEI Indonesia 2023
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Aysegul Sahin
Junior Alumni
Turkey
Job: Genetics and Bioengineering Student
Favorite CEl memory: At the 2019 CEI conference, the Indonesian group presented their projects addressing food management challenges due to overpopulation and the extraordinary number of insects in their country. After their presentation, they offered us samples of their solution idea, which were dried maggots and grasshopper heads snacks. That was my first time eating an insect, and it had a whole new taste. (Spoiler: dried maggots taste like peanuts!) I enjoyed it.
Anel Spahic
Junior Alumni
Sweden
Job: Engineering Physics student
Favorite CEI memory: Walking in the rainforest in CEI Costa Rica 2022
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Dalila Osmanovic
Junior Alumni
Sweden
Job: Law student
Favourite CEI memory: Education wise: the debate battle in Turkey 2019. Cultural wise: the cultural night in Turkey with the huge stone stage by the cliff. Fun wise: the beach clean up day in Turkey.