Augusto Gonzalez is the President of Young European Leadership and has been in office since April 2025. He holds a Master’s degree in Global Development from the University of Copenhagen and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of California, Berkeley. A seasoned voice in youth diplomacy, Augusto has been actively engaged in the G7 & G20 Youth process since 2018. In 2024, he served as Head Delegate of the European Union to the G7 Youth Summit and assumed the role of European Union Chair for both the G7 and G20 Youth processes. In 2025, he served as the Head Delegate of the European Union to the G20 Youth Summit. With experience living and working across six countries on three continents, Augusto brings a truly international perspective to his work. He has been at Young European Leadership for several years, previously serving as a Delegations Officer and later as Secretary General before his election as President.
Maia is an MSc Candidate at the University of Edinburgh, with experience in economic and fiscal policy. Experience includes working with the United Nations’ agencies on research projects to help achieve sustainable economic growth and human development, along with completing numerous internships at NGOs and the Civil Service on their Fast Stream pathway for university students. Internationally, work experience stretches from speaking as a Delegate for Venezuela at NYU Abu Dhabi in their UNESCO Committee for the CWMUN Conference to working on the Covid Response Tracker for the UNDP/UN Women. Maïa is currently a UK Delegate for the UN Women and a Global Youth Ambassador for Theirworld. Outside global development work, Maïa owns a gallery specializing in fashion and music photography.
Ana is a political science student passionate about education and youth empowerment. Her passion for international relations led her to Leiden University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies. Her commitment to continuous learning is evident through her participation in various language courses and online education programs at esteemed institutions like Oxford University. Outside academia, Ana is an accomplished debater and mentor, having won multiple awards. Ana’s dedication extends to volunteer work, where she engages with disadvantaged youth, fostering personal growth and providing educational support. During her academic journey, Ana undertook an enriching internship at the Representation of the European Commission, where she delved into the intricacies of European governance and policy-making. As a Secretary General at YEL, she aims to bridge the gap between the European Youth and the European institutions with a belief in the power of the youth to shape their own future.
Federico is an ambitious Italian student whose journey took a significant turn at the age of 15 when he moved to Germany. He has completed his studies in Business and Economics, and is now continuing his education at the TU München, focusing on Sustainable Engineering. His extensive volunteer work, combined with practical business experiences, has equipped him with a unique perspective on driving sustainable positive change in today’s economy. He seeks to build a network of young leaders ready to challenge and innovate modern structures. Federico is committed to inspiring his peers to actively engage with the EU and promote cross-cultural collaboration towards a more sustainable future.
Alba is a political science student at the University of Warwick in the UK, with a multicultural background and a strong commitment to international development and humanitarian action. Her commitment to social inclusion and youth empowerment led her to take part in several volunteering roles at societies including Student Action for Refugees and Homeless Action Society, where she worked with like-minded people to facilitate the integration of different groups into the community. Experienced in policy analysis, strategic communication, and advocacy work through companies including FleishmanHillard EU. She is also, enthusiastic about languages and speaks both English and Spanish with fluency as well as French and wants to expand her knowledge of German and Mandarin. As the Director of Delegations at YEL she is looking to give young people the opportunity to participate in high level conferences and represent the European youth, whilst also empowering and training them so that they have the skills necessary to drive the future of European institutions
Marios Chalaris holds a M.Eng in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from UNIWA, along with postgraduate qualification from the Institute of Charterer Shipbrokers (ICS) and negotiation courses at the University of Michigan. Marios is the European Union Delegate at Y7 Summit 2025, in Energy & Environment Track, the Co-Founder and President of the Greek chapter of International Youth Nuclear Congress (IYNC - Greek YNG), executive committee member of M-48 Panel for Nuclear Propulsion, Vice President in YoungShip Greece and previous President of SNAME SSC. His contributions to the field have earned him numerous accolades, including first-place finishes in international competitions and scholarships for his academic and professional achievements. Professionally, Marios serves as a Shipbroker, Business Development Executive, and Naval Architect at P&P Marine Consultants, where he specializes in Brokering, Technical Consulting, Claims Cases and managing complex negotiations. Beyond his professional life, Marios is an accomplished water polo athlete, having won eight national championships in Greece from junior to men's.
Nicole Rita Napoli is the Director of Operations at Young European Leadership. She currently serves as a Training Specialist at the European Commission (DG INTPA), supporting the design, coordination, and monitoring of digital learning and capacity-building initiatives linked to EU external action. Previously, she worked as a Project Management Assistant at the European Commission (DG SANTE), as a liaison and diplomatic officer to the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, and as a Project Manager for the Lombardy Region Delegation to the European Union. Alongside her professional career, Nicole is actively engaged in youth representation and advocacy. As the European Union Delegate to the Y20, she negotiated policy proposals on education, social inclusion, and intergenerational fairness. She represented youth perspectives in high-level forums across four continents, including CSW69 at the United Nations in New York, the EU Youth Policy Dialogue with Commissioner Micallef in Strasbourg, the World Food Forum at FAO in Rome, the Misk Global Forum in Riyadh, and the Global Youth Convention organised by HISA in Milan. She has an academic background in Business Administration and European Union Law and Policies, enriched by international study experiences in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Canada.
Giovanni Chiacchio is a foreign policy analyst whose fields of study are international relations and strategic studies. His goal is to contribute to the formation of a more stable, secure and sustainability-focused international order. He is currently graduating in International Relations and Diplomacy at the University of Padua and in Defense and Security Sciences at the Link Campus University of Rome. Giovanni got a Master in Leadership for International Relations and Made in Italy at the Italia USA Foundation and attended the 2022 Summer Academy of the Heritage Foundation. He had also carried out an internship at Confindustria Veneto. His interests include both the private sector and research. Giovanni is currently working with some Italian think tanks and newspapers.
Manray is a Graduate of The University of Edinburgh with a Master’s in Sport Policy, Management and International Development who looks to provide a fresh perspective in the direction of communication with the team. With previous experience in communications and partnerships throughout his time at Premier Sports Network and Hibernian Football Club, working with C-suite clients and notable partners, he looks to further explore the pathway, via policy-making and discussions, in promoting sports within the youth who have limited resources to access one of the biggest industries that brings people together to progress global development. Additionally, Manray is a UN Women UK Delegate, contributing to accelerating gender equality and empowering all women and girls. With a focus on addressing poverty and strengthening institutions with a gender perspective, he collaborated with representatives from Member States, UN entities, and ECOSOC-accredited NGOs worldwide. Away from YEL, Manray is an avid tennis and padel, having completed to a national level and travelling across the UK for tournaments, including the widely-recognised British Tour.
Giulia is currently working at the European Commission’s Secretariat-General, where she contributes to interinstitutional relations and political coordination with the European and national parliaments. She holds a Master’s degree with Honours in International Relations from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, with a thesis on the application of artificial intelligence to defence, and attended a Summer and Research Programme at Harvard University on a merit scholarship. She has gained experience in institutional affairs at Pirelli, where she managed European coordination, advocacy campaigns, and high-level events, and she actively contributes to cultural diplomacy as an associate of Villa Vigoni. She is also a contributor on European defence, disinformation, and foreign policy for leading platforms such as Aspen Institute Italia and European View. Selected for networks such as ISPI’s NEXT Future Leaders, Women in International Security Italy’s mentorship programme, and the Spinelli Forum, she is deeply engaged in youth leadership, foreign policy innovation, and building stronger European cooperation.
Elena is a third-year Bachelor of Global Governance student at the University of Rome, Tor Veragta. The previous semester, she left for an exchange program Erasmus+ at the University of Carlos III of Madrid, where she discovered what she would like to do in the future: international security. Now, she is looking forward to dedicating her next studies to the field of security. During her academic studies, she was selected as an intern at the Mexican Embassy in Italy, where she improved her Spanish skills. In addition, Elena is active in different associations and organizations involving security, such as Women in International Security, Student Movement for International Organisation, and Dossier Difesa.
Rita is a graduate of Nova School of Business and Economics, holding a Master’s in Management with a specialization in Strategy and International Business. Curious about the world, geopolitics, diplomacy, and international relations, she has built a multidisciplinary background through experiences in entrepreneurship, aviation, events management, and consulting. Beyond her professional journey, Rita has been actively involved in youth debate as a board member of the Nova SBE Debate Club and in volunteer work across several NGOs. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, travelling and exploring new cultures, photography, and playing badminton. Rita views diplomacy as a vital tool to advance cooperation and global development, and is deeply committed to building bridges across nations, a mission she helps young leaders to accomplish as a Delegations Officer at YEL.She holds a degree in Economics and International Relations, and her recent academic achievements further strengthen her profile as a resilient, versatile, and results-driven professional with a clear international vocation.
Roberta is a Master’s student in Global Management and Politics at LUISS Guido Carli University, with academic experiences across Europe, including an exchange semester at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Economics and Management from Bocconi University. Her professional background spans international institutions and policy environments. She has worked with the British Embassy in Rome on economic, social, and trade policy, and with the World Fair Trade Organization – Europe on communication, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement to advance sustainable trade practices. Previously, she served at the European Parliament as an MEP’s Assistant, drafting speeches, supporting legislative work, and conducting policy research. Beyond her professional path, Roberta is deeply engaged in youth leadership and advocacy. She serves as a Youth Ambassador for the ONE Campaign Italy, represented Italy at the World Food Forum Flagship Event, and has been active in associations focused on diplomacy, international cooperation, and behavioral finance. Fluent in Italian and English, with working knowledge of Spanish, Roberta combines policy expertise with strong analytical and communication skills. Her interests lie in public speaking, politics, and international relations, with a focus on collaborative and impact-driven initiatives.
Nafsika Chomatidi is a Shipping graduate with a strong foundation in the maritime industry and a keen eye for structure and strategic planning. With a passion for problem-solving, she thrives on streamlining processes and finding smarter, more efficient ways to work. Currently working in procurement, Nafsika focuses on building strong, lasting partnerships while continuously seeking opportunities for improvement and innovation. Outside of her professional life, Nafsika channels her creativity through singing and acting. A licensed speedboat operator and avid diver, she finds inspiration in exploring
Florian is an economist with a Master’s in Applied Economics from IE University and a Bachelor’s in International Management and Economics from Università Cattolica. He has worked in consulting, venture capital, and auditing. At Plug and Play, he led advisory work across Southern and Eastern Europe to promote entrepreneurship. He also co-founded a fintech startup tackling late payments for SMEs and worked in risk analysis at PwC. Florian was Italy’s Head Delegate at the G7 Youth Summit 2025, leading policy proposals on taxation, demographics, and supply chains. He co-founded the civic education project 'Dire Fare Votare' and supports Officine Italia’s work on public sector reform. Earlier, he was part of the Italian national debate team and later served on the board of the national debate association. He sees economics as a powerful tool to reduce inequality, strengthen democracy, and improve institutions.
Aurora is a student at the Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences at Babeș-Bolyai University and also studies Law at Dimitrie Cantemir University. With four years of debate experience, she has developed strong public speaking, critical thinking, and persuasive communication skills. Aurora is actively involved in organizations such as the European Youth Parliament, ELSA and AIESEC, where she gained hands-on experience in political communication, leadership, and event coordination. As coordinator of the marketing and fundraising department at SSSP NGO, she contributes to strategic partnerships and youth political education. Her academic and extracurricular work reflects a strong interest in international politics, diplomacy, and sustainable development, supported by her engagement in projects like NAPOMUN, SIMPE, and EUROCITIES.
Amalie holds a Bachelor's degree in International Studies from Roskilde University. Throughout her studies, she have explored a broad range of global issues—such as international relations, gender inequality, and migration—all within the context of international politics and economics. In September, Amalie will continue her studies at Roskilde University doing a Master's degree in Global Development. Professionally, she has been working since October 2023 as a Student Assistant in the Operations team at Impact Fund Denmark, the country’s Development Finance Institution. In addition, she volunteers with the European Youth – International Organization department in Copenhagen, where her main role is to support youth engagement initiatives. She is passionate about global collaboration and cultural exchange. Outside of work and studies Amalie loves to travel, having lived abroad in both Tenerife and Brussel.
Aitana is an environmental advocate working at the intersection of environmental protection, policy analysis, and youth leadership. She is deeply committed to contributing to a fair and sustainable future, bringing together her academic training, practical experience, and long-standing dedication to environmental stewardship. Her work is guided by a strong belief in evidence-based policymaking and in the crucial role that young people play in shaping Europe’s environmental agenda. With a background in law and expertise in European climate law, she is committed to biodiversity protection and is currently expanding her knowledge through further studies in environmental toxicology. She has substantive experience in environmental law and policy through her work with SEO/BirdLife, Spain’s longest-standing nature conservation NGO and a key partner within BirdLife International. Most recently, she was selected as one of 100 delegates at the European Youth Energy Forum in Catania, contributing to policy discussions on EU-Mediterranean cooperation. As Operations Officer at YEL, she looks forward to supporting the organisation by fostering smooth coordination and collaboration.
Lilianna Włodarska is a student of International Relations at the University of Warsaw with a strong interest in international organisations, migration, human rights, and cross-cultural communication. She has six years of experience in managing social media content and enjoys exploring how digital platforms can be used to connect people and ideas. Lilianna is particularly interested in children’s rights, a topic she believes deserves greater attention in international discussions. As Communications Officer at YEL, she looks forward to creating inclusive and engaging messaging that reflects the values of young European voices.
Adela Ochotnicki has been part of the Communications officers team since November 2025. She is currently in her second year of law school at Karlstad University in Sweden. As a law student, Adela is passionate about human rights and youth crime prevention. She also has a strong interest in geopolitics. Adela has also engaged in voluntary work as well as youth-leadership at her local church.
Kasia is a Finance Officer at YEL. She has graduated with a BA in Politics and International Relations from Queen Mary University of London in the summer of 2024, where she also worked as a Policy Associate at the Global Policy Institute. She is now onto her Masters at ESCP in MSc Paris in International Business and Diplomacy. She had been an intern at the Polish Embassy in Washington DC, while she was studying at an exchange at George Washington University. She is interested in international dialogue and cooperation, which she engages with as a Member of the Polish Forum of Young Diplomats. She is a globally minded individual, who hopes to facilitate as many opportunities for young people as possible, by working with the Partnerships Team.
Kaan joined YEL as a Finance Officer whilst completing his MSc in Development Management (Political Economy) at the LSE. He holds a First-Class MA (Hons) in Sustainable Development and Sociology from the University of Edinburgh and has been extensively involved in supporting refugees, beginning in Izmir, Türkiye and later through a community-based resettlement non-profit in Edinburgh. He has previously interned with UNICEF in Astana, Kazakhstan, where he worked on MICS data finalisation, contributed to the Situation Analysis and supported ministers (MDDIAI RK) on integrating AI into Targeted Social Assistance systems. He is currently a Graduate Consultant with GIZ, analysing financing strategies for multilateral development banks to support green industrialisation in Africa. Simultaneously, he serves as Student Representative for his cohort at the LSE and has served as Policy Panellist for the Students’ Union. A former national fencing champion, he now enjoys being out in nature, with camping and fishing being his favourite pastimes.
Panagiota is a Finance Officer at YEL. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Macedonia and works in private equity and venture capital. She has also gained experience at the European Investment Bank in Luxembourg, contributing to projects with a strong social and economic impact. In addition, she serves as a McKinsey Forward Ambassador, fostering leadership and professional development among young professionals. Previously, she was Treasurer of the European Youth Parliament Greece, actively promoting youth engagement and participation. Passionate about international affairs, sustainable development, and youth empowerment, Panagiota is committed to strengthening YEL’s mission of connecting young leaders with decision-makers across Europe and beyond.
Ramona is a graduate student in “Global Politics and Euro-Mediterranean Relations”, with a background in “Intercultural and Linguistic Mediation” and a strong commitment to youth participation, international cooperation and European civic engagement. She has experience in European-level initiatives, including participation in the European Youth Event (EYE) in Strasbourg, and long-term volunteering in cultural heritage preservation (FAI, Fondo Ambiente Italiano). Her academic and professional interests focus on EU governance, public diplomacy, transnational cooperation, with particular attention to community-building and youth participation in policy processes, supported by a solid multilingual background and experience in international environments.
Andreea is a student of European Studies and International Relations, passionate about European affairs, European governance, diplomacy, and human rights. Her academic journey at Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca has strengthened her interest in democratic processes and the role of European institutions in shaping inclusive policies. Her commitment to continuous learning is reflected in her involvement in European project development and institutional work within both academic and practical settings. Outside academia, Andreea is actively engaged in youth-led organizations and leadership roles. She currently serves as Director of the Projects Department within the United Nations Youth Association of Romania (UN Youth Cluj), where she coordinates strategic initiatives and leads project teams with a strong focus on impact and youth empowerment. She has also gained hands-on experience in public administration through internships at local and county-level institutions. Her dedication to civic involvement is further reflected in her work with Europe Direct Cluj-Napoca, where she collaborates with schools to inform and encourage citizens— especially young people—to actively engage in civic and democratic processes. Through her involvement with Young European Leadership, Andreea seeks to amplify young people’s voices and contribute to more balanced and inclusive decision-making processes, ensuring that youth have a meaningful seat at the table.
Jere Oikarainen is a master’s student in European Studies at Lund University in Sweden with an academic background in International Relations and French Language from the University of Tartu in Estonia. He is particularly interested in European cooperation, youth engagement, and international affairs, and he is also motivated to expand his knowledge of the French language. Jere has gained experience in community building, event coordination, and institutional work through roles with the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Association of Estonia, including organizing a youth conference and supporting stakeholder communication. As Community Building Officer at YEL, he is dedicated to connecting young leaders across Europe and fostering inclusive and meaningful partnerships.