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Karina Angelieva

Former Deputy Minister for Innovation and Growth, Government of Bulgaria

Karina Angelieva is a former Counselor, Head of Sector Education and Research at the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Bulgaria to the EU. She holds Master degrees in European integration and in Contemporary History from Sofia University 'St. Kliment Ohridski'. Previous positions held include Director-General of Structural Funds and International Educational Programs at the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science and Director of the Joint Innovation Centre at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (JIC – BAS). Ms. Angelieva is a founder of the Club of Young Scientists in Bulgaria and has been in charge of the coordination of National contact points' network for the EU Framework Program for Research and Innovation for 10 years. On 1 September 2018 she was appointed Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Bulgaria.
As a longtime employee of the Ministry of Education and Science in the period 2002-2009, Ms. Angelieva was involved in the coordination of the 6th EU Framework Program for Research and Technological Development, overseeing the national contact network, organising information days and training for representatives of academic and business sector to boost their participation in the program. Karina Angelieva was the head of projects under the PHARE program on the topic of overall modernisation of the research system in Bulgaria. She provided analysis and recommendations for the introduction of modern European practices in program financing on a national level. Ms. Angelieva participated in various working groups, including the group tasked with the preparation of the National Charter for SMEs and of the methodology for the Technology Transfer centers and evaluation of innovations in Bulgaria as a preparation for the participation in the OP "Competitiveness".
Karina Angelieva has extensive expertise and practical experience in the field of research and innovation, including the coordination, preparation and management of projects related to the development and deployment of new applications and services in the field of technology transfer, inter-sectoral partnership 'industry-academy' and others. As a former director of the JIC at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), she led the innovation policy of the Academy and contributed to the establishment of an effective cooperation between BAS and the industrial sector. She also guided the participation of JIC in the Bulgarian consortium of Enterprise Europe Network.
Deputy Minister Angelieva is a member of the Commission Board of the Bulgarian-American Commission for Educational Exchange (Bulgarian Fulbright Commission). She is devoted to promoting science communication in Bulgaria and has been the driving force behind the success of the 31st EU Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS) held Sofia in 2019. On her initiative the Bulgarian Science Portal was launched in 2019 as a step towards defragmenting the science information and communication landscape on a national level.

Participating in the "Generative AI: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead" panel at the European Leadership Academy was a truly transformative experience. Meeting 29 incredible young women from diverse backgrounds was both humbling and inspiring. The Academy showed me firsthand the immense impact that can be achieved when young women are given the right opportunities and a platform to grow. I left the Academy feeling more empowered and optimistic than ever.

Maro Manoli

CEO & Co-Founder, E-mbracelet

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It may sound cliché, but the best part of the European Leadership Academy were the caring and passionate people who contributed to it, after the end of the European Leadership Academy, I now feel the most confident and passionate that I have ever been. Importantly, the program was completely free of charge, as an ambitious young woman whose family has always struggled financially, the European Leadership academy was a dream come true in many ways.

Veronika Anna Denner

Student. Represented Austria at the 2024 Summer School in Warsaw

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This transformative journey has prepared me for anything life may throw my way. What touched me most was the opportunity to connect with girls who, like me, share the same dreams yet are wonderfully diverse. They truly inspired me in countless ways. I learned so much about myself throughout this process; the school has impacted every facet of my identity, teaching me self-confidence and the imporance of colaborartions with others.

Lara Markelj

Student. Represented Slovenia at the 2024 Summer School in Warsaw

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I knew that the Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age was going to be an incredible experience but I didn't expect it to be life-changing! With a jam-packed week full of both interesting and challenging discussions, panels, masterclasses & workshops, I left each day feeling inspired and invigorated. I would encourage any young woman interested to apply regardless of your background and experiences - the European Leadership Academy provides an environment for all young women to thrive in.

Amy Calleja

Student. Represented Malta at the 2022 Summer School in Prague

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Sisterhood, support and inspiration are just some of the aspects that we have experienced! The European Leadership Academy is an exceptional and priceless program which opened our horizons for the future. For me, one of the best characteristics of the program was its holistic approach. The range of speakers and experts was extraordinary just as their kindness and openness to answer our questions and connect with us.

Katharina Hertel

Student. Represented Germany at the 2022 Summer School in Prague

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