ROMANIAN UNITED FUND (RUF) - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the RUF Core Team
- Tech Support / Events
Adina Sandu Founding Angel Tech Support/Events Founding Member Volunteer Graduated from UIC, College of Business, with a degree in finance and works as a Digital Manager at Mainland. Fun facts: prefers a camera, unable to make a choice between hiking a mountain or walking in the sand, an incurable optimist.
Job Titles:
- Teacher
- Member of the Board of Directors of the Jewish United Fund
Alex Turik is a member of the Board of Directors of the Jewish United Fund and the immediate past Chairman of JUF's Russian Jewish Division Advisory Board and one of the founders of RJD.
Job Titles:
- Branding Expert, Strategy Consultant
Job Titles:
- Member of the Full Time & Part - Time Staff
- Human Resources
Amalia Fret is hosting Volunteer Connect 2024 21 days ago
Irina Pop is a civil society professional who has worked for over 12 years with Romanian and international NGOs in areas including community development, grantmaking, advocacy, and coalition building.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Advisors
- Management Executive
Beatrice is a management executive with many years of significant achievement in general and sales strategic management in different business entities. She is a results-driven leader known for rescuing problematic areas and made them profitable, especially during a crisis period. Innovative and highly effective strategic thinker with a pragmatic approach to execution. A recognized pathfinder due to the ability to generate new ideas, develop unique strategies and implement them successfully. Strong analytical thinker and talented to reconnect employees with the company's core values.
Beatrice is a cross-cultural experienced professional able to adapt quickly to new environments as well as pushing forward the necessary changes.
Beatrice is the Community Selling & Strategy Director for Eastern Europe at Yves Rocher. She joined the Romanian United Fund Board of Advisors in November 2019.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Alliances and Program Development
Chris Worman lived in Romania between 2005 and 2013, first with Peace Corps, then starting the Odorheiu Secuiesc Community Foundation and later TechSoup Romania. Chris now lives in Oakland, CA and leads program development and alliances at TechSoup.
The founder and CEO of Optimus Realty Inc, Cristian strongly believes in the power of charity to improve people's lives and change the mentalities and hopes of the less fortunate ones. Cristian is acting Treasurer of RUF.
Job Titles:
- Member of the RUF Core Team
Job Titles:
- Co - Director
- Vice President
- Co - Director of the Data Science Institute
Dan Nicolae serves as Faculty co-Director of the Data Science Institute and the Committee on Data Science at the University of Chicago and Professor, Departments of Statistics, Human Genetics and Medicine.
He obtained his Ph.D. in Statistics from The University of Chicago in 1999 and has held visiting positions at deCode Genetics in Iceland, University of Oxford and UCLA.
In 2018, Dan Nicolae, in partnership with The Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, organized the first Data Science International Summer School in Predeal, Romania, an ongoing yearly project. The goal of the Summer School is to familiarize students with relevant state-of-the-art topics such as machine learning, data analytics and statistics, text processing, data management, and visualization.
Born in Craiova, Romania, he graduated from the local high school "Nicolae Bălcescu", where he discovered his passion for Mathematics, a science which brought him Olympic glory - he won three national prizes.
He married his wife, researcher Raluca Nicolae, during faculty years. They have two daughters and show great interest in supporting, as donors, educational projects destined to empower young women.
Dan Nicolae serves as the Faculty co-Director of the Data Science Institute and the Committee on Data Scienceat the University of Chicago and is a Professor in the Departments of Statistics, Human Genetics, and Medicine. His research interests are in the
Dana Bucin was named the "Attorney of the Year" in Connecticut, USA in 2019 and Top 100 Romanians Worldwide by Newsweek Romania. Dana also serves as the Honorary Consul of Romania to Connecticut since 2018. www.facebook.com/ImmigrationDanaBucin @danabucin
Daniela Kammrath, RUF's ED, is an experienced marketing and business development consultant, with entrepreneurial, nonprofit, and fundraising experience. She believes in doing good, empowering women, and the power of example.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Full Time & Part - Time Staff
- Diaspora Development Director - RUF
As the Director of Diaspora Development, I am deeply committed to the mission and vision of Romanian United Foundation (RUF), aiming to strengthen the Romanian diaspora and create lasting bonds that circle back to our roots in Romania. This journey is not just a professional endeavor for me; it's a personal mission that nourishes my soul, ensures my children grow up with a robust Romanian identity, and contributes to the flourishing of our beloved country. In this role, I have the distinct honor of connecting with incredible Romanians worldwide, inviting them to join our vibrant ecosystem. Through these connections, we not only celebrate our rich heritage but also lay the foundation for a future where the Romanian diaspora actively contributes to our homeland's growth and prosperity. It's a role that fills me with pride, as each conversation and each new member brought into our fold signifies a step towards realizing our collective dreams for Romania and its people, no matter where we might find ourselves in the world
Job Titles:
- Scientist, Author and Actor
Dr. Marius Stan is a physicist and doctor of chemistry, specialized in computer modeling of complex phenomena using artificial intelligence. He was a Principal Investigator at the Argonne Research Institute and an Associate Professor at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University.
In 2021 he retired early to devote himself to writing. He is working on a book on human and artificial intelligence and a novel, both in English. He is also working on a collection of stories in Romanian. Marius has published numerous articles and scientific books as well as short prose and poems in literary magazines in Romania and the USA. He is a member of the Society of Midland Authors. You may also recognize him as Bogdan, the Romanian character from the TV series Breaking Bad. Marius and his wife Liliana live in Chicago. They have two adult children who speak Romanian well.
Marius is internationally recognized as one of the founders of computer simulation of complex phenomena. He was Principal Investigator at the Argonne Laboratory and an Associate Professor at the Univ. of Chicago and Northwestern University.
Job Titles:
- Founding Angel, Member of the Board of Directors
Since 2007, George has been acting as the Honorary Consul of Romania at the Honorary Consulate of Romania in San Francisco.
George is an Honorary Senator of the University Babes Bolyai in Cluj, Romania.
George is the Subject Matter Expert of the Document Understanding vertical at UiPath. He is also the Honorary Consul of Romania at the Honorary Consulate of Romania in San Francisco and Honorary Senator of the University Babes Bolyai in Cluj, Romania.
"I am fascinated by the idea of RUF. Mihai and his exceptional team created not only this organization but a MOVEMENT, that will unify the efforts of the Romanian Diaspora to help Romania in the most efficient way! The timing was exceptional, now RUF proves that the work that is being done has a major impact in the current unprecedented situation. That is why I am honored to serve on this board and help as much as I can in this noble endeavor"
George was born in Cluj, Romania. He graduated with an MS in Mathematics and Computer Science from the "Babes Bolyai" University in Cluj in 1980. His career started at the Cluj Territorial Center for Computation (CTCE) where he worked in Computer Assisted Design until 1991 when he emigrated to the U.S. George is a Citizen of the United States of America.
During his early years in the U.S., he worked as a Software Architect on numerous projects for large financial institutions and was the Lead Architect of SUMS (Security Universe
Job Titles:
- Member of the Full Time & Part - Time Staff
- Chief Engagement Officer
Georgiana is bringing extensive experience in Communication & Marketing gained from her previous roles as a journalist in the biggest media trust in Romania and coordinator of international campaigns for well-established clients at Ogilvy and Grey G2.
Job Titles:
- Member / Board of Directors
Ioana is an attorney with Taft Stettinius & Hollister. She focuses her practice on commercial litigation matters. She has guided her clients in complex commercial litigation in federal and state courts, at both the trial and appellate levels.
Ioana is an attorney and human rights activist, dedicating her time to developing early childhood education, offering pro bono legal services to economically disadvantaged immigrants and survivors of domestic violence.
Job Titles:
- Board of Advisors
- Communications Officer at European Commission, RUF Board of Advisors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Full Time & Part - Time Staff
- Member of the RUF Core Team
- RUF Core Team Member, ROCO Events Team Coordinator, "Trips to Romania" Program Manager
I am proud to coordinate the 2023 Trips to Transylvania RUF program. To contact me directly, simply use the Facebook button and write to me on messenger.
Julia is an expert in economic and workforce development emphasizing the importance of creating synergies between businesses, local administration and various communities. She has worked with multiple international organizations providing Business Development and market entry strategy to drive sustainable and profitable growth. Julia has applied her expertise to increase the participation of international companies in U.S. trade missions to facilitate economic growth. She has merged her passion for entrepreneurship and community development to help non-profit organizations grow their initiatives.
Julia is an expert in economic and workforce development. She has an MBA in Entrepreneurship and she currently works as Program Manager at the National Cybersecurity Center in Colorado Springs.
Job Titles:
- Member of the KPMG KNOW NYO Leadership Council
Job Titles:
- Board of Directors
- Founder & CEO, Image Factory
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder of Asociatia OvidiuRo
- President at the Alex Fund
Former Peace Corps volunteer to Romania, Leslie Hawke is the co-founder of Asociatia OvidiuRo, the Agency for Early Education, and founder of The Alex Fund, a US nonprofit that supports education reform in Romania.
Leslie Hawke, former Peace Corps volunteer to Romania, is the co-founder of Asociatia OvidiuRo, the Agency for Early Education, and founder of The Alex Fund, a US nonprofit that supports education reform in Romania. In the 20 years she spent in Romania, she had a pivotal role in transforming the conversation about early education in the country, as well as introducing the impactful way high profile individuals can support charitable organizations. She now serves on the Leadership Council of the Brookings Center for Universal Education.
Job Titles:
- Member of the RUF Core Team
- Secretary of the Board, CEO of MDL Investments
Ligia Apostoaia Founding Angel Board of Directors Secretary of the Board, CEO of MDL Investments Founding Member Volunteer Teacher Ligia's charity involvement began at a very young age, helping her family foundation with the distribution of humanitarian aid to the families in need in the area immediately. Today she continues to do what she is most passionate about: doing good. @Ligia_Chicago
His beliefs about a Global Romania come from his father that talked about "Romanirea omenirii". Liviu is an entrepreneur, a life long learner, a business advisor and a father of two great boys. Please connect on LinkedIn to know more.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Full Time & Part - Time Staff
- Excellence Center Director, Ottawa ( Canada )
Marina lives in Gatineau with her husband, two children and their dog. Her hope is that she can make a difference by her involvement in the support of Romanians everywhere so that one day her kids can look back and think she was a good person.
Job Titles:
- Member of the RUF Core Team
- Community Partners Director
- Social Worker and Co - Founder of Spera Foundation
Mihaela is a social worker and co-founder of Spera Foundation, a nonprofit that provides educational opportunities for underprivileged children in Romania. She is also serving as an Educational Programs Advisor for SPOC Charity.
Job Titles:
- Founder
- Member of the Full Time & Part - Time Staff
- President
- Owner of MDL Investments
Mihai is the Owner of MDL Investments, a real-estate and VC family-office with a focus on emerging technologies, including fintech, biotech and crypto. In 2020 Mihai resigned his business roles to run RUF, and in 2022 he was elected as President of FORA.
Job Titles:
- Member of the RUF Core Team
- Founding Member, Reporting Officer, VP of Fundraising
Miruna Zamfirescu Founding Angel Founding Member, Reporting Officer, VP of Fundraising Founding Member Volunteer Originally from Bistrita, Miruna earned her BA in Economics from the University of Illinois at Chicago and has built her career in the financial markets as an algorithmic trader/quantitative analyst. @fmiruna
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Ratiu Family Charitable Foundation, RUF Board of Advisors
- Chairman of the Ratiu Family Foundation
Nicolae Ratiu is Chairman of the Ratiu Family Foundation est. 1979 in London. Mr. Ratiu supported 2000+ Romanian students in the UK, the Ion Ratiu Chair of Romanian Studies at Georgetown, the Ion Ratiu Democracy Award, Ion Ratiu Journalism Award, Elisabeth Ratiu Mental Health Award and annual programs supporting civil society and human rights.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Full Time & Part - Time Staff
- Member of the RUF Core Team
- Executive Director of ROCO
- ROCO Executive Director
Oana is the Executive Director of ROCO. Prior to this role, she was one of the most active volunteers. She believes in the strength of our community, in doing good things, and in leaving something worthwhile behind.
Job Titles:
- Member of the RUF Core Team
- Honorary Member of ROCO, Gala Fundraising Committee Chair
Job Titles:
- Member of the RUF Core Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the RUF Core Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the RUF Core Team
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant
- Member of the Full Time & Part - Time Staff
- Executive Assistant / Staff
Originally I'm from Romania, I came to the US in 2013 having a bachelor degree in Economics but I decided to start from zero and I made the decision to start studying nursing but chose not to pursue the degree, the reason being that the job opportunities I wanted weren't available to me. Being in the situation where again I had to switch careers and also from curiosity, I bought a book called "Learn Python the Hard Way". Quickly I realized that I loved being able to see the results of my work after some struggle and I just loved the feeling of being proud of yourself when you succeed to implement something by coding, this also being the reason why I decided to pursue a bootcamp education.
Job Titles:
- RUF Core Team Member, ROCO Events Team Coordinator, "Trips to Romania" Program Manager
- Team Member, ROCO Events Team Coordinator, "Trips to Romania" Program Manager
I've been volunteering for RUF and Via Transilvanica for a long time, and I absolutely love. I am currently organizing the RUF & Via Transilvanica trips to Romania every year.
I am proud to coordinate the 2023 Trips to Transylvania RUF program. To contact me directly, simply use the Facebook button and write to me on messenger.
Job Titles:
- Member of the RUF Core Team
- Director of Volunteer Engagement, Owner at Metromed Advanced Skincare
With a formal background in Early Childhood Education and Economics, Tamara advocates a proper and affordable education as the key to developing the future of our society.
Job Titles:
- Corporate / Private Capital Partner
Ted Cominos is Corporate / Private Capital partner with the Global-10 law firm, Eversheds-Sutherland.
Job Titles:
- Member of the RUF Core Team
- Chapter Lead, Supporter of ROCO