Maria Salabasheva
Journalist and classical musician with two Master’s degrees obtained in Bulgaria and the US. Maria is a person with cross-cultural experience and an interdisciplinary approach. Among her experience in the youth sector is an annual Internet security training for children, jointly implemented with the Municipality of Burgas and the Local Commission for Prevention of Antisocial Behavior of Minors.
The team
The implementation of Burgas International Youth Center would not be possible without active teamwork and dedication. Here are the people who have embraced the mission to turn the IYC into the “place” where young people can freely express themselves and manifest their needs.
Maria Nedeva
Maria is a graduate journalist currently studying for a master's degree in Human Resources and Organizational Psychology. She has professional experience in the services sector and the labor market. She believes that her vocation is connected with working with people. She loves the performing arts, music, and sports, and the focus of the activities she leads is in these areas.
Anelia Asenova
Anelia has Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (BSW) from Burgas Free University. She has experience as a team manager which enforced her communication skills and decision-making. Anelia is happy to be part of the International Youth Center's team because she is dedicated to help young people in their educational and social development.
Hristo Dimitrov
Christo has experience as a class teacher and history teacher in English and French. He also completed a master's degree in the same field. He led a "Fantasy and LARP" school club. He has interests in youth theatre, outdoor activities, historical reenactments, and student government.
He has extensive professional experience in various fields, which helps him to be a mentor to young people looking for their future vocation.
Rusen Gigov
Rusen obtained a doctoral degree in Social, Economic, and Legal Sciences from the University "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov" in Burgas. He possesses a broad practical experience and in recent years has directed his efforts towards teaching. His interests include financial technologies, digitization of the economy, and informal education, strongly believing in the potential of the young people of Burgas.
Zhulieta Ivanova
Julieta is originally from Burgas but for the last 7 years she's studied and worked in Sofia. Julieta is an artistic person focused on young people's career development, non-verbal communication, and community building. The main reason for Julieta to become a youth worker is her desire to be part of a team dedicated to transform Burgas into a more lively space full of young people.
Maria Popcheva
A philologist, a master of economics, and a resident of Burgas. She says the latter is most precious to her. Fate leads her to radio, where she has worked as a journalist for 5 years. She shares that there she rediscovers our city and sees that it is filled with many talented young people who enrich it daily and are worth being seen and heard.
Georgi Atanasov
Georgi is a certified elementary school teacher who is currently developing in the youth sector while also working as a social educator. He has solid experience in the NGO sector, having been a volunteer, mentor, and coordinator in several youth organizations for a long time. To this day, Georgi continues to be a creative individual and has formed a volunteer and dance/folklore group in his hometown.
Mihail Kolev
Mihail graduated Burgas Free University as a Master in Strategic communications and Media management. He is website content writer with good communication skills, which allows him to interact with people of all areas of life. Mihail is an experienced organizer of all kinds of cultural, sport and health-related events.
Olga Vihristiuk
Olga has completed her bachelor's degree in Kazakhstan in the field of "Social Pedagogy and Self-Knowledge," where she began to engage in youth policies. She earned her master's degree at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" in the field of "International Relations and Security Issues." For the last 4 years, she has been a doctoral student at the University "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov" in Burgas. Her interests include public opinion in the economic process, the oil and gas sector, volunteering, international relations, and psychology. She believes that young people are a key factor in the development of a country.
Project team
Stanislav Mаzhgalov
Design Engineer. Director of the Burgas Museum of Aviation since 2016. Stanislav has extensive experience in the non-governmental youth sector. He has served as Deputy Chairman of the “Youth Voice” National Association since 2018.
Maria Burulyanova
Senior Expert, Burgas Municipality Strategic Development Department since 2011. Maria holds a Master’s degree in Political Strategies and Communications from the University of Kent, Brussels. She has relevant experience in the preparation and implementation of European projects, financed by European structural and investment funds, as well as other financial instruments.
Katya Delchilova
Head Manager, Burgas Youth Cultural Center. Master of Ecology and Environmental Protection. Katya has over 10 years of experience and expertise in the implementation of cultural projects, events, and festivals.