We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff, who are the driving force behind our daily progress. We are equally proud and appreciative of our selfless volunteers who make a significant impact.
* As President of the organization, Mihai Lehene is not taking a salary, but he is still engaged full-time in building RUF.
Mihai Lehene
Founding Angel
Board of Directors
Founder, Romanian United Foundation
Founder
Volunteer (full)
Teacher
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.
Diana Gini serves as Chief Growth Officer at RUF, where she is deeply committed to strengthening the Romanian diaspora community. She is also a Founding Angel and RUF Ambassador to Madrid for the organization.
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.
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.
Irina Nedeljkovic
Member
RUF Core Team Member, ROCO Events Team Coordinator, "Trips To Romania" Program Manager
Staff
I am a dedicated member of the Romanian United Foundation (RUF) Core Team, I'm serving as the "Trips to Romania" Program Manager. Born and raised in Romania, I immigrated to the United States in 2006 at the age of 23.
At RUF, I coordinate annual Trips to
Originally from Romania, I relocated to the US in 2013 with a Bachelor's degree in Economics. Currently, I serve as the administrative expert at RUF, where I handle all accounting and administrative issues. I have a passion for teaching young children.
Finance professional with more than 12 years of experience in sustainable/impact investment
I have been living in Amsterdam, Netherlands for 15 years. I have experience in the hospitality industry and Human Resources Specialist. I collaborate with Rompro Foundation Netherlands, RoBoost Romania and RUF. My passion is organizing events and fairs.
Anca Beek
Staff
I am a collaborative and results-driven person with the capability of combining my hands-on approach with my consultative skills.
Experienced Fundraising Professional and non-profit strategist with 18 years of experience in the European and US fields. I teach fundraisers how to organize their 1st fundraising campaign. I lived, studied and worked in Silicon Valley for 9 years.
Adriana Preda is the CEO of The Social Incubator, a Romanian nonprofit supporting vulnerable youth's social and professional development, and the first Romanian Obama Foundation Scholar for 2023-2024.
Alexandra Elena Zodian
Staff
Alexandra has 13 years of experience in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry. She graduated from the University of Westminster in London with a First Degree in Business and Tourism.
Robert is passionate about cultural exchange and social impact. He has a background in bridging cultural gaps and fostering positive change through civil society and NGOs, and he previously worked at Impact Hub Bucharest.
