ECoD Team

Helfried Carl,
Founder

Helfried is Founder of and Advisory Board Member at the European Capital of Democracy initiative and a Board Member at the Innovation in Politics Institute. In his career as a diplomat, he has acted as Chief of Cabinet of the President of the Austrian Parliament and Austrian Ambassador to Slovakia.

Mathis Dippon,Democracy Year Manager

Mathis is responsible for the Democracy Year and all related activities and cooperations. He is an expert on civic participation on the local and regional level. He also manages an international network of mayors. He holds a master’s degree in Public Professional Decision Making (University of Bremen) and a bachelor’s degree in Politics and Public Administration (University of Constance).

Marta Fraschetti
Junior Project Manager

Marta is pursuing a degree in Political, Legal, and Governmental studies at Central European University. Beginning her career as a project assistant in the European Capital of Democracy, Marta now focuses on community management and participant relations within the Innovation in Politics Awards.

Elene Gagnidze,
Project Officer

Elene has a background of practical experience within the legal field. She has extended her academic horizons by attaining a second Master’s degree in Human Rights in Vienna, gaining professional insights at the International Institute for Peace. Additionally, she directs her democracy research efforts toward Eastern Europe, the Balkans, as well as the South and North Caucasus.

Dunja Ganser, Compliance & Safeguarding Officer

Dunja is a versatile expert in project development and management. Bringing new ideas to life, acting as an experienced guide through this process and understanding each target group’s hope and wishes are the main tasks she carried out in various fields – the arts world, policy-making & media projects.

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Miriam Hargašova,
Head of Awards & Project Manager

Miriam has a background in political science and international relations, coupled with practical experience in public affairs and communication. She leads the annual Innovation in Politics Awards and manages the ACT NOW Mayors’ Conference — initiatives dedicated to fostering collaboration and driving positive change.  

Adela King,
Intern

After obtaining her BA Degree in Culture, Politics, and Society from Central European University, Adela is now pursuing a MSc in Comparative Politics and Conflict at the London School of Economics and Political Science. During her university studies, Adela has interned with multiple organisations and is particularly interested in topics such as multiculturalism and social trust.

Ramona Razaghmanesh, Communication Manager

Ramona combines a passion for social media and photography. She has worked as a Social Media Manager and Community Manager for different organisations. Earlier in her career, Ramona completed a degree in Communication Design, which has given her a diverse perspective on the creative field.

Stefan Sindelar,
CEO

Stefan started his professional career in media and technology, entered politics for the launch of NEOS, serving as Director of the Parliamentary Group and Managing Director of the party. His work experience includes various settings: from NPOs and start-ups to companies and politics, with a strong focus on building, growing and developing disruptive products.

Laura Thomas, European City Network Manager

Laura is the Innovation in Politics Institute’s Country Representative in the UK and leads the ECoD call for cities, as well as City Network meetings and events. She has worked as an English language teacher. Prior to this, Laura gained a Master’s in Global Health from Copenhagen University which enabled her to view global issues through a multidisciplinary lens.

Tijana Zherajikj,
Call & Fundraising Coordinator

Tijana has a background in International Relations and Public Policy. Her professional journey began in Prague, where she worked as a researcher focusing on EU foreign policy. She completed a Master’s in International Public Affairs in Vienna, specializing in policy analysis, legal developments within the EU, human rights, and Balkan accession. Currently, Tijana works as a fundraising coordinator at ECoD.