Candidates for the Election of Member Chair to the JA Europe Board

Based on my global experience of a leading entrepreneur, passion about education and my own philanthropy, I believe it will be a great contribution and value to the European JA board of directors.

JA Europe has built an incredible ecosystem where national organizations collaborate, share knowledge, and grow together. But within this network, one group holds even more untapped potential – the 400 board members across 42 nations. Each of them brings unique expertise, ideas, and connections that could further strengthen JA.

The key lies in ensuring that board members have the right space to exchange insights, learn from one another, and turn shared experiences into meaningful action. As a JA Europe board member, my role will be to support this process – to listen, connect, and help bring the voices of national board members into shaping JA’s future.

MY FOCUS AREAS:
Strengthening the ONE EUROPE vision by enhancing collaboration among national boards.
Activating board members as a connected network to share knowledge and opportunities.
Amplifying national boards’ voices in JA Europe’s strategy and decision-making.

I am here to listen, collaborate, and take action. If you have ideas, thoughts, or simply want to connect—reach out anytime. Let’s discuss your ideas and make sure they are heard at the European level.

I offer unwavering commitment, supported by an extensive professional track record and a deep involvement with JA Greece. My heartfelt dedication to JA’s global campaign—championing entrepreneurship rooted in strong, core values—is the cornerstone of my candidacy. Over the years, I have built a record of excellence that spans both my professional career and my active role with JA at national and regional levels.

Throughout my career, I have consistently delivered superior results, evidenced by my continuous progression and impactful contributions to JA initiatives. I have had the privilege of working alongside CEOs, government ministers, and other key decision-makers. This unparalleled access has enabled me to secure not only essential financial resources but also vital political support for JA. By engaging directly with top-tier leadership, I have effectively positioned JA’s initiatives for success, ensuring our programs receive the attention and backing they need to flourish.

My day-to-day involvement with JA is characterized by boundless energy, enthusiasm, and a proactive spirit. Serving as a volunteer mentor and coach, I have had the unique opportunity to interact directly with students and witness firsthand the transformative power of entrepreneurship education. These interactions continuously fuel my passion and reaffirm my belief in the potential of every young mind. I am convinced that by empowering students with entrepreneurial skills, we can drive sustainable, positive change in our communities and beyond.

In addition to my direct work with students, my professional journey has allowed me to cultivate lifelong relationships with successful entrepreneurs. These relationships have not only enriched my personal experience but also provided invaluable insights that I channel back into supporting JA’s mission. My robust network of professionals—coupled with a deep understanding of business dynamics—has been instrumental in securing significant funding contributions to JA Greece and driving our initiatives forward.

I approach my role with a strategic mindset, aligning my efforts with JA’s broader vision of creating an ecosystem where entrepreneurship can thrive. My strategic initiatives have resulted in impactful programs, increased financial support, and enhanced political backing. I am committed to building on these successes and ensuring that JA remains at the forefront of entrepreneurial education, inspiring the next generation of leaders with every interaction.

Moreover, my contributions extend beyond immediate results. I actively work to forge partnerships, nurture talent, and build bridges between the business community and our educational initiatives. This holistic approach not only reinforces JA’s reputation but also drives sustainable progress that benefits all stakeholders involved. My commitment is not just to short-term gains but to a long-term vision where entrepreneurial spirit and solid values lead to meaningful societal transformation.

In summary, my unwavering dedication, proven leadership, and strategic access to key decision-makers uniquely position me to further JA’s mission. I bring a legacy of excellence enriched by years of professional success and a deep-seated passion for fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students. I am confident that my continued involvement will drive JA’s global agenda forward, creating lasting, positive change that resonates locally and globally. I stand ready to leverage my experience, network, and passion to elevate JA’s impact and help shape a brighter future for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.

Through my long association with JAs Sweden (UngFöretagsamhet) I have seen the immence benefits our entrepreneurial programs give to both individuals and the society as a whole. One of our long term goals in Sweden is to enroll half of each new generation in our company program (approx 35% at present) and I would love the opportunity to work on an European level to help advocate, advance and develop our common efforts to reach an ever incresing proportion of European youth.

With a career rooted in strategic marketing, communication, and a steadfast commitment to corporate social responsibility, I am eager to bring my expertise and passion for community development to this esteemed role.

As the current Head of the Marketing and Communications in PwC Cyprus, I have successfully developed and executed strategic marketing plans that encompass branding, advertising, online marketing, public relations, and crisis management. My ability to align these initiatives with organizational goals has consistently driven impactful results. Furthermore, my role as the Director of the PwC Foundation has allowed me to merge professional expertise with volunteering, focusing on Education & Culture, Youth Entrepreneurship, and Offering our Hearts & Minds. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to supporting local communities and fostering positive societal change. I am truly inspired by JA Europe’s mission to prepare young people for employment and entrepreneurship. As JA Member Chair, I am committed to fostering educational opportunities and empowering the next generation of leaders. I envision leveraging my skills in strategic communication and community engagement to enhance JA Europe’s initiatives, ensuring they reach and impact a broader audience.

In conclusion, I am dedicated to contributing to JA Europe’s success and societal betterment. I am eager to embrace this opportunity to work alongside a team equally passionate about making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve. Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to JA Europe’s continued growth and success.

It is with a big responsibility that I, Martin Mata, Co-CEO of Albanian American Development Foundation, apply to become a Board Member of Junior Achievement (JA) Europe as Chairman of Board of Directors of JA of Albania.

I want to serve the JA community in Europe with my career, expertise, knowledge and network in business, philanthropic and development sectors that have transformed the reality of education, entrepreneurship, cultural heritage and innovation in Albania in the last 25 years.

Serving as Chairman, is one of my biggest rewarding and challenging roles, amongst serving in dozens of Boards in Albania and abroad. To bring the JA model to Albania, it has been a challenging journey, worth every effort and every single cent of + 8 million dollars invested since 2012 and ongoing, to present, pilot and instill fifteen JAA education modules in the Albanian preuniversity curricula.

Leading its board, and mentoring the leadership of a small organization, that in 2013 was serving only to 50 high schools of the country with 2 JAA modules, and seeing now 3 times Model National Organization; the only one in a network of over 100 JA organization worldwide to achieve 100% penetration of all the education system in Albania; a consolidated team that today serves to every young Albanian from the preschool to university, to more than accredited 9000 teachers of three levels of education; seeing an accredited agency for teachers’ continuous professional development of EdFin and entrepreneurship, innovation and growth, count as some of the proudest moments of my professional contribution.

During these years, I’ve witnessed the incredible growth of JA Europe itself, rising above challenges and being discovered as the best kept secret in European landscape of education organizations and experienced the highest pride moments of having JA Worldwide being nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize.

All of the above are just milestones for further challenges that rise ahead, in the era of education’s transformative power, digitalization of education while preserving the undeniable values at the core of humanity, avalanching regional and political changes in the political and economic development scenarios of a fast pace changing world.

The agility of JA Europe in the last few years, in identifying and facing these challenges, understanding the pulse of European and global challenges toward transformation, has made it a high trusted partner of EU institutions and global companies, while putting first the interest of young people all across the continent, inspiring and preparing them to succeed in an everchanging world.
The ultimate foundation behind my candidacy is the honor and responsibility to serve this Board in full alignment with JA Europe’s vision and strategic pillars, valuing diversity and proactively challenging for the sustainability and growth of JA Europe and its extraordinary influential network.

As the Chairperson of JA Malta and a passionate advocate for youth entrepreneurship, I have had the privilege of contributing to the organisation’s mission at the grassroots level. My background as a self-employed business advisor with a focus on business growth, organisational design, and talent management provides a strong foundation for supporting the international strategy and objectives of this esteemed organisation.

Over the years, I have gained comprehensive experience in advising businesses and corporate professionals on navigating complex challenges, particularly in areas related to scaling operations, optimising structures, and enhancing talent development. I have worked with Boards to design effective strategies, assess board performance, and align organisational goals with actionable plans. This expertise in strategic leadership, organisational effectiveness, and business growth aligns well with the overarching mission of JA to empower youth entrepreneurs globally.

My involvement in the JA Malta has given me valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by young entrepreneurs, especially in emerging markets. I have worked closely with youth to foster entrepreneurial mindsets, drive innovation, and equip them with the tools they need to succeed in a fast-changing global economy. This hands-on experience, combined with my professional background, positions me to contribute meaningfully to the international board in advancing the organisation’s strategic priorities.

I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to influence the organisation’s global initiatives, including capacity building, advocacy for youth entrepreneurship, and creating impactful partnerships with key stakeholders. I firmly believe that, as an international board member, I can bring a diverse perspective, grounded in both local realities and global trends, to guide the organisation towards its long-term goals.
Furthermore, my collaborative leadership style and ability to engage with diverse stakeholders would support the international board in strengthening governance, enhancing transparency, and ensuring that JA continues to lead the charge in empowering young entrepreneurs around the world. I am eager to share my expertise, learn from fellow board members, and contribute to the continued growth and success of this remarkable organisation.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am confident that my experience, commitment to youth entrepreneurship, and passion for advancing the organisation’s mission will allow me to make a meaningful contribution to the international board. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how I can support JA in achieving its strategic objectives on a global scale.