Latvia Speakers 2017

Sintija Bernava is Founder, President, CEO of Non Governmental Organisation ” Donum Animus” promoting people from marginalized groups economic empowerment and leadership. Sintija is an inspiring mentor, international social inclusion and cooperation development project developer, educator and distinguished inspiring lecturer on sustainable economic development and leadership issues with extensive collaboration with numerous reputable involved stakeholders around the globe. Sintija Bernava holds Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Master Degree in Public Administration and Management. She has a long-standing professional experience holding high-profile positions in the Government and Parliament in Latvia. Sintija Bernava was the only European Union scholar of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India ITEC program ”Entrepreneurship Education to Strengthen Emerging Economies” in India (2016). Based on her professional experience, Ministry of External Affairs of India invited her as one of the 3 European Union speakers at the ASEM Youth Dialoge in New Delhi (April 2016) to share her recommendations on strategic investments in emerging economies towards sustainable development and leadership. Sintija Bernava has published numerous publications and she has implemented more than 20 social projects emphasizing situation of children and women in crisis and call for actions. She is Manager and Project Developer of social project ”Creative Workshops” promoting children and their family member mental health and supporting activities during their recovery process at the Children’s Central University Hospital of Latvia (the main and only children’s hospital in the country). Sintija received the highest recognition for her support provided to children and their parents of the Children’s Central University Hospital of Latvia in 2016. Professional expertise of Non Governmental Organisation ”DONUM ANIMUS” has been recognized at the international level and organization was the official Partner of the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union(2015). ”DONUM ANIMUS” is a Member Organization of the Anna Lindh Foundation Latvian National Network and Member of Anna Lindh Foundation’s International network promoting social entrepreneurship. Sintija Bernava for her high performance and professional work has been awarded with Certificate of Merit of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia; Certificate of Grattitude of the Chairman of the Board of the Children’s Central Hospital of Latvia; Certificate of Merit of the Director of the State Chancellery and Certificate of Merit of the Minister for Defence of the Republic of Latvia. Additionally, Sintija is fluent in Latvian, Russian and English. Her hobbies include: pilates, philanthropy, arts, aromatherapy and skiing.

Born in 1972 in Riga, Latvia, former Soviet Union. Studied in Latvia, U.S.A. and U.K. Executive with a strong Finance and Commercial background. Experienced in leading finance and administration at great scale in multinational companies in Latvia, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Denmark, Austria, Hungary. Strong reporting technical background, experience in ERP implementation and leading Project teams. Wide range of experience in setting up the business with policies & procedures. Personnel recruitment expertise. Exceptionally strong negotiations and interpersonal skills, professional coaching experience. Very strong business acumen and commercial view. Outside the working tasks loves travelling, studying history, Chinese (Mandarin) language, Feng Shui and astrology, writing blog in Russian www.walkwiththedragon.com based on own travel experience. Loves telling inspirational stories that encourage people to acheive their goals, think positively about the wonderful world around and live better life.