Why join us?
Learn from leading trainers through hands-on workshops and real-world insights tailored for the academy
Connect and collaborate with passionate peers from across the Balkans and beyond, exchanging ideas and experience
Build lasting friendships and a powerful regional network to support your journey in sustainability and impact
Discover Sofia, a dynamic European capital blending history, innovation, and charm
Special guests
JCI World President 2025
Keisuke Shimoyamada
Keisuke Shimoyamada is the CEO of Intertech Limited, and serves as the 2025 JCI President.
He is also a member of JCI Tokyo. His company is committed to develop environmental friendly materials to contribute zero emission of green house gases.
Currently the company is recognized as one of the pioneers of recycled engineering plastics and elastomers in Japan.
Through his engagement in JCI he has been expanding his business capabilities, including importing and exporting goods.
JCI Executive Vice President for Europe 2025
Ana Nikolova
Ana Nikolova holds a PhD in International Project Management and has extensive experience in business development, strategic planning, and EU-funded project consulting for SMEs and start-ups. She also serves as an external evaluator for European Commission innovation and education programs. An experienced trainer and facilitator, Ana delivers skills development trainings on topics like Entrepreneurship, Project and Stakeholder Management, and Leadership at all levels.
A JCI member since 2012, she has led and supported numerous projects and events, serving in key roles including JCI Sofia Local President (2015), JCI Bulgaria National President (2016), JCI Vice President (2020), JCI European Development Council Chairperson (2022), and currently JCI Executive Vice President for Europe (2025).
JCI Vice President for Europe 2025
Alexandrina Bargan
Assigned countries: Bulgaria, Croatia Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland.
Alexandrina Bargan is an experienced civic leader, entrepreneur, and coach dedicated to empowering young people and fostering authentic leadership.
Currently serving as Vice President for Europe 2025 at JCI, Alexandrina is supporting assigned National Organizations across the continent, promoting collaboration, innovation, and youth-driven impact. In 2023, she served as President of JCI Moldova, where she led national initiatives focused on sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and cross-border cooperation.
With a strong background in both leadership and business, Alexandrina is the founder of A AND B COMPANY in Chișinău, and co-founder of Oki Doki Marketing. She is also a certified mental coach for women, helping individuals unlock their potential and live with intention.
Trainers
Head Trainer
Anna Simon
JCI Germany
Anna Simon has been an active member of JCI Germany since 2015.
She served as Local President of JCI Oberberg in 2018 and 2019, followed by the role of International Officer for JCI North Rhine-Westphalia in 2020 and 2021.
In 2022 she served as the State President of JCI North Rhine-Westphalia. That same year, she completed the JCI Trainer Certification in Germany and later became a National Trainer in Oulu, Finland, in 2024.
Over the years, she has facilitated a variety of trainings within the organization – ranging from local and state-level academies to the German Academy, as well as numerous JCI and WJD training sessions. In addition, she regularly offers her own workshops on mental well-being, both nationally and internationally. These have included sessions for JCI Finland, JCI Switzerland, and at the JCI European Conference in Herning, Denmark.
Professionally, Anna Simon is self-employed as a coach, trainer, and consultant specializing in mental health. Her focus lies in burnout prevention, stress management, and building resilience. She provides individual coaching, facilitates workshops, and conducts psychological risk assessments for companies, helping organizations foster healthier work environments.
Trainer
Marius Botos
JCI Romania
Marius has been a JCI member since 2015, served as Local President of JCI Târgu Mureș in 2017, held national roles in 2018 and 2020, and became a JCI Senator in 2021. He has trained and mentored JCI members across Europe and contributed to the EDC Mentoring Program. With over 18 years of entrepreneurial experience and 10 years in training and facilitation, Marius delivers practical, engaging programs in leadership, communication, team performance, and behavioral development.
Trainer
Simona Leonida
JCI Romania
Simona Leonida has started her journey in JCI Romania since 2015.
She served as Vice President of JCI Romania in 2018, and in 2025 has the role of International Vice President for JCI Bucharest.
In 2018, Simona graduated the European Academy, in Sweden. The following year, in 2019 completed the Conference Organizing Academy in Tallin, Estonia.
Over the years, Simona has coordonated several projects and programs such as: JCI Play 4×4- International Business Hunting, Make it Grow, and for 2025 she is Director of the National Convention for JCI Romania.
Professionally, Simona is working for Worwag Pharma Romania, a pharmaceutical company focuses on treatments for diabetes, stress management, and metabolic syndrome. She has been working in the marketing and sales department for 7 years.
The team
Partners
![2025 Balkan academy[Post] (13)](https://jci.bg/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2025-Balkan-academyPost-13.png "2025 Balkan academy[Post] (13)")
The venue
Metropolitan Hotel Sofia, a member of Radisson Individuals
Metropolitan Hotel Sofia, a member of Radisson Individuals, is a symbol of elegance, comfort, and impeccable service.
Strategically located in the heart of the capital, the hotel offers a modern atmosphere and personalized experience for both business guests and travelers.
Convenient location – close to the airport, major business hubs, shopping centers, and cultural landmarks in Sofia.
Style & comfort – spacious rooms with modern design and a cozy atmosphere.
Culinary delights – the restaurant features a carefully curated menu inspired by both international and traditional Bulgarian cuisine.
The perfect event venue – modern conference halls and professional service for flawlessly organized meetings and celebrations.
Sustainable practices – a strong commitment to eco-friendly solutions and responsible tourism.
Metropolitan Hotel Sofia is a place where comfort, location, and attention to detail come together to ensure a pleasant and enriching stay.
We are honored to partner with a place that shares our values – a pursuit of excellence, support for socially significant initiatives, and the creation of an inspiring environment for growth.
Program
25.09.2025
Thursday
15:00 – Registration at the hotel
20:00 – Dinner
26.09.2025
Friday
06:30 – Breakfast
10:00 – Academy opening
11:30 – Training 1 – Sustainability – Beyond the Buzzword
13:00 – Lunch
14:00 – Training 2 – Your chapter, Your Impact
15:45 – Training 3 – Sustainable Leadership in Action
17:15 – Training 4 – Fireside Talk with Special Guests
20:00 – Dinner
27.09.2025
Saturday
07:00 – Breakfast
10:00 – Training 5 – Communicating Sustainability
11:40 – Training 6 – Make It Stick
13:00 – Lunch
14:00 – Training 7 – Design Your Sustainable Chapter
15:45 – Project Presentations & Peer Review
20:00 – Farewell dinner
28.09.2025
Sunday
07:00 – Breakfast
10:30 – Sofia walking tour
13:00 – Depature
Tickets
Мembers of the Balkan multi-twinning countries
220 euro
JCI members from other countries
250 euro
All tickets include:
– Accommodation in a twin room for 3 nights
– 3 breakfasts
– 2 lunches
– Coffee breaks
– Access to all trainings and workshops
Any questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us on 2025ba@jci.bg