My name is Maria Popović (51). I was born in Frankfurt am Main, and I live and work in Lazarevac, Serbia. I have been active in the media and civil society for more than twenty years, and all my work now is carried out entirely on a volunteer basis. I am one of the founders of the Center for Growth and Development, an organization dedicated to empowerment, education, and social equality; the founder of media initiatives such as the magazine Reuc and the portal Pravo u centar; and the volunteer Director of the regional crowdfunding platform Balkan Donira. My work focuses on art, human rights, and improving the visibility of groups often pushed to the margins—women, workers, creatives, older adults, and all those whose voices are rarely heard. Strengthening regional cooperation and building networks with organizations, activists, and initiatives across all Balkan countries is especially important to me, as it enables the creation of new models of solidarity and support. Through the Center for Growth and Development, I build a network where ideas grow into concrete actions, connecting people committed to social change. Through the HRL Program, I aim to strengthen my leadership and organizational skills, improve the Center’s strategic direction, and develop sustainable models that increase visibility.
