ALUMNI 2025.

Lucie serves as an advisor to the Deputy Foreign Minister, with her portfolio including, among other areas, science diplomacy. Prior to this and her maternity leave, she worked for the Czech political foundation CEVRO, where she organized numerous programs focused on political education and democracy assistance. She holds a Master’s degree in Public and Social Policy from the Faculty of Social Sciences at Charles University in Prague. She also spent a semester at the Department of Politics and Public Administration at the University of Konstanz, Germany. Through the International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS), she completed an internship with a member of the German Bundestag In her free time, she enjoys reading memoirs and biographies. She also enjoys conducting interviews – whether for oral history projects or for her local parish newsletter.

Samuel Garcés Utermann is a 29-year-old, German-Mexican, results-driven engineer with a strong educational background and professional experience in Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science. Growing up in Mexico, Samuel was exposed to diverse cultures and multicultural environments from a young age. After finishing high school, he decided to move to Berlin to pursue his studies, a decision that has significantly shaped his academic and professional development. Samuel’s academic achievements include a Master’s degree in Physical Engineering Science and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Technische Universität Berlin. His research contributions, particularly in numerical simulation models and fluid mechanics, reflect his deep analytical capabilities and commitment to innovation. Currently serving as the Program Manager of the Energy Data Management department and Project Owner of the Smart Energy Platform at 50Hertz Transmission, Samuel excels in coordinating diverse teams, developing strategies, and ensuring compliance with energy regulations. His previous roles include Business Analyst at 50Hertz and Associate Consultant at Accenture, where he honed his skills in agile project management and process optimization. Samuel also gained valuable experience as a Master’s Student in Research and Development at Siemens Mobility, where he planned and coordinated development phases, managed stakeholders, and developed numerical simulation models for freight train braking systems. His personal development has provided him with the opportunity to actively engage in various impactful projects, including the implementation of advanced IT systems, business process automation, international team collaboration, agile project methodologies, and continuous learning and adaptation through change. Although he has a strong background in engineering and physics as well as a passion for complex technical systems, Samuel excels in collaborative environments and considers himself a people-oriented professional. However, to take the next step in his career, he recognizes the need to further refine his leadership skills and strategic thinking. An enthusiastic individual with a keen interest in new sustainable mobility concepts, renewable energy, and IT solutions, Samuel’s strengths in teamwork, creativity, and leadership make him a valuable asset in any interdisciplinary and multicultural environment.

Daniel is a public diplomacy professional currently serving as Communications Assistant at the Embassy of Finland in Prague. There he is responsible for public diplomacy, country branding, and diplomatic protocol. Previously, he worked as a parliamentary assistant in the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic, where he managed the day-to-day running of the MP’s office and was involved in legislative processes and communications with both the public and stakeholders. He holds a Master’s degree in Political Science and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from Masaryk University. His academic and professional focus includes European and Nordic affairs, U.S. politics, and East Asian political dynamics. During his studies, he served as the First Vice-Chairman of the Academic Senate and Chairman of its Students’ Chamber. Outside of work, Daniel enjoys climbing, playing and listening to music, reading, and discovering new places.

Since 2017, Alena has been working at the National Gallery Prague, where she focuses on the dramaturgy of discursive educational programs and special events designed for adult audiences. She emphasizes the presentation of modern and contemporary art from diverse perspectives and fosters an environment that encourages critical reflection and open dialogue. Through collaboration with a broad network of individuals, institutions, and organizations, she aims to connect various disciplines, practices, approaches, and interpretive strategies within the art museum setting. In addition to her work in public programming, Alena is the author of several academic and popular publications exploring a range of topics related to visual culture. With over a decade of experience as an independent curator, she has organized exhibitions both in the Czech Republic and abroad. She holds a degree in Aesthetics from the Faculty of Arts at the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, as well as a degree in the Theory and History of Modern and Contemporary Art from the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague. Her academic background includes participation in international study programs and scholarship residencies.

Daniel’s long-standing interest in politics led him to a career as a Public Affairs consultant at FleishmanHillard, a global communications agency, where he helps clients navigate the Czech political landscape. Prior to this, Daniel interned with a Czech political party, worked at a political marketing consultancy, and contributed to several electoral campaigns. He holds a master’s degree in Political Science from Masaryk University in Brno, as well as bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and International Relations, and in Marketing Communications and Public Relations from Charles University in Prague. As an Erasmus+ student, Daniel spent a semester at the University of Cologne in Germany and another at the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia. In his free time, he enjoys running, playing tennis, hiking, and is always up for a good board game or a great sci-fi movie.

Lena is an economist and data scientist with a strong foundation in law. She began her career as a project manager for the German development bank in Rwanda, followed by a role at a tech consultancy specializing in M&A. In parallel, Lena completed her second master’s degree in Data Science. After graduation, she joined the multinational media company Bertelsmann through it’s Future Leaders Program as a Data Scientist. Building on this experience and through her role as a Management Associate to a divisional Data Science lead, Lena then developed into her current position as Manager Data Strategy, where she leads large AI transformation processes and major data strategy initiatives. With academic and professional experience in 11 countries, she brings a global perspective to everything she does.

With Polish roots and an academic background in law and sustainable development cooperation, Angelika has developed a strong interdisciplinary perspective on global challenges. As a participant in the Czech-German Young Professionals Program (CGYPP) 2025, Angelika is eager to contribute to discussions on democracy, cross-border collaboration, and the fight against disinformation. Engaging with professionals from different backgrounds offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and develop innovative strategies for strengthening democratic values.

Alex is part of the External Communications Team at T-Mobile Czech Republic, where he focuses on B2C topics, digital infrastructure, corporate LinkedIn management, and media relations. Before joining T-Mobile, he worked as a PR manager at FYI Prague, managing clients such as iSTYLE, Volařík Capital, and T-Mobile CZ while contributing to broader agency projects. Alex earned his BSc in Consumer Behavior and Marketing from the University of Reading in 2021, gaining hands-on experience during his placement year in the global marketing department of RSM, a leading international network of accounting, tax, and consulting firms operating in over 120 countries. During his studies, he also worked as a Project Manager at Bezrealitky, a real estate start-up where he assisted with customer experience optimization. Outside of work, Alex enjoys spending time with loved ones, traveling, cycling, swimming, rock climbing, and exploring the vibrant streets of Prague—a city he feels fortunate to call home.

Radek is a public affairs professional interested in law and public policy, particularly in the energy sector and other regulated industries. He studied law at Charles University, focusing on administrative law and the economic impact of regulation. Radek works at CEC Group, a Central European public affairs agency that supports multinational clients in navigating political and regulatory challenges. Previously, he coordinated volunteers for the Prague Student Summit at the Association for International Affairs. Radek thrives on tackling complex issues and learning from diverse perspectives. What keeps him motivated is exploring how rules shape industries and engaging with insightful people.

Since 2022, Petr serves as a policy officer at the Czech Government Office, where he is in charge of preparing policy documents related to protection of the rule of law and democracy in the EU. In 2024, he underwent a professional traineeship at the cabinet of Věra Jourová, the former Vice-President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency. In past (2016-2022), Petr worked as an editor of the online information portal Euroskop, the official communication platform of the Czech government that aimed at spreading awareness of the EU affairs among Czech public. Furthermore, in years 2015-2018, he contributed to the monthly bulletin of the Czech Centre for Human Rights and Democracy as an author of articles focusing on international criminal justice. He is also actively engaged with the Czech Debate Association, a non-governmental organisation with activities revolving around non-formal education and improvement of soft skills of young people. He is a graduate of Master study programmes in European studies and Law at the Charles University in Prague.

Anna studied English and German literature and linguistcs at the universities of Freiburg and Oxford. She has worked as a student assistant at the international music school Barenboim-Said-Akademie in Berlin. At FU Berlin's John-F.-Kennedy-Institut, she was a research associate working on music and human rights history. Anna currently teaches English and German at a secondary school in Berlin. Anna has a long-standing interest in Czech language and culture. She is excited about becoming a part of the CGYPP community would like to learn more about what we can do together to empower a democratic, inclusive, peaceful and humane international society.

Natalie studied history and political science in Tübingen. She is currently head of the project ‘Nazi Injustice “Degenerated Music”. Persecuted swing dancers and jazz musicians in north-west Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland’. From April 2022, she headed the project ‘Herkunft.Heimat.Heute. Sustainable preservation of Lower Saxony’s heritage collections from the historical East German regions’, which was based at the Museumsverband für Niedersachsen und Bremen e.V. from February 2020 to February 2023. In the winter semester 2021/22 she was a lecturer at the History Department of Leibniz Universität Hannover. Between June 2014 and June 2018, she was a research assistant at the Haus der Geschichte Baden-Württemberg.

Nina Stelzl is a governance and public policy professional with a Master’s degree from the University of Passau. She currently works as a research assistant at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology, where she focuses on technology transfer, innovation, and regional development. Previously, she coordinated municipal development policies, contributing to sustainability strategies and establishing an international partnership with a municipality in Tanzania. In addition to her professional work, she has been actively involved in local politics as spokesperson for the Green Party, advocating for democratic participation, social justice, and environmental policies. She has also contributed to diversity and gender equality initiatives, leading projects at the University of Passau and as a board member of pro familia Niederbayern. Her main interests lie in strengthening democratic engagement, advancing sustainability and social justice, as well as supporting international cooperation.

Alex grew up in northern Germany and spend his studies in Munich, Cologne, Düsseldorf and Granada. After gaining experience in hospitality, politics and diplomacy, he is now pursuing a career in international media in Berlin. He holds a degree in Tourism Management and in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE). Alex enjoys doing sports, Contemporary Photography and helping out as a Barista occasionally.

Ronja Wieltsch is a Berlin-based project coordinator and trainer in non-formal education with a background in theatre studies and linguistics. She specializes in inclusive, diversity-oriented learning and uses creative methods like theatre and movement to strengthen accessibility and empowerment. Her work focuses on democracy education with young people, including those with refugee backgrounds and disabilities. Ronja has led workshops for educators and coordinated international youth exchanges, educational seminars, and school projects. She has collaborated with European NGOs and educational institutions, including the Kreisau-Initiative and the German War Graves Commission. She is passionate about creating participatory learning spaces that foster social justice and active citizenship.