Our Story

Our Story...

On the shores of the Black Sea, in Constanța, Romania, where tradition meets the promise of innovation, Asociația HEI – the House of Education and Innovation – was born from a shared dream: to create a world where education becomes a bridge to opportunity, and innovation lights the way for growth and inclusion.

Our journey began during a youth project, where the founding members first met. United by a shared passion for education and community development, we established Asociația HEI in 2016. From that moment, our mission has been clear: to empower individuals through non-formal education, foster personal and professional growth, and create meaningful socio-cultural initiatives.

Since our founding, we’ve been on a continuous journey of learning and discovery. Through close collaboration with over 50 international partners, we’ve learned to better manage impactful projects, educate creatively, and innovate boldly. Our workshops, trainings, and events have reached over 2,000 participants, sparking inspiration and growth in communities across Romania and beyond.

Over the years, we have worked tirelessly to design and deliver socio-cultural initiatives that preserve cultural heritage, promote social inclusion, and address pressing environmental issues. Each project is a testament to the power of teamwork, creativity, and the belief that we can build a brighter future together.

Our story is not just about what we’ve achieved but about the incredible journey we’ve shared with our community. It’s about the young girl who found her voice through art, the teenager who flew for the first time to a foreign country, spoke with people from different cultures, adapted to new circumstances, and learned to work in a team. It’s about the countless individuals who’ve discovered their ability to grow, create, and inspire through education and collaboration.

At Asociația HEI, we remain driven by our commitment to learning and discovery. Our team continuously strives to improve, grow, and create initiatives that bring people together and make a lasting impact.

Join us as we write the next chapter of our story—a story of hope, growth, and endless possibilities.

Our Team!

Andreea Cosma

President & Project Manager

Cofounder

Andreea Cosma is the President of the NGO and the Project Manager. She is a qualified trainer and youth worker, she has a vast knowledge and experience in Cultural Studies, Philology, Management, Pedagogy and Non-Formal Education. She finished a BA in Cultural Studies, and an MA and PhD in Philology. She has also received a Fulbright Scholarship for the Global Social Entrepreneurship Institute for European Leaders at the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, USA. She is very passionate by the arts, more specifically painting, singing and playing the guitar. She loves the color green.

Alexandra Flaut

Volunteer Program Manager

Cofounder

Alexandra Flaut is the Manager of the Volunteer Program. She has finished a BA in Special Psycho-Pedagogy and an MA in Speech Therapy. She has a vast experience in working with children and young people with disabilities and/or with fewer opportunities. Her experience and knowledge in psychology and pedagogy and in working with those disadvantaged make her a great coordinator as she is always paying attention to everyone's needs. She loves cats and her dream is to create a cat shelter.

Roxana Gheorghiu-Claponea

Vicepresident & Finance Manager
Cofounder

Roxana Gheorghiu-Claponea is the Vicepresident and the Finance Manager of HEI. Her main areas of interest are human resources, educational programs, organizational psychology, burnout, and healthcare. She holds a BA in Economics, an MA in Communication Sciences, and a PhD in Psychology. With extensive experience in management, economics, and HR, she is incredibly organized, always well-prepared, and one of the most ambitious people we know. Among her passions, she is deeply committed to personal development, and she loves travel and giraffes.

Chema Pérez

Community Manager

José María Pérez has Spanish Nationality and is a permanent resident in Romania. Besides working as a Spanish teacher, he is a Community Manager and Youth Worker. He has experience in language teaching, translations (EN, ES, FR) and project writing. He speaks 4 languages and has participated in many previous European projects, including a one-year EVS in France. He has lived in 4 different countries so far and is passionate by culture, film, and photography.

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