ERSTE Foundation, The European Foundation Centre (EFC) and the European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA) invite you to join the opening of the ROMANI exhibition on 6 March at 16:30 in the galleria of Philanthropy House (Rue Royale 94, 1000 Brussels).
The event is an excellent opportunity to find out more from Erika Varga, ROMANI founder, on the role of women in social entrepreneurship and her experience with building the ROMANI brand in the last years. The MEP, Livia Jaroke, and the first Romani woman to be elected Vice President of the European Parliament will join the talk, and Alina Serban, Project Manager Social Development at ERSTE Foundation, will provide more details about ERSTE Foundation’s work in Roma communities in Central and Eastern Europe.
ROMANI, created by sisters Erika Varga and Helena Varga, is the first Roma studio with the aim of raising awareness about the culture and heritage of both Hungarian and Roma cultures within the fashion community.
We hope that you will be able to attend this event and see for yourself the inspiring working taking place. ROMANI has not only given an innovative and fresh take on fashion but has also contributed to the progress and betterment of the Hungarian and Roma Community.
Please confirm here your participation before 5 March. If you have questions about the event, do not hesitate to contact us at communications@evpa.eu.com.
Looking forward to seeing you next week!
Alina Serban
Originally from Romania, Alina has been living in Vienna since 2005 where she graduated with a Masters in European Studies and researched on Action Research methodologies at the Sociology Institute, Vienna University.
Since April 2010, she has been working at ERSTE Foundation as Project Manager in the Social Development programme coordinating projects related to compensatory education, integration of disadvantaged groups and development of social enterprise initiatives in Roma communities in Central Eastern European region.
Livia Jaroka
Livia Jaroke s a Hungarian politician of part Romani ethnicity. She is a Member of the European Parliament, first elected as part of the Fidesz list in 2004. Járóka is the second Romani ever elected to the European Parliament. She is now currently serving as the Vice President of the European Parliament and is the first woman to do so.
Erika Varga
Erika Vargra won the "Glamour Women of the Year" award in 2012 and is the Chief Editor for Glinda magazine. Romani Designs have been featured in many prestigious events, most recently showcasing their collections within: Marie Claire Fashion Days,Folktrend Fashion Show, Belgium Brussels Fashion Days and the Portugal Hungarian Embassy in Lisbon.