Rethinking Student Engagement in a Rapidly Changing Globalized World 

Olena Bortnichuk

Head of Educational Programs, Leadership and Management Institute

Ukrainian Catholic University

Olena is Head of Educational Programs at the Institute of Leadership and Management at the Ukrainian Catholic University, coordinating a project with the goal of creating a safe, resourceful environment for the recovery, development, and networking of civil society representatives to facilitate the sustainable growth of organizations and consolidate their efforts. She is working on is social-emotional learning for adults, specifically emotional intelligence, self-awareness, empathy development, and improving internal communication within the organization as components of a workplace mental health care strategy. 

Małgorzata Chromy

Director, International Centre

SGH Warsaw School of Economics

Małgorzata Chromy is the Director of International Center at SGH Warsaw School of Economics and a CIVICA Senior Manager. With nearly 20 years of experience, she has led initiatives in student and staff mobility, coordinated international faculty visits, and managed high-impact programs like Erasmus+ and EEA Education. Since 2022, she has been involved in the strategic management of CIVICA. Her academic background includes a BA in Business English, an MA in Economics, and an Executive MBA. She also has a strong editorial background and actively promotes SGH's global initiatives.

Elisa Hicks

Executive Director - Campus Life

IE University

Elisa Hicks is the Executive Director of IE University’s Campus Life unit, where she and her team support students in organizing over 2,500 events annually and oversee 197 student-led clubs. Committed to fostering engagement beyond the classroom, she enhances student learning through leadership, events, and community-building. Previously, Elisa was the Manager of the Women's Forum for the Economy & Society, leading global forums on gender equality and contributing to G7 and G20 policy recommendations. With a background in consultancy, public relations, and government, she specializes in international large-scale project management. A graduate of the University of British Columbia with a Master’s in International Project Management from Sciences Po Paris, she now focuses on leveraging student-driven events to enrich the university experience. 

Frank Uffen

Advisor to the Executive Board and Chairman of the TSH Talent Foundation

The Social Hub

Frank Uffen focuses on talent development, strategic partnerships, and expansion plans. He has a keen eye for trends, a love of all things entrepreneurial and a passion for community building and social impact. Since 2010, he has strengthened the company's community driven model and positioned it as a catalyst for urban regeneration and an asset to university cities. In 2024, he became Chairman of the TSH Talent Foundation, directing 1% of The Social Hub’s revenue to support changemakers through scholarships and the Better Society Academy. In 2011, he founded The Class Foundation, addressing Europe’s student housing crisis by hosting forums, conducting research, and promoting leadership in the student living sector.