GETTING THINGS DONE

Ilona has worked as a trainer and project management consultant since 2014. Her work is aimed at increasing the power of communities and creating more accountable institutions, more inclusive public spaces, and more engaged youth. Ilona’s interest in body related issues goes back to her media and communication studies in the Czech Republic. It started with researching the impact of media on gender stereotypes and grew into interest about body and activism. The focus on the body became even more important when Ilona’s daughter was born, making her question what are the best ways to discuss body related issues with kids.

FOCUSING ON ETHICS AND WELLBEING

Ilze is a professional with an extensive track record spanning over two decades in the field of non-formal education, wellbeing for the people and the planet. She has been exploring topic of body image as a trainer, bodyworker and movement teacher. At the moment Ilze pursues her studies in psychology at the University of Latvia. Her current research ventures into the captivating realm of eco-emotions. She believes that negative perception of our own bodies is linked to the global ecological crisis. This connection arises because our dissatisfaction with ourselves tends to push us toward consumerism and a lifestyle that harms both - people and the planet.

STEPPING OUT OF THE BOX

Lada is Czech writer, youth worker, dancer, and adventurer. She loves to scout the world and bring stories from all of it to her readers, as much as she adores moving with other people. Lada has been a youth worker since 1995, when she first tasted scouting. Since then she is bound with the outdoors, children and leadership. You might find her working at a free democratic school or organizing an international youth exchange - inviting and encouraging others to be free and dance their way through life.

IMAGINING WHAT COULD BE

Inese first discovered how interesting and important body related topics are during her media and communication studies in Latvia - she is author of several papers researching media representation of gender and sexuality. From 2010 Inese worked as a trainer facilitating local and international courses focused on creative learning approaches and methods. As part of this work she has been experimenting with body and movement based learning connecting it to development of various soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, and creativity.

BRINGING IN ACADEMIC PERSPECTIVE

Iskra comes from North Macedonia. She has merged ethnology and public health studies, and research into a unique career path, now focusing on analysis in social, medical, and political arenas. Iskra sees body image as a constantly evolving concept and puts emphasis on the importance of balance - not letting one’s body image overpower one’s thoughts. She advocates engagement in fulfilling activities instead.