Meet The Team
Sanja Lazarevska
is a finance and international business graduate from ACT Thessaloniki, with a graduate degree in Circular Economy from UKIM, Skopje. She has been an entrepreneur since 2008, and has been developing different product lines and innovations in the family-owned business for hosiery products. In 2018, she became the CEO of For Lady DOOEL, which focuses on transforming the hosiery industry to biodegradable product lines. Sanja is the mastermind behind the April22 brand, the world's first biodegradable tights with Aloe Vera, featuring a patented formula. Over the last 15 years, Sanja has gained extensive experience and knowledge, and she is passionate about sharing her expertise, network, and helping entrepreneurs save time and money on the mistakes she has already made. Her willingness to share her knowledge and expertise with other innovators and entrepreneurs indicates her passion for giving back to the community and helping others succeed. Overall, Sanja Lazarevska's background, experience, and achievements demonstrate her entrepreneurial prowess and passion for making a positive impact in the world.
Sofija Daceva
obtained her undergraduate degree in Finance and Entrepreneurship at HULT International Business School in London and she obtained her MSc degree of Science in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at The University of Warwick. She has always been passionate about entrepreneurship and fascinated by the idea of developing new products from scratch all the way to commercialization. Sofija is currently a founder of three companies out of which two in North Macedonia and one in Coventry, United Kingdom. Her companies focus on development of innovative technological processes in the food and beverage industry that will bring added value to customers and have positive environmental impact. She managed to grow them from idea stage to successful launch and built a fully automatized manufacturing plant from scratch. Besides entrepreneurship, she is also passionate about sustainability, circular economy and bridging the gander gap. She also has experience in management consulting and mentoring Entrepreneurs with focus on youths that have innovative business ideas.
Maja Staleska
is a degreed social worker with a background in both civil society and private sector in North Macedonia. She is working as International Development partner for over 15 years in the field of equal opportunities, living conditions, entrepreneurship, development and innovations. Her focus is on youth, women and startups. She is a Program Director of the first pre-accelerator program for women in the Balkan region “Aspire Balkans” and she lead and initiated 4 pre- acceleration programs in Macedonia. She was the President of the Youth center for equal opportunities Skopje for 6 years and she is a National Manager for Freja Forum Foundation for over 14 years now. She was a national representative in EUSIG group at EAPN – European anti-poverty platform. She is the President and founder of the Housing and tenants’ organization HTO in Skopje and initiated the first tenants movement in the country. She also started a national housing strategy in 2023 and introduced software calculator for fair rental market. In 2023 she joint European initiative for budding strategy and programs for European elderly people for healthy and active living.
Magdalena Spasovska
An accomplished program and project developer, leveraging her expertise to support international initiatives that prioritize capacity development and institutional growth. Magdalena's dedication to capacity development is evident in her meticulous approach to designing and financing programs that enhance the skills and knowledge of individuals and institutions alike. Magdalena Spasovska is a visionary leader in the field of sports and development. With her extensive experience and passion for innovation, Magdalena has made significant contributions tonthe sports industry, both regionally and internationally. She is the founder of the groundbreaking sports accelerator program, Aspire 2 Sports and Innovation. As the first of its kind, this program will revolutionize the way sports startups and entrepreneurs receive support and guidance, fostering innovation and growth in the sports sector. Magdalena is one of the founders and a Vice President of the Recreation and Wellness Association - North Macedonia Active. Through this organization, she has dedicated herself to promoting active lifestyles, health, and wellness across all generations. She is also the esteemed President of TAKT, a prominent non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses on the skills development of young people through education, sport, and play.
