Louisa is an expert in teaching, linguistics, and cognitive science, bringing a unique blend of academic excellence and practical experience to The VALE team. She holds a bachelor’s degree in German as a foreign language, a research Master’s in Language and Cognition, and is currently pursuing an interdisciplinary PhD focused on healthy aging, all while teaching psychology at the University of Bamberg.

A skilled NFE facilitator, Louisa has a passion for interactive learning methods that deeply engage participants, often sparking “aha” moments through thought-provoking activities.

Like many in the trainer team, Louisa finds balance in the outdoors—whether hiking, running, or camping, she’s always up for an adventure. An avid cook, she loves experimenting with vegan recipes. Louisa also serves as chair of the inbound program board for Youth for Understanding in Germany, continuing to make a positive impact through her volunteering.

Louisa first joined The VALE family as a participant in the 2021 leadership course and became an integral trainer in 2023. Now, she’s thrilled to return for 2025, ready to witness—and contribute to—the VALE magic once again.

Riikka is a skilled facilitator and a project manager, whose creative thinking and dedication to her craft inspire people around her. She has a Master’s degree in Political Science from University of Helsinki and a strong background in Governance and Organisational Communication. Due to her high-level advocacy work in the Advisory Council on Youth of the Council of Europe in 2024-2025 and as a facilitator for the European Youth Forum, she is The VALE’s go-to person when it comes to Youth, Advocacy & Democracy – and bureaucracy!
 

She believes in leading by example, with “kindness and grace” all the way. Recently she’s been on a journey to deepen her understanding on the Way of Council methodology, hone her skills in the art of having tough conversations and re-learn Swedish on Duolingo.
 

Riikka has been one of the guiding forces behind The VALE’s mission since the beginning, and brings stellar expertise and heart to everything she does. Look forward to excellent hugs, lots of laughter and thoughtful conversations when meeting Riikka. 

Native to Sweden but a true citizen of the world, Erik always brings endless amounts of energy and innovative ideas to share!
 

While pursuing a Master’s degree in Sociotechnical Systems Engineering, he discovered a passion for AI and its societal implications, which he further explored as a Wallenberg Fellow in Silicon Valley. Today, he continues this journey at an educational company, working towards a future where humans thrive alongside evermore science fiction-like technology.

Within The VALE team, Erik plays a dynamic role. He’s a strategic thinker, always several steps ahead, and his consensus-building skills keep the team in harmony. Erik’s versatility shines as he adapts his skill set to meet the team’s diverse needs – a trait that suits him well in his new-found passion of Brazilian jiu-jitsu! 

“Values are the compass, but skills are the sails that propel us forward”, he says. At The VALE, Erik finds immense personal fulfilment in helping our remarkable participants blend both these critical elements. That way they can not only dream of a better world, but also have the tools to build it.​​

Konstantin is The VALE’s resident data wizard and bioinformatics enthusiast. Currently pursuing a PhD in Bioinformatics at the Technical University of Munich, Konstantin’s study journey has taken him across the globe, with enriching stays in India, Spain, Austria, and the USA. 
 

Outside the lab, he channels his creativity into musical theatre and composing music, adding a touch of artistry to his scientific endeavours. A passionate cook, Konstantin loves experimenting in the kitchen as much as he enjoys tackling a new programming project. His curiosity and enthusiasm for learning are contagious—get him talking about quality statistical analysis, and you’ll see his eyes light up!
 

Konstantin first joined The VALE as a participant in the 2023 course in Norway, where he was quickly noticed to possess a true spark of extraordinary. Inspired by the experience, he’s now stepping into the role of trainer for the 2025 course, eager to share his expertise and passion with the next generation of The VALE leaders.

Ieva is our organisational communication guru with a heart for both the corporate world and the great outdoors. Graduating with a Master’s degree in Organisational Communication from Aarhus University in 2018, she has seamlessly blended her academic expertise with her passion for People Development. By day, she thrives in a learning and development role at a leading fintech company, where her innovative approach to communication and team dynamics makes her a standout.
 

Her love for nature balances out corporate life—whether nurturing her ever-growing plant collection, exploring hiking trails, or soaking up the outdoors, Ieva brings a touch of ‘hippie by night’ to her life. Known for her warmth and sense of humour, she’s always ready with a dad joke or a hug—both giving and receiving!
 

Ieva’s journey with The VALE began as a participant in its sister project NBLC in 2018, an experience that left a lasting impression. She later played a key role in organising the 2019 NBLC and now brings her skills and enthusiasm to The VALE 2025 project, continuing her mission to inspire the leaders of tomorrow.

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Eli is a passionate language and intercultural communication expert dedicated to bridging cultural and linguistic barriers to foster mutual understanding. She holds an M.A. in Conference Interpreting with a focus on German, Japanese, and English, and a double major B.A. in Japanese Studies and Russian Studies, partly pursued at top universities in Tokyo and Vladivostok.

A seasoned trainer, Eli has facilitated workshops for Youth For Understanding, the LGBTQIA+ inclusion-oriented Youth For Acceptance (YFA), and as a freelancer for QFC, an educational organisation affiliated with one of Germany’s largest labour unions.

Eli’s work is guided by her favourite quote, ‘We are the choices we make,’ reflecting her belief that everyone is shaped by their past and current decisions, influencing how they lead themselves and others. This philosophy, paired with her professional experience, underpins her dedication to diversity and inclusion, bringing cultural and personal sensitivity to every project. Eli first became part of The VALE family as a participant in 2021. Now, as a trainer, she’s eager to inspire and empower the 2025 course participants.