IMM Team
Who we are

We are a dedicated team working on the implementation of the European-funded media project Innovation. Media. Minds: Support to Public Service Journalism in the Western Balkans Program. We bring together diverse expertise and experience from across Europe to bring this program to life. Get to know the people behind the project and discover how we are contributing to a lasting impact through innovative media solutions.

DW Akademie

  • Manuela Römer

    Project Director Western Balkans EU Program Innovation. Media. Minds: Support to Public Service Journalism in the Western Balkans
    DW Akademie
    Berlin, Germany

    Tel.: +493046468551
    manuela.roemer@dw.com

    Manuela Römer Photo

  • Idriz Seferaj

    Project Manager EU Program Innovation. Media. Minds: Support to Public Service Journalism in the Western Balkans
    DW Akademie

    idriz.seferaj@dw.com

    Idriz Seferaj photo

  • Jakov I. Leon

    Lead Media Consultant EU Program Innovation. Media. Minds: Support to Public Service Journalism in the Western Balkans
    DW Akademie

    Tel.: +492284294579
    jakov.leon@dw.com

    Jakov I. Leon photo

  • Xheni Hatillari

    Project Assistant EU Program Innovation. Media. Minds: Support to Public Service Journalism in the Western Balkans
    DW Akademie
    Tirana, Albania

    Tel.: +355688217233
    xheni.hatillari@dw.com

    Xheni Hatillari photo

  • Pia Dick

    Project Associate Europe | Media Development
    DW Akademie
    Bonn, Germany

    pia.dick@dw.com

    Pia Dick photo

Selection committee members

  • Marion Kraske

    Political scientist and project manager with a more than 20 years working experience in the Balkan region, passionate media expert with working stations at German Press Agency (DPA), German First Television (ARD) and the political news magazine DER SPIEGEL. Marion works as a trainer and consultant for globally acting companies, NGO and the public sector.

    Marion Kraske

  • Jorgen Samso

    An award-winning Danish journalist covering the Balkans, Africa, and beyond for PBS NewsHour and other international outlets. A former Euronews Balkan correspondent with over a decade of experience in the Western Balkans, his reporting has earned a Peabody Award, an Emmy® nomination, and an UNCA Award.

    Jorgen Samso

  • Mary Drosopoulos

    Dr. Mary Drosopoulos is a Senior Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Expert with over 15 years of experience in international projects across the Western Balkans. With a background in investigative journalism and a PhD in Intercultural Studies, she combines research design and training expertise to support innovation and social change.

    Mary Drosopoulos