Meet the Team
The People Behind the European Cultural Society of Calgary
Meet the volunteers, board members, and community leaders who help bring European culture to life in Calgary through film, folk dance, cultural partnerships, and year-round community events.
It all started in 2012, when a small group of volunteers began bringing European films to Calgary audiences. What started as a film-focused community initiative gradually grew into a broader cultural organization representing European heritage, creativity, and connection in Calgary.
Today, the European Cultural Society of Calgary supports cultural programming across film, folk dance, community partnerships, and year-round events. Behind every program is a dedicated team of board members, volunteers, and community leaders working to celebrate European culture and strengthen Calgary’s multicultural community.
ECSC proudly connects and supports 26 European communities through cultural events, storytelling, performance, and shared community experiences.
2026 Board Members
Meet the board members guiding ECSC’s mission, programs, partnerships, and community impact. Each member brings experience, cultural knowledge, and a shared commitment to celebrating European culture in Calgary.
Maria Serban
President
Maria provides leadership and strategic direction for ECSC, supporting the organization’s mission to celebrate European culture, strengthen community connections, and guide long-term growth.
Jelena Kostadinovic
Director, Communications and Partnerships
Jelena supports ECSC’s communications, partnerships, and outreach, helping connect cultural organizations, artists, volunteers, and community members across Calgary.
Parvin Abdullayeva, PCC, MSc Psychology
Director, HR & Governance
Parvin supports ECSC’s people, governance, and organizational development, helping build strong systems for volunteers, board leadership, and community programming.
Radmila Gajic
Director, Fund Development and Grant Writing
Radmila leads fund development and grant initiatives that help ECSC grow sustainably and continue delivering meaningful cultural programming in Calgary.
Volunteers & Community Support
ECSC’s programs are made possible through the dedication of volunteers, community representatives, cultural partners, and supporters who help bring each event to life.
Mariana Sirko
Programming Coordinator
Mariana supports the planning, coordination, and delivery of ECSC programs and community events. Her work helps ensure that film screenings, cultural activities, and volunteer-supported programs are organized, welcoming, and meaningful for Calgary’s European communities.
Ismayil Imanli
Promo and Media Relations Coordinator
Ismayil supports ECSC’s mission, as promo and media relations coordinator, develops and manages social media content and communications, monitor audience engagement, and strengthen the organization’s digital visibility and brand presence.
Cultural Programming
We support year-round cultural programs that celebrate European heritage, storytelling, film, dance, education, and community traditions in Calgary.
Community Partnerships
We collaborate with cultural organizations, community groups, artists, sponsors, and volunteers to strengthen Calgary’s European cultural network.
Film & Dance Events
From the Calgary European Film Festival to folk dance celebrations, ECSC helps create welcoming events that connect people through art and culture.
Volunteer Engagement
Volunteers are at the heart of ECSC. We welcome, support, and celebrate the people who help make our cultural programs possible.