One Question Project is here to illuminate the amazing women and their experiences. I created it to inspire and challenge us to take action, create new connections and rediscover things we may already know. This time I ask one question to Réka Szentirmay:

What inspired you to choose setting up a publishing house over the self-publishing route for your book?

As I sat down to reflect on another year, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and wonder. A year has passed since I last reflected on the words of Anaïs Nin, "We don't see things as they are; we see them as we are." Today, I find myself contemplating another profound idea by Charles Horton Cooley: “I am not what I think I am, and I am not what you think I am. I am what I think you think I am.” [read more..]

In my vision, it was a sunny afternoon in 1964, and I can almost see a young Danielius Kvartunas, at the tender age of 16, holding his very first camera—a "Smena 6"—with a sense of pride and excitement. This simple, yet cherished, piece of equipment became an extension of his being, a portal through which he could freeze time and capture the essence of his surroundings. Decades later, we celebrate his - my fathers - legacy through a photography exposition that takes us on a journey back to those early days, offering a vivid glimpse into the world as he saw it.
Danielius Kvartunas’ photographs are not just images; they are windows into the past. Each photograph tells a story, painting a picture of life as it was in 1964.
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Nestled in the heart of Vilnius on Gediminas Avenue, the majestic Pirklių Rūmai stands as a testament to the seamless blend of historical grandeur and modern innovation. This architectural gem, originally constructed in 1913 by the Merchants’ Club, exudes an aura of elegance and luxury that captivates every visitor. Today, I had the pleasure of exploring this remarkable palace with my dear friend Marina Zinovič, a passionate event organizer dedicated to connecting people and fostering vibrant communities. [read more…]

One Question Project is here to illuminate the amazing women and their experiences. I created it to inspire and challenge us to take action, create new connections and rediscover things we may already know. This time I ask one question to Renate Matroos:

In what ways do emerging technologies influence the landscape of entrepreneurship within the digital education sector, and what challenges and opportunities do they present?

The amazing Christina Kefala extended the invitation to be a guest speaker for CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange) students, where I shared my life journey and insights on the transformative power of creativity. The experience was both exhilarating and humbling, as I had the opportunity to connect with bright, inquisitive minds and delve into the fascinating world of creativity. [read more…]

Today, I had the incredible privilege of visiting the Embassy of Bangladesh in The Hague, courtesy of Ambassador Riaz Hamidullah and Mrs. Sazia Ahmed. I was there for an inspiring lecture by my dear friend, Dr. Shahana Siddiqui, about the intricate and beautiful sarees of Bangladesh. This enriching experience not only deepened my appreciation for this traditional garment but also sparked a newfound curiosity to explore more about the rich culture and history of Bangladesh and its surrounding regions. [read more…]

Pokalbių serijoje apie lietuves, išsibarsčiusias po platųjį pasaulį, šįkart kalbinu Svetlana Zigel. Ji - įkvepianti moteris, dviejų vaikų mama, gyvenanti Leeds, Didžiojoje Britanijoje.

[ENG] In this series of conversations with Lithuanian women who have left their motherland for a variety of reasons, I am speaking with Svetlana Zigel who is a very inspiring woman, a mother of two children who live in Leeds, the UK.

Reflecting on my experience teaching a summer intensive course at CIEE fills me with immense pride and gratitude. Over three intense weeks, I had the privilege of guiding a dedicated group of students through a rigorous curriculum, meeting for four hours every day. What made this journey particularly impactful was our embrace of embodied learning. [read more..]

One Question Project is here to illuminate the amazing women and their experiences. I created it to inspire and challenge us to take action, create new connections and rediscover things we may already know. This time I ask one question to Heidi Clements:

How do you address societal pressures and stereotypes about ageing, especially as a woman in the public eye?

Recently, I was invited to be a guest lecturer for a group of high school exchange students at the CIEE offices in Amsterdam thanks to the kind invite extended by Bruno Miguel Correia and Daria Zelenukhina. This opportunity was particularly meaningful to me because it allowed me to share insights on a subject that is deeply personal and crucially important: the humanistic approach to understanding and supporting refugees and migrants. [read more..]

As the founder of Word Up, I am filled with gratitude and inspiration as I reflect on the unforgettable evening we shared at the Van Gogh Museum on May 31st. Vincent on Friday - DREAMS - Word Up Showcase was not just an event, but a profound celebration of creativity, community, and the transformative power of female voices in spoken word poetry. [read on…]

Recently, I had the immense privilege of being invited to the National Cultural Forum at Vytautas Magnus University (VDU) in Kaunas organized by the National Association of Creative and Cultural Industries. [read more…]

As a photographer, I often find myself in the privileged position of witnessing and immortalizing moments of significance in people's lives. But nothing quite prepared me for the honor of documenting my friend's doctoral defense in the grand Lutheran church of old Amsterdam. [read more…]

A little reflection on my trip to visit and old friend and some old and not so old sights around Leeds, the UK. [Read more…]

What a humbling feeling to close another memorable semester teaching and holding space for growth and inspiration. I find myself reflecting on the profound journey that teaching Intercultural Communication and Leadership is and how much it has illuminated the transformative power of genuine connection and the beauty of embracing vulnerability. [read more…]

One Question Project is there to illuminate amazing women and their experiences and to make them accessible to anyone. It’s created to inspire and challenge us to take action, create new connections and rediscover things we may already know. This time I ask one question to Marjolein Hemker:

How do you prioritise personal development vs professional
development?

Pokalbių serijoje apie lietuves, išsibarsčiusias po platųjį pasaulį, šįkart kalbinu Eleną Lund. Ji - konsultantė, koučerė bei aktyvistė, kuri siuo metu gyvena Osle, Norvegijoje.

[ENG] In this series of conversations with Lithuanian women who have left their motherland for a variety of reasons, I am speaking with Elena Lund who is a consultant, coach and activist who currently resides in Oslo, Norway.

After more than a decade, I found myself returning to Copenhagen, a city that holds countless memories from my past. But this time, the journey wasn't solely about revisiting familiar streets and landmarks; it was about rekindling a connection, one that had only recently sparked into existence.

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In a world often clouded by political divisiveness and cultural complexities, events like the recent gathering organized by the John Adams Institute where I attended a discussion on "Merchants of the Right: Gun Sellers and the Crisis of American Democracy" by Jennifer Carlson, followed by a captivating spoken word performance by Jackie Ashkin, serve as poignant reminders of the multifaceted nature of our society.

[read more…]