Adela is an independent expert on development cooperation, management and organizational development of networks in the non-profit sector, with particular interest in sustainability, non-governmental diplomacy and empowering leadership. Adela Rusu holds a BA in Political Science and an MA in European Studies, both from the Faculty of Political Science, University of Bucharest, Romania and was awarded a scholarship at the University of Verona (Italy). Between 2008 and early 2020, Adela was the executive director at the Romanian NGDO Platform – FOND, being actively involved in monitoring the national and European development policies, ensuring representation at national and European level (both in the NGO community and different institutional settings), fostering regional cooperation among NGOs in the Black Sea region (with focus on enabling environment and building resilience of civil society) and strengthening the capacity of Romanian NGOs in this field.