Our team
Secretariat
Sara Sow Linares – Policy and Projects Officer
Sara is an educator, with an expertise in education policy for migrants and refugees. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy and a Master’s degree in International Relations, Cooperation and Organizations. She has experience in education and social project development, and she has worked in mental health and psychosocial support programmes for migrants. She has also volunteered for NGOs working on child protection and education.Get in touch for policy work and working groups.
Contact: sara@sirius-network.org
Valentina Galli – Policy and Projects Consultant
Valentina Galli is a project and policy consultant for SIRIUS, specialising in education and related policy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Sciences and is currently pursuing advanced studies in Public Policy and Security. Valentina has extensive expertise in education-focused projects, particularly those promoting EU education initiatives, voter participation, active citizenship, and Public Administration. With a commitment to fostering civic engagement and innovation in education, Valentina contributes to projects that empower communities and bridge the gap between policy and practice in diverse contexts.
Contact: projects@sirius-network.org
Paul Lira – Finance consultant
As Financial Manager, Paul is responsible for the daily running of the organization’s finances. He supports the SIRIUS staff providing oversight of project finances and the organization’s financial foresight. He prepares financial documents for the Board and the General Assembly as well as for the Belgian authorities. Prior to joining SIRIUS Paul gained many years of experience working for official institutions (Mission of Nicaragua to the EU, Embassy to Belgium and Luxembourg) and non-governmental organizations (MSF, Dynamo International, Africalia and Solidagro). He also currently works partly for the Migration Policy Group.
Contact: finance@sirius-network.org
Pascale Furnelle – Administrative Officer
Pascale is in charge of the SIRIUS administration. She ensures a smooth running of office administration, logistics and HR. Prior to joining SIRIUS, Pascale held several office manager positions in European associations in Brussels. She graduated in Marketing and Communication in Brussels and is a Belgian national with French as a mother tongue (she is also fluent in English). She also currrently works partly for the Migration Policy Group.
Contact: admin@sirius-network.org
Board
Rory McDaid – President of the Board
Dr. Rory Mc Daid is a senior lecturer and researcher at the Marino Institute of Education in Dublin, Ireland, specialising in migration and education, inclusive education, and teacher identity. With a focus on the intersections of education, equality, and diversity, Rory leads research projects examining the experiences of migrant learners, migrant teachers, and the role of cultural mediators in supporting marginalised communities in education. Rory has published widely on migration and education, contributing to critical conversations on policy and practice in diverse educational contexts. His work emphasises the power of education to challenge inequalities and promote authentic, transformative teaching in diverse and changing societies.
Contact: Rory.McDaid@mie.ie
Bostjan Bobic Zabrescak – Treasurer of the Board
Boštjan Bobič Zabreščak is a passionate advocate for children and families with extensive experience in educational governance at national and European levels. Serving three terms as Vice President of the Slovenian National Parent Association (ZASSS), he has championed parents rights and contributed to EU-funded projects. A father of three, Boštjan commitment to education stems from his own experience with educational disparities. His background includes over 30 years of community involvement, starting as a volunteer fireman at age 7. He later served as a primary school Parent Council President for several years, connecting parents and school representatives and driving positive change within the school system. Elected twice to the EPA Board of Directors, where he serves as an ambassador, Boštjan brings valuable experience in organizational governance and is well-prepared to contribute to the Sirius leadership. His professional background includes expertise as an IT engineer and facility manager, bringing strong analytical, organizational, and management skills to his advocacy work. He is dedicated to 21st-century education, early childhood education, active citizenship, supporting parenting, and EU education policy. Boštjan is eager to contribute his expertise to the Sirius Network.
Contact: treasurer@sirius-network.org
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Kidist Teklemariam – Secretary of the Board
Kidist Teklemariam is the Founder and Director of Unleashing Refugee Potential C.I.C. She is in the final year of her PhD programme, specialising in migrant education, and serves as an Associate at Leeds Beckett University. She is also the Founder of Unleashing Refugee Potential C.I.C., a social enterprise dedicated to supporting refugees and migrants in accessing education and employment. During her time at Leeds Beckett University, Kidist served as the Coordinator of the SIRIUS 2.0 National Round Table, focusing on inclusive education and migration. She currently works as a consultant with Leeds Poverty Truth and has served as a Trustee on the Poverty Truth Commission, contributing to efforts to combat poverty and promote social justice. Her research and practice are centred on empowering marginalised communities and fostering inclusion through education and community collaboration.
Contact: kidukid.ka@gmail.com