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

     

    Portrait of Pascale Fuirnelle

    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.

     

    Bostjan Bobic Zabrescak – Treasurer of the Board

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    Kidist Teklemariam – Secretary of the Board