Mia Zupančič has a degree in psychology and is currently completing her Master’s degree in marriage and family studies. She has been gaining experience with youth work since she was a teenager, initially in the role of an active volunteer, guide and head of one of the local units of the Scout Association of Slovenia, which means that she has been working with children, adolescents and young volunteers since the age of 16, during which time she also completed many youth leadership courses. She was also a volunteer at many youth organizations and youth centers in Slovenia, as well as at programs focused on the promotion of (mainly mental) health among children and adolescents. During her studies, she started working in the field of mental health, especially through prevention programs. At first, she was the project manager of the Safe Internet Institute, where she developed, implemented and evaluated preventive programs on modern topics such as Internet addiction and online violence. She currently works as the Secretary General of the Youth Network No Excuse Slovenia and the ad interim Secretary General at the YHO. She is also a member of the pool of trainers of the National Youth Council of Slovenia, a vice president for sustainable development of the NYC Slovenia, and has also obtained the national professional qualification Youth Worker. In her free time she likes to spend time in nature, doing activities that most people would not consider very relaxing, such as climbing, paragliding and hiking, but it seems to work for her as people usually describe her as a calm person.
Secretariat
PROJECT MANAGER
Nina Beja
Nina Beja holds a university degree in Food Science and a degree in Environmental Protection and has been actively involved in youth work for many years. At the end of her studies, she joined a local youth center as a volunteer, where she discovered her passion for youth work. This eventually led to a nearly seven-year career as a youth worker.
In her youth work, she integrated diverse topics, including career guidance, mental and physical health promotion, and intersectoral collaboration. She is a non-formal education trainer and a member of the trainer pools of the Youth Council of Slovenia and Ljubljana Pride Association. Nina finds inspiration in working with young people, as it offers mutual learning opportunities and fills her with hope for a better world.
In September 2024, Nina joined YHO, where she combines her project management skills with her dedication to youth health and well-being. In her free time, she enjoys cultural activities and exploring local stories and history.
EXPERT LEAD
Uroš Nović
Uroš Nović obtained his research master’s in psychology from Lund University, focusing his thesis on social media addiction in young adults. He participated in EFPSA’s Research Programme, studying e-mental health interventions, and conducted research on relational competence at the Educational Research Institute in Slovenia.
Uroš completed the Train the Trainer education through EFPSA (European Federation of Psychology Students’ Association) and is a soft skills trainer. He has facilitated workshops for youth for the Society for Preventive Work in Slovenia (DPD). He took on various roles within psychology student organizations, managing grants and external relations for EFPSA, and serving as the president and psychological counselor of the Psychology Students Association Maribor (DŠPM). Uroš also gained valuable experience during a Traineeship at the European Parliament, contributing to the development of competency frameworks.
His passion for public health was further fueled by his work with WHO’s EVID-ACTION Youth network, focusing on reducing alcohol consumption. He is dedicated to improving mental health resources, advocating for youth empowerment in health policies, and connecting research outcomes with practical health solutions.
EXPERT ASSOCIATE
Ines Likar
Ines is working at YHO as an Expert Associate, focusing primarily on mental health topics, but is also deeply invested in topics surrounding Alcohol, Tobacco, and Substance Use. She believes in the power of prevention and is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles, striving for the wellbeing of the youth and society. During her time as a psychology student, she was an active member of the Slovenian Psychology Students’ Association (DŠPS) Executive Board, where she took on the role of Secretary. She was a part of the development and execution of the program for the mental health awareness project Kako si?, and led the advocacy section of the initiative. Ines also gained valuable experience working in a clinical setting, where she co-led the program Counseling and Support for Patients in Smoking Cessation.
Project Associate
Ajda Stepišnik
Ajda is an advocate for youth health at both national and international level. As a pharmacy student, she has been an active member of the Slovenian Pharmacy Students’ Association (DŠFS) for several years, not least in her role as President of the Association. She represents the interests of pharmacy and allied health students at international events as a member of the Public Health Committee of the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF), where this year she serves as Programme Director on Gender Equality. Ajda is also a soft-skills trainer and regularly conducts workshops for future health professionals.
Project Associate
Mojca Čeh
Mojca is a psychology student, interested in clinical psychology and prevention in the field of mental health. She is also a vice president of Slovenian Psychology Students’ Association (DŠPS) and has managed some projects regarding mental health, most noticeably project Kako si?, a public campaign dedicated to public mental health awareness building. She is also a soft skill trainer at Skupina Psihomoč and has held some workshops for grownups as well as for high schoolers. Her hobbies include volleyball, painting, hiking, and enjoying a good book.
Project Associate
Julija Vita Glas
Julija Vita is a medical student enthusiastic about health promotion and disease prevention, particularly in the field of youth work. She has been an active youth leader in various youth organisations and projects. One of her focuses was preparing and conducting workshops for children and adolescents of various ages, primarily addressing the impact of commercial determinants of health such as nicotine products and alcohol. Additionally, she worked with the Institute for Health and Environment, where she managed and co-organized several successful projects. Her overarching objective is to foster an environment where young people can make informed and healthy choices, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
