Local Community Trainers
RURACTIVE aims to empower rural communities to act for societal change by making available knowledge regarding the development and implementation of place-based community-led solutions that integrate different forms of innovation.
This is done in its 12 European Dynamos addressing six RURACTIVE Rural Development Drivers (RDDs). Among some of the key challenges in rural communities, RURACTIVE particularly focuses on the digital divide – the gap between individuals and communities that have access to digital technologies and those that do not – but also community empowerment and knowledge transfer, all of which are essential for facilitating the process of implementing innovative solutions.
In rural areas, the digital divide is particularly pronounced, as many communities face limited access to digital infrastructure, tools and competences. This gap often leaves rural populations, especially older adults, women and youth, at a disadvantage in accessing essential services, educational opportunities and economic activities. RURACTIVE aims to close this gap between rural and urban populations by improving digital skills and capabilities across all community members.
This shall be achieved through tailored training in essential digital and technological areas and facilitating competence development in information and data literacy, digital communication and collaboration, digital content creation, digital safety as well as digital technologies for rapid prototyping and problem-solving.
The different Local Community Trainers, as introduced here, take on a key role and facilitate this transition together with the local rural communities in the different Dynamos. They guide the community members through understanding their learning needs and gaps and the required training initiatives.

Baradić
- Short biography
I finished school in my hometown Zadar. I studied Geography in Zagreb and currently work as a teacher on three islands. In my free time, I play piano, guitar and I teach dancing to local people on the island. I write a book and articles.

Gamez
- Short biography
My name is Daniel and I have been selected as local community trainer for the Gotland region. My interest in this role stems from my desire to help society with sustainable actions, a goal that has been consistent throughout my upbringing. Born in Argentina and raised in Italy and Spain, I quickly learned the value of being part of a cosmopolitan society, where society has no borders and members help each other overcome common barriers and challenges.
After completing a BA in Latin American Studies and an MSc in International and European Relations, I began to work at Uppsala University with practical research, encompassing several community projects in Sweden to increasing renewable energy production and thereby empowering local communities.
Today, as sustainability has become deeply intertwined with digitalisation, one barrier affecting the local community is the digital divide. Therefore, as I believe that the digitalisation needed for the green transition should be both sustainable and inclusive, I find the role of a local community trainer very rewarding, as I have the opportunity to contribute to local communities with practical insights to empower them to overcome challenges and make the green transition more inclusive.

Isoaho
- Short biography
Previous education: forestry engineer (2002) and physiotherapist (2008). I have over 10 years of work experience in physiotherapy including 1.5 years in England. My first language is Finnish and I am fluent in English. At the moment I am doing my master's studies in Cultural Anthropology. I have been working part time in the department of computer sciences. My job was to gather data for VR technology studies. I am interested in IT-technologies and what you can do with them but I do not understand how they work and cannot do any programming.
We can provide advice and training in the following areas of digital: digital marketing, brand and communication, content development, digital archives, design and user experience, data management, market research, impact measurement and evaluation

Petrig
- Short biography
My name is Emanuel Petrig and I am currently working as a Quality Unit Support IT Specialist at Lonza AG in Visp, an international company where I collaborate daily with colleagues from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. Over the past decade, I have gained extensive experience in managing teams, optimising workflows, and leading collaborative projects. As a former team leader in quality control, I focused on building trust, fostering teamwork, and achieving shared goals through clear communication and structured problem-solving.
My open and collegial approach helps me connect easily with people and create positive, inclusive environments. My ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds has been a key asset, enabling me to bridge gaps, encourage collaboration, and drive progress in both professional and community settings.
Currently, I am pursuing a part-time degree in Business Informatics to deepen my knowledge of digital technologies and how they can be applied practically. My aim is to use this knowledge to help bridge the gap between technology and people, making it approachable and beneficial for everyone.
I am deeply connected to my hometown of Törbel and passionate about helping the local community develop digital skills. This opportunity not only allows me to contribute to Törbel but also offers a chance for personal growth and further development. I believe that fostering collaboration and encouraging shared learning can strengthen both individuals and the community as a whole.
Mentor, Jury memberships and Keynote Speaker

Ponari
- Short biography
My name is Emanuela Ponari, and I am 28 years old. I hold degrees in Political Science and International Relations, as well as in Media, Digital Communication, and Journalism. I am a passionate professional communicator with a strong aptitude for storytelling, both verbally and in writing, across physical and digital platforms.
I thrive on direct interaction with people and enjoy working in collaborative environments. My education and experience have allowed me to develop a unique combination of analytical and creative skills, which I apply to craft impactful communication strategies.
I am skilled at managing complex projects and optimising both time and resources to ensure concrete results that are aligned with set objectives. I am always focused on achieving measurable outcomes while maintaining high standards of quality.
What motivates me most is the ability to connect with others through storytelling, whether in person or online. I believe that effective communication can drive change, and I am committed to using my talents to create content that resonates with diverse audiences.
With a strong team-oriented approach, adaptability, and a results-driven mindset, I am always looking for new opportunities to grow professionally and make a positive impact in the world of communication.

Lapucci
- Short biography
Born and raised in a rural area of the Apennines in central Italy, I am driven by an insatiable curiosity and a strong creative spirit. My professional journey has focused on the transformative power of culture, particularly its intersections with health, welfare, and community development and empowerment.
After earning a master’s degree in cultural management, I began a research project combining my interests in culture, rights, and marginality. Since January 2022, I have been conducting doctoral research within the "Global Studies: Justice, Rights, and Politics" programme at the University of Macerata. My PhD explores the contributions of cultural institutions and creative industries to the well-being and health of individuals and communities, aiming to develop a holistic, multidimensional framework for impact assessment tailored to inner areas.
Since 2017, I have worked as a tutor on numerous projects with high schools and universities, focusing on digital storytelling and cultural heritage. Highlights include "DICO: Digital Career Stories - Opening New Career Paths for Arts and Culture Students", which explored innovative storytelling methods, and "My Digital Heritage", a project empowering high school students affected by the central Italy earthquakes to digitally preserve and enhance their cultural heritage.
Alongside my doctoral studies, I completed the Executive Master in Culture & Health, “Designing Cultural Welfare: From Ideation to Impact Assessment”, at the Cultural Welfare Center in Turin (2023–2024). During 2023 I also conducted a ten-month research stay at Staffordshire University, where I have been a visiting fellow since February 2024.

Clinch
- Short biography
My name is Hannah Clinch and I work with Manda Forster to provide a range of support services to SMEs across the UK through the design agency Tacit Tacit.
We have a wealth of experience providing digital support services to start-ups, established businesses and social enterprises, particularly within the Creative Industries and cultural heritage sector.
Through our work we take clients through essential tasks that maximise an investment in digital tools, like writing and costing a design brief, to commissioning and managing digital projects. We can also provide practical insights into how to work fairly and effectively with freelance teams to deliver projects including websites, rebranding initiatives and market research.
As a team we are well versed in teaching people how to use digital software packages within a community, education and enterprise context. I am a Learning Facilitator for the Social Enterprise Academy and Manda has a wealth of experience teaching vocational skills up to postgraduate level.
As users of digital design and project management tools we can provide support to people who want to know more about the following packages: WIX, Canva, Adobe suite, Wordpress, Green Map,Google suite,Basecamp (project management), Miro
We can provide advice and training in the following areas of digital: Digital marketing Brand and communication, Content development, Digital Archives, Design and user experience, Data management, Market research, Evaluate and measure impact

Luis
- Short biography
I am José Luis Durán, from Lucena, Córdoba in Spain, and I own an audiovisual production company focused on both advertising and the development of documentary films. We specialise in creating works set in rural environments, aiming to highlight what happens far from urban areas.

Malloni
- Short biography
Lorenzo Malloni is an undisciplined architect and artist with an excitement for what is radically different. He graduated from the Milan Polytechnic with a degree in Environmental Architecture, and went on to earn a double degree in Architecture at Tongji University in Shanghai.
During his time in China, Lorenzo organised events in post-industrial locations and documented the lives of Shanghai’s migrant workers in a series of documentaries. In 2014, he collaborated with the Moving Cities Think Tank to create the exhibition “Adaptation in China,” which was showcased at the 14th Venice Architecture Biennale. Three of Lorenzo’s video-graphic works were featured in the exhibition.
Since 2016, his personal research focuses on what he has defined as the “syntropic” phenomena of modularity in construction, an approach where group action and cooperation between the parts is favoured over that of individual entities.
Every “syntropic” work is both an assemblage of equal structural parts and a participatory practice by multiple individuals willing to invest and share their ideas and skills, escaping the mythologies of authorship. In both cases, cooperation between peers is revealed for the emergence of something that is greater than their mere aggregate of individualities.
From October 2019 to June 2022, Lorenzo worked closely with artist Tomas Saraceno as the head of production for the Aerocene department in Berlin. He is still the coordinator for the Italian community of the Aerocene foundation, organizing workshops and collective activities in socially marginalized environments.
In July 2022 he co-founded the Inabita cooperative, a laboratory for the environmental, social and cultural challenges of inland areas in Italy, imagining and implementing their transformation through collective research-action practices.
His work is mostly carried out through participatory workshops engaging local communities. He has worked with marginalised groups, such as migrants and protected minors.

Makri
- Short biography
I am an experienced Environmentalist and Geographer with a strong focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and climate change analysis. I worked as an ESG and Climate Change Analyst at E-ON Integration S.A. in Greece (for two years 2024-2022), I have been specialised in GHG emissions calculations using GHG Protocol and ISO14064, supporting sustainability reporting, and conducting climate risk analyses. I also have experience creating physical hazard maps using Copernicus data.
Prior to this role, I worked at Climate Solutions Exchange Ltd. in the UK (2021-2022), where I analysed environmental data, contributed to woodland and peatland restoration projects, and worked on carbon code initiatives in the UK.
My academic background includes an MSc in Ecological Consultancy from Newcastle University (UK), with a thesis on LiDAR technology in forest attribute estimation, and an MSc in Forest and Nature Conservation from Wageningen University (Netherlands), where I was focused on tree acclimatisation to altitude in Nepal.
I also have extensive experience in fieldwork and research, including internships at the Forest Research Institute of Athens, where I conducted research on plant moisture and forest fires, and at The Nature Conservancy in the USA, where I worked on plant inventory and ecological surveys. Passionate about environmental issues, I also used to write articles to raise public awareness on ecological topics.

Wagner
- Short biography
Regional Ties to South Burgenland
Martin Wagner has deep connections to South Burgenland, dedicating years to empowering local communities, schools, and organisations. His work fosters positive change through entrepreneurship, education, and innovation.Supporting Communities and Driving Innovation
Martin’s impact is evident in initiatives like SAVIO Burgenland and CARITAS Burgenland, where he provided pro bono advisory services, coordinated youth projects, and built impactful partnerships. As co-founder of the deep-tech scale-up NXRT, he secured a seven-figure investment (40+ employees) to develop XR simulation solutions, advancing innovation in automotive and training industries while contributing to regional growth.Empowering Entrepreneurs and Students
Through the Initiative for Teaching Entrepreneurship, Martin has inspired young minds in Burgenland with workshops on entrepreneurial design and project management, preparing them to embrace change and innovation.Global Expertise, Regional Impact
With education from institutions like the WU Vienna, University of St. Gallen and Cambridge, Martin combines global knowledge with a profound understanding of South Burgenland’s needs, aligning innovation with regional goals.A Vision for Change
A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Martin has supported over 1,000 early-stage ideas and startups, mentoring entrepreneurs to create ventures that drive meaningful change.Let’s Connect
If you share Martin’s vision for innovation, entrepreneurship, and community impact, reach out on LinkedIn to explore how you can collaborate to make a difference.

Kut
- Short biography
My name is Natalia Kut. I come from Ukraine. I live in the village of Synevyrska Poliana Synevyr community. I am 36. I have a degree in English and Germany languages. I work as an English teacher in a local lyceum. I am a sociable and open-minded person. My greatest strengths are meeting deadlines and attention to detail. I am accurate, motivated and willing to learn. I have developed computer literacy. My rural community needs digital development. I am highly motivated and results-oriented to be a local community trainer.

Martin
- Short biography
I studied at a high school in Zamora. I am an undergraduate student, I study Art History at UNED. I have completed extracurricular internships at UNED Zamora.
In addition, I have worked dealing directly with people, thus approaching all kinds of audiences.
Likewise, I am proficient in computer tools and essential software programmes. Although I do not have a high level of English, I am continually improving my skills.