TEDxNBU

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Aleksander Kadiev

  Aleksandar Kadiev is a Bulgarian theatre, film and television actor and one of the country’s most recognisable television hosts. He graduated in Drama Acting from the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts in Sofia. His career includes numerous stage productions, film and television roles, as well as many years of live broadcasting. Known for his spontaneous humour and openness, Aleksandar turns personal experiences into engaging stories about authenticity, vulnerability and the courage to remain true to oneself.

• Ana-Maria Papazova

  Ana-Maria Papazova is a second-year Journalism student at New Bulgarian University. A graduate of the Vasil Levski Sports School, she once believed that her future would remain entirely connected to rhythmic gymnastics. Over time, she discovered that life is not a single predetermined path but a palette of possibilities. She believes that identity is a constantly evolving story and tries to find meaning in the present rather than limiting herself to one permanent version of who she should become.

• Hristo Chukurliev

  Assoc. Prof. Hristo Chukurliev, PhD, is a faculty member in the Pedagogy Section of the Department of Foreign Languages and Cultures at New Bulgarian University. His academic interests include management models, digital transformation, the history of civilizations and religions, and the evolution of approaches to understanding and managing social processes. In higher education, his work focuses on transforming teaching methods and aligning education with the professions of the future. He has served as Director of NBU’s Central University Administration since 2018 and has held various leadership positions at the university since 2002. He has been a member of the NBU Board of Trustees since 2016.

• Ina Gavazova

  Ina Gavazova is a creative entrepreneur, animation art director and founder of Kashu Company, a boutique studio specialising in visual storytelling and 2D animation. In 2024, she was recognised in the Forbes Bulgaria 30 Under 30 selection. She is also an active mentor and animation educator. Ina is currently expanding Kashu into a full-service creative agency while developing an international learning platform for young creative professionals.

• Ivet Yaneva

  Ivet Yaneva is a Public Relations student at New Bulgarian University with an interest in communication and personal and corporate image-building. She has delivered educational talks to students on human trafficking, psychoactive substances and personal responsibility. Her professional experience includes working as a junior manager at OTTO.Artists, where she coordinated teams and contributed to communication strategies and social media development. She believes that choosing a meaningful direction sometimes requires the courage to leave behind a path that only appears to be the right one.

• Konstantin Valkov

  Konstantin Valkov is a Bulgarian journalist, media expert and lecturer at New Bulgarian University. He is Director of Special Projects at NBU and the creator and host of “The Bureau of Konstantin Valkov,” a podcast focused on geopolitics and global affairs. His curiosity currently ranges from the Strait of Hormuz and bullfighting in Spain to dog sledding in Greenland—and even the best ink colour for writing down new ideas.

• Lyuboslav Dimitrov

  Lyuboslav Dimitrov is a partner and Country Lead at Mentor the Young Bulgaria, where he helps build communities that connect ambitious young people with experienced mentors. Through the programme, participants work toward entrepreneurial, professional and personal goals. Alongside his work in mentorship and community-building, Lyuboslav develops independent projects in film and television. His interests lie at the intersection of personal growth, meaningful relationships and creative storytelling.

• Valentin Valkanov

  Valentin Valkanov, PhD, is a sociologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy and Sociology at New Bulgarian University. His research focuses on propaganda, conspiracy theories, media, and public attitudes. His doctoral dissertation explores post-truth and conspiracy narratives in healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is also a research fellow at the Human and Social Studies Foundation – Sofia.

• Viktoria Kostova

  Viktoria Kostova is a second-year Journalism student at New Bulgarian University, where she combines her interests in media, culture and personal stories. She graduated from the Plovdiv Language School, where she developed her passion for languages, writing and communication. Viktoria also has a long-standing interest in theatre, which has taught her how to express ideas, understand an audience and search for the emotion behind words. This connection between journalism and the stage inspires her to look for the human and authentic perspective in every story.

• Viktoriya Markileva

  Viktoriya Markileva is an aerospace systems engineer and Head of Space Services at EnduroSat. She leads complex projects involving satellite missions and cutting-edge space technologies. Her interests include the rapidly evolving space market, new technologies, and artificial intelligence applications in space missions. She is also a lecturer in the NewSpace Masters programme, where students gain experience working on real-world space missions.