The Team

Welcome to SK Consultancy, envisioned by Marina Sarli and Gerasimos Kouvaras. Our consultancy agency stands as a testament to over 45 years of combined experience as leaders, advisors, mentors, and trainers within the global civil society, nonprofit, and social economy sectors. We believe in the art of nurturing the potential within individuals and organizations, empowering them to blossom into powerful agents of transformative social change.

Gerasimos is the Executive Director of the World Human Forum and an accomplished independent consultant, mentor, and trainer with over 25 years of dedicated engagement in social transformative change. His 25+ years extensive career spans notable roles, including serving as Country Director for both ActionAid (twice awarded as Best Workplace in Greece) and Amnesty International, and as a Special Advisor on Volunteering and the Youth Sector for the Greek Ministry of Education. In that capacity, he led the National Office for Youth Policies and chaired the Working Group “Youth” of the Council of the EU in 2003. Throughout his career, Gerasimos has shared his expertise widely, delivering numerous lectures and workshops in Greece and internationally (audiences ranging from post-graduate students to UN officials) and keynote speeches (including Tedx talks and intracompany events).

He identifies himself as people-oriented, value-driven change maker and life-long learner. He holds a PhD in Management from Bayes Business School (his thesis discusses the impact of ideology in organizational change), an MBA from Nottingham Trent University (concentrated in nonprofit management) and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Aristoteleion University of Thessaloniki, and he has completed several tertiary education programmes, including Executive Education programmes at Harvard Kennedy School and Maxwell School of the University of Syracuse. His diverse background also encompasses the arts. He has studied Opera and performed over 150 times with the Greek State Radio Choir. Additionally, is an internationally recognized Artist Photographer (AFIAP) and a published poet, with a collection of haiku poems in Greek.

In addition to his professional and artistic endeavors, Gerasimos is a member of the BMW Foundation Responsible Leaders Network, founder of the Inner Development Goals Hellas Hub, and has held several voluntary roles, including serving as Vice Chair of the Board of the International Forum for Volunteering in Development (FORUM).

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Marina is a seasoned professional in the CSOs (Civil Society Organizations) sector, bringing over 20 years of expertise to her role as a Senior Consultant in Project Management, EU Fundraising, Advocacy, Training, and Networks Coordination.

Born in Italy, Marina currently resides in Athens, Greece. Her journey in the CSOs sector began at the young age of 18 when, after years of voluntarism and activism, she secured her first part-time contract as an Environmental Educator in schools. Since then, she has dedicated her first decade of her career to making a positive impact on society through her work as a project manager and general director for Youth Associations and Development Associations.

In 2002, Marina made significant strides in the field of sustainable development by founding Fair Trade Hellas, the first Fair Trade Association in Greece. Under her leadership, the organization has championed ethical trading practices, empowering marginalized communities and advocating for fair trade policies on national and international platforms.

She has worked for 7 years for the youth organization ELIX, promoting voluntarism and active participation of young people. In Elix she started in the role of Volunteers Manager and ended as Director. Marina’s contributions to the European Development Cooperation Sector have been commendable, earning her the privilege of serving two mandates in the 3-year international board of the Concord Confederation of European Associations for Development and Relief. Her consultancy and advocacy efforts at the governance level have played a crucial role for several CSOs around Europe in driving development and educational initiatives.

A passionate trainer, Marina excels in empowering individuals through Advocacy and Leadership skills. Her expertise extends to various thematic fields, including Social Entrepreneurship, Social and Solidarity Economy, Migration, Sustainable Development and Cooperation, Global Citizenship education, and social and economic inclusion. Moreover she has supported decades of organization in building capacity around Project Management, Fundraising, Strategic planning, tailored networking, and effective operation processes.

In 2016, Marina embraced the role of EU Cluster Coordinator at Impact Hub Company, the world’s largest network focused on building entrepreneurial communities for Inclusive and sustainable innovation at scale, In this capacity, she has been instrumental in securing strategic EU fundraising for the network and its 110+ members around the globe, and skillfully managing EU-approved projects. Her ability to lead diverse teams and deliver results has made her an invaluable asset to the organization moving her career path within the Network till the current role of EU Development Manager.

Marina’s dynamic career is not limited to her professional achievements. As a dedicated mother, her daughter Chiara has brought immeasurable richness and joy to her life. An avid reader, Marina finds solace in the pages of books, often immersing herself during her frequent travels.

Fluent in Italian, Greek, and English, Marina seamlessly navigates multicultural environments and fosters effective communication.

Marina Sarli’s profound knowledge, dedication, and broad expertise make her a sought-after consultant in the CSOs sector. Her strategic thinking, coupled with a passion for positive change, continues to drive impactful projects and initiatives that leave a lasting mark on society. For any consultancy needs related to project management, EU fundraising, advocacy, training, or network coordination, Marina is the reliable professional that will lead your organization towards success.

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The Team

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