Maria Spourdalaki is a PhD Candidate in Social Anthropology at the University of Crete, with her research focusing on war trauma and its management in places of refuge, specifically examining the case of the civilian population from Ukraine in Crete.

Alongside her academic work, she serves as the Operation Manager at ‘Women Do Business’ and is the Co-founder of ‘Step Into Youth’. She skillfully bridges academic research with event management and strategic communication, focusing on social empowerment and culture.

Step Into Youth is a Non-Profit Civil Organisation with a mission to empower young people who live in or come from regional areas. We offer access to skills training, mentorship, European programs, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. We’re building a community that learns, creates, and evolves shaping a future with equal opportunities for all.

Our vision is for every young person in regional areas to have equal access to opportunities, information, and support networks. Our goal is to create an environment where young people feel a sense of belonging, have the tools to develop their skills, and can take advantage of opportunities for professional and personal growth both locally and internationally.