Carmen Ispas

Vice President of National Union of Romanian Employers South-East Region

Carmen Ispas is Vice President of NGO UNPR RSE (National Union of Romanian Employers South-East Region) and co-initiator of Dobrogea’s candidacy for European Region of Gastronomy 2029. With over 17 years of leadership experience in business development, sales management and strategic networking at multinational corporations, she has built her career on fostering collaboration, developing people and driving sustainable growth.

Her commitment to bridging business expertise with cultural and gastronomic development is rooted in the belief that food is more than nourishment, it is living heritage that connects people, strengthens communities and empowers sustainable futures. She advocates for gastronomy as a catalyst for cultural identity, social cohesion, intercultural dialogue and resilience, in full alignment with IGCAT’s mission to place food at the heart of cultural policy and community well-being.

Carmen believes that “things are achieved with people and through people” and that every professional is indebted to give back to their community by passing on knowledge and values to future generations. Recognised an Expert at IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism) since 2025, she brings her skills in strategic thinking, partnership building and community engagement to support local producers, intercultural dialogue and the promotion of food as a driver for regional pride and well-being, contributing to the sustainable development of territories and to building sustainable futures for regions and cities.