Mihaela Vețan

Project Manager and Trainer, CRIES-Resource Center for Ethical and Solidarity Initiatives

Mihaela Vețan is a project and organizational manager, trainer, and facilitator working at the intersection of culture, food systems, and social and solidarity economy. With over 15 years of experience, she has developed and led initiatives that promote responsible consumption, sustainable development, and community-based economic models, with a particular focus on the cultural dimensions of food and gastronomy.

She holds a degree in Political Science and a Master’s in Public Policy and Advocacy from the West University of Timișoara. In 2009, she co-founded CRIES–Resource Center for Ethical and Solidarity Initiatives, where she has since played a key role in the strategic development and implementation of programs addressing FairTrade, community-supported agriculture, participatory democracy, and ethical consumption.

Mihaela has extensive experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects at both national and European levels, contributing to educational innovation, capacity building, and transnational collaboration. She has coordinated project design, implementation, and evaluation processes, while also developing and delivering training programs that foster critical thinking, civic engagement, and behavioral change.

Her work places a strong emphasis on food as a cultural, social, and political resource. She has initiated and supported participatory models that reconnect consumers with local producers and food traditions, including ASAT (Community Supported Agriculture partnerships), Reciproc Café & Grocery, and LA PAS–Artisan Gastronomy Festival. Through these initiatives, she has explored how gastronomy and intangible cultural heritage can act as tools for community development, artistic expression, and sustainability awareness.

In 2021, she contributed to the launch of INTERSECT, a social enterprise dedicated to reducing food waste. In this role, she has coordinated the development of a social store, built partnerships across the food supply chain, and implemented educational and awareness programs addressing food waste prevention. Her work combines practical interventions with public engagement, advocating for more responsible and circular food systems.

Mihaela’s expertise includes project management, organizational development, facilitation,and advocacy, with a strong focus on participatory approaches and cross-sector collaboration. She has worked closely with cultural operators, artists, educators, public institutions, andgrassroots initiatives, positioning culture asa key driver in promoting sustainable lifestyles andsocial change.

Deeply committed to social justice, urban–rural solidarity, and environmental responsibility, she promotes active citizenship and community engagement as essential elements of sustainable development. Since 2026, she has been recognised as an Expert by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT).