Meet the Demos Board 2008-II:
Andrea Schmidt
President
I was born in Austria but for the most part I actually feel much more at home being surrounded by people from all around the globe – like at the Maastricht Graduate 
School of Governance. Bringing people together by crossing cultures, academic disciplines and different perspectives has also been one of the ideas of the study association Demos. As its president I believe it is my task to give a “face” to the whole organization. In fact, I have always enjoyed taking over representative functions, not only because of my outgoing and open-minded character, but also because of my strong commitment towards students’ rights and towards creating a feeling of community among the students.
After my studies I would like to gain some practical experience in policy-making, preferably at European or international level with an NGO, or the public sector. Most importantly, however, I would like to contribute my very personal part to making the world a place where priorities are set in the “right” way.
Jeroen Kohls
Vice-President
I come from Greece and I was born in Leuven/Belgium a sunny day of August 1985. I am studying at the School since 
February 2009 and hold the position as vice president of DEMOS. My main responsibilities are to assist the president, to take care of the transition of boards over the summer and of course to come up with ideas for activities.
DEMOS, the Student Organisation of our school, first drew my attention because of its Greek name (δήμος) which means people. Combined with the word Kratos (rule, strength), Demos forms the word Democracy (Demokratia). In terms of politics, Demos represents the idea of people being active members of their community.
It makes me proud to say that, as a member of the board of Demos, I really had the chance to help make some great initiatives become a reality and will continue to do so.
Katrin Huesken
Secretary
I was born in Germany but most of my childhood I grew up in Luxembourg. I have been in Maastricht for four years now, I did my Bachelor in Economics at the Business Faculty and I started my Master the the MGSoG this February. My specialization track is Sustainable Development. My main responsibilities are: internal communication within the board, assisting the president and the other board members, managing of board minutes and other forms.
Dafina Dimitrova
Activities Coordinator
I am Bulgarian, 25 years
old, and the MPP programme with a specialization in Social Policy Desigb/Social Policy Financing is my second Master’s, which I chose due to my very specific interest in pension systems. I am an open-minded, direct, cheerful and creative person, always ready for new challenges and ideas. The position of an Activities Coordinator of Demos reflects to a big extent my personality- dynamic and energetic, but with a passion and an eye for structure, organization and detail. Throughout the year at the MGSoG we initiated a range of activities, from study and leisure trips, through carreer seminars and sports activities, to international dinners and parties. Working with the Demos team is indeed a wonderful and enriching experience!
Annelien Ronda
Communications Officer
I am Dutch, 25 years old, and following the specialization Sustainable Development. While living abroad I experienced 
that the world is more complex than we mostly think and I realized that there is so much to improve, inequalities to erode, and people(s) to support – thus I decided to follow my idealistic nature also in my studies. Besides studying, I am active in a Dutch NGO working on a more sustainable and environmentally aware society in the Netherlands. My motivation, enthusiasm and passion helped me in fulfilling both the DEMOS and NGO work.
At DEMOS, I am responsible for the communication between the board and students, such as e-mailing, keeping this blog up to date, and informing them about activities, events, and news as well as establishing contacts between the international DEMOS board and Dutch contacts. This year has been a great experience so far, and I certainly hope that many, if not all, of this year’s board initiatives will be carried through by the next generation! The Maastricht Graduate School of Governance is a “breeding” place for successful policy-makers, legal professionals, and experts in the field of sustainability. Let’s use the spirit of DEMOS to try and make our world a better place!
Johannes Heickmann
Treasurer
I am German and come from the cold city of Bremen (not that Maastricht is very warm). I joined the MPP programme at the MGSoG in September 2008 and chose the Spezialisation Social Policy Finance. Since the whole second semester of my Master would be about money, I decided to train a bit and run for the position as treasurer of DEMOS. Strangely I got elected… 
My job is to try not to screw up our budget and lobby for the right kind of expenditures at the DEMOS events. Furthermore, I do give my opinion to all kind of matters concerning the organisation of our events, regardless wether people want hear it or not.
Fun aside, working for the pleasure of the students has actually been a very valuable experience and I am happy to have made the decision to join DEMOS.
