
Ilinca Surdu
Staff
Ilinca has been part of the Aspen Institute Romania team since 2022, currently serving as a Public Programs & Public Policy Programs Officer. In this role, she supports the planning and execution of various initiatives, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and advancing strategic policy programs.
With a background in Law, Public Administration, and International Relations, Ilinca has always been driven by a passion for governance, diplomacy, and institutional development. Her professional experience includes internships at the Romanian Institute for Human Rights and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania, where she gained valuable insights into human rights advocacy and international legal affairs.
Ilinca earned a Law degree from the University of Bucharest and holds a Master’s degree in European Law from the University of Bucharest and a Master’s degree in Security and Diplomacy from the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration. Fluent in English, with Spanish and German as second languages, she brings a global perspective to her work.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Ilinca has also been deeply committed to volunteering, actively contributing to various student organizations and community projects, reinforcing her dedication to leadership, civic engagement, and positive societal impact. She finds inspiration in traveling, reading, and painting, embracing creativity and continuous learning in both her personal and professional life.
As Seneca once said, “If the goal is missing, life is a wandering.” Ilinca believes that each person has a unique mission, one that must be pursued with purpose and dedication. She sees every challenge as an opportunity for growth and every endeavor as a step toward meaningful impact.






