OUR TEAM

Founder and President

Slovenian by birth, Swiss by business, French by way of life, Bosnian & Croatian by heart and origin, and above all, a sincere European. Edo is a prominent figure with a diverse background in business and philanthropy. Currently living in Paris, Edo is passionate about fostering connections, and is deeply committed to uniting Bosnians in the diaspora and strengthening ties among people from the former Yugoslavia, with a vision of integrating them into the European Union. Edo firmly believes that the success of every Bosnian worldwide represents a victory for all of us.

Vice President

A former top-performing Canadian banker turned transformation coach, Marisa is passionate about trauma healing and women’s empowerment. Marisa leverages her extensive experience in leadership and transformation to help support and guide others through trauma recovery and self-mastery, helping them reclaim their power and voice. Marisa’s first visit to Bosnia in early 2024 deepened her commitment to advocating for women’s rights, particularly in Bosnia and the Balkan region, and she is eager to make a positive impact on others healing journeys within the 5MFBH association.

Secretary General 

Born in Croatia and raised in Bosnia, Paris-based Ivona is a multilingual writer and cultural strategist dedicated to cross-cultural bridge-building. As Secretary-General of 5MFBH, she leverages her extensive networks in diplomatic and diaspora communities to oversee strategic development and high-level cultural programming. Passionate about European identity and memory, Ivona focuses on strengthening the voice of Bosnia and Herzegovina within the European space. Through her leadership and public engagement, she advocates for cultural dignity and the vital role of diaspora leaders in shaping a collaborative future for Europe.

PR & Communications Manager

Born in France and deeply connected to Bosnia by heart and heritage, David is a European Political Science student engaged with peers from across the continent. Multilingual and well-traveled, his studies in diverse cultural settings have shaped his global outlook and strong appreciation for European cultures. Passionate about EU institutions, he aspires to contribute to shaping European identity in the Balkans and advancing the integration of former Yugoslav countries into the EU. David actively fosters connections within the Bosnian diaspora in France and Europe, while encouraging younger generations to promote Bosnia on the global stage.

Co-Founder 

Born in Paris, with Bosnian-Croatian, Slovenian, and French roots, he is a third-year Business Management student based in Paris and a co-founder of 5MFBH (5 Million Friends of Bosnia and Herzegovina). In this role, he is committed to strengthening ties within the Bosnian diaspora and engaging younger generations in promoting Bosnia and Herzegovina and France on the global stage.

A passionate music lover, he finds both expression and relaxation through playing the guitar.

Ambassador of Sport 

 A legendary footballer and coach, Faruk spent the majority of his career playing in Yugoslavia, France, and Spain. Today, he divides his time between Paris and Sarajevo. He is the second most-capped player in Bosnian history and ranks fifth in appearances in the history of Yugoslav football. Faruk proudly promotes Bosnia and Herzegovina and the 5MFBH association within his sports circles. He continues to raise awareness of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s rich culture and traditions—especially within French society—while strengthening the bonds between France and Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Ambassador of Music 

 A renowned violinist, Violeta, born into a family of 15 musicians, was named the best musician of the former Yugoslavia and personally recognized by Yehudi Menuhin. With an illustrious career spanning performances in the U.S., Japan, and Europe, she currently teaches at the prestigious Scola Cantorum in Paris. Violeta is also the Artistic Director of Music On The String International and serves as an Artist-in-Residence at Château de Maison Laffitte in France. Violeta proudly shares: "Music, like the highest form of diplomacy, has the power to connect the incompatible, from the most diverse notes to the most diverse human souls." 

Ambassador of Literature and Education

 Born in Bosnia and Herzegovina and later moving to the UK, Jasmine identifies as a global citizen. She holds a BA in English and English Literature from Kingston University and a Masters in Education from the Open University in the UK. With a diverse career in education and broadcasting, she is now the Dean of Academic Affairs at the DAVE School and serves as Editor-in-Chief for the 5 Million Friends of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Passionate about writing and community service, Jasmine draws inspiration from her mother and takes pride in her two grown children.