Director
Toma Nikolaev Mladenov, is a leading public figure, media expert, and an active representative of the Roma community with over 30 years of experience in the social, political, and media spheres. Born on January 28, 1966, in Bulgaria, he successfully combines national and international presence in defending the rights of the Roma and in developing social initiatives.
Toma Nikolaev is educated in the field of energy and media sciences, with degrees from Technical School of Energy - Sofia (1995) and City College of Trinity, London (2014). He is currently continuing his education at Ruskin University, London.
His professional path began as the executive director of ET Baronessa 90 (1990–1996), after which he held numerous key positions, such as the chairman of the Roma Community Foundation, chairman of ROS "Kupati", and also of the Bulgarian Political Party "Central Alliance Movement Salvation". From 2001 to 2023, he was the chairman of Roma London and co-chairman of Roma Consil Group - London, while also managing the Roma Information Agency "De facto", which has established itself as an authoritative source of information for the Roma community in Bulgaria and abroad.
Toma Nikolaev is an active initiator of a series of national and international projects aimed at education, healthcare, sports, crime prevention, and employment for the Roma community. Among his key initiatives are the establishment of the National Union "Justice for Roma" and the first of its kind National Council on Ethnic and Demographic Issues under the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria.
His international activity includes cooperation with organizations such as Amnesty International, ADL - American League, Edge Fund London, as well as participation in several international forums and conferences. He is also a member of the board of directors of the donor organization Edge Fund London and an advisor to other donor initiatives in the United Kingdom.
Toma is fluent in Bulgarian and Romani perfectly, as well as in English, German, and Russian at a very good level, and in Romanian, Turkish, and Esperanto at a good level, which allows him effective communication on the international stage.
From the beginning of 2026, he has been elected as the chairman of "United Civic Initiatives - Romenko" and organizer of the 15th World Roma Congress, which will take place in Sofia from October 29 to 31, 2026.
Toma Nikolaev is recognized as an authoritative figure among the Roma intelligentsia in Bulgaria and around the world, with a rich professional and social experience that combines active civic engagement, media expertise, and strategic leadership.
