Lia Petridou works as a cultural manager and communications professional, dedicated to developing initiatives that connect cultural heritage with contemporary society. Her work brings together culture, education, tourism, and community engagement, with a strong focus on participatory approaches and sustainable cultural development. She has contributed to the organization of international conferences on Semiotics and to the implementation of Erasmus+ projects. Alongside her professional work, she is a PhD candidate in the Department of Business Administration of Tourism at the University of the Aegean, where her research explores how participatory cultural initiatives contribute to visitor engagement and destination development. Lia holds a Master degree in Semiotics, Culture and Communication (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) and a Master degree in Cultural Management (Hellenic Open University). She is currently pursuing a Master degree in Social and Solidarity Economy (Hellenic Open University). She also holds a Bachelor degree in History and Archaeology and a diploma in the Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art. Through her publications and participation in academic conferences on culture, tourism, semiotics, and cinema, she advocates for culture as a living force for social cohesion, creativity, and sustainable development.
Eleni Lazaridou is engaged in research, culture, and communication, exploring how digital technologies shape contemporary social and cultural experiences. She is a PhD candidate in the Department of Social Anthropology at Panteion University. She holds a Master degree in Semiotics, Culture and Communication from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Gender, Culture and Society from the University of the Aegean, and earned her Bachelor degree in Italian Language and Literature from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Her research focuses on algorithmic cultures and artificial intelligence, semiotic analysis, interactive media, and contemporary representations of the body and gender. Alongside her academic work, she has extensive experience in the design, communication, and coordination of cultural and social projects. She currently works as a Field Manager at Truberries, where she applies semiotic methodologies to market research and marketing. Fluent in English, Italian, and Spanish, she enjoys discovering new places, meeting people from different cultures, and exploring the connections between technology, society, and culture. She believes that culture can foster dialogue, inclusion, and collaboration, and is passionate about creating initiatives that bring communities together.
Sofia Baltouma is an undergraduate student in the Department of Business Administration of Tourism at the University of the Aegean, where she is developing her interests in cultural management, tourism, and community engagement. As an intern at Mandarini, she is gaining practical experience while contributing to projects with social and cultural impact. She enjoys organizing activities, coordinating teamwork, and collaborating with people in creative and meaningful ways. Beyond her academic pursuits, Sofia is passionate about classical guitar, photography, poetry, and literature. These interests inspire her creativity and reinforce her belief that culture has the power to connect people and communities. She also speaks English, Russian and Ukrainian fluently.