Professional experience as a facilitator, mentor, youth worker and educational mediator
Actively involved in over 20 international projects focused on youth empowerment, sustainability, and civic engagement.
Designed and facilitated over one hundred interactive workshops, training sessions, and learning experiences aimed at empowering young people aged 14 to 29.
I’ve connected with local communities and youth in over 15 countries, gaining experiences that continue to shape my global perspective and inclusive approach.
About Me
Hello, my name is Marian Serafimov – a young person who believes that small steps can lead to big changes. I was born and raised in Gabrovo and graduated from the High School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences “Acad. Ivan Gyuzelev,” where I built the foundations of my critical thinking and curiosity. Today, I am a student at the Technical University of Gabrovo and work as an Educational Mediator at the Youth Center Gabrovo.
Youth Work and Leadership
For more than three years, I have been working actively with young people aged 15–29, supporting them in developing critical thinking, communication, and active citizenship skills. I have led dozens of workshops in schools and youth groups, organized campaigns, social initiatives, and cultural events. I was also a mentor in UNICEF’s UPSHIFT program, where I guided youth teams to turn their ideas into real projects. Currently, I am a leader of 7 young people in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, supporting them in their journey of personal development, responsibility, and resilience.
European and National Causes
I had the honor of being a Youth Democracy Ambassador in the project YOU(TH) Participate at the American University in Bulgaria – an initiative introducing the model of deliberative democracy in the country. I am also a European Climate Pact Ambassador with the European Commission, where I lead campaigns on sustainability and environmental awareness. One of my initiatives is Refilabot – a machine that transforms plastic bottles into material for 3D printers.
Sport and Discipline
Sports have played a huge role in my personal growth. For more than three years, I was part of the Bulgarian National Rugby Team. Rugby taught me discipline, resilience, and teamwork. It showed me that every victory requires effort, dedication, and unity – lessons I now bring into my youth work and leadership roles.
My Mission
I believe in the power of young people to transform their communities through education, sustainability, and civic engagement. My mission is to inspire and support this process – by setting a personal example, taking concrete action, and dedicating my energy and time to meaningful causes.
— Marian Serafimov
Philosophy & Vision
I believe that real, lasting change begins with people — especially young people. My work is grounded in the idea that education, consistency, and empathy are the keys to unlocking potential and building sustainable communities.
As a European Climate Pact Ambassador, I don’t just promote environmental action — I foster a culture of participation, where every young person feels seen, heard, and capable of shaping the future.
My vision is a world where:
🌍 Sustainability is lived, not just discussed
🗣️ Youth voices lead, not follow
🤝 Collaboration replaces competition
🔄 Small steps build big systems of change
I don’t work to impress — I work to inspire. I don’t chase results — I build relationships.
Functional Principles for Life
1. Start Small, Stay Consistent Lasting change begins with small, repeated steps. I focus on doing a little better every day — not being perfect, but being persistent.
2. Lead With Empathy True leadership starts with listening. I approach every person and challenge with care, respect, and the intention to understand.
3. Stay Curious I ask questions, seek new perspectives, and embrace learning as a lifelong journey. Curiosity keeps me open, evolving, and engaged.
4. Empower, Don’t Control I create space for others to grow, take ownership, and shine. The best leaders are those who step aside when it's time.
5. Trust the Process Good things take time. I believe in building systems, not shortcuts — and I value impact that lasts over results that come fast.
6. Live What You Teach I strive to embody the values I promote — sustainability, responsibility, and care — not just in words, but in habits.
7. Build Together, Rise Together Collaboration beats competition. Progress is collective — we go further when we go together, with shared goals and mutual trust.
Environmental Sustainability Footprint
For me, sustainability is not just a word — it’s a responsibility. As a European Climate Pact Ambassador, I believe that every action counts, no matter how small it may seem. My environmental sustainability footprint reflects both my personal lifestyle and the projects I dedicate myself to.
Everyday Choices
I try to live by the principle that change starts with the little things. From reducing single-use plastics and using my own reusable cup, to choosing greener transport options whenever possible, I see sustainability as a habit, not a trend.
Innovation with Purpose
Through my initiative Refilabot, I work to transform waste into opportunity. The machine turns plastic bottles into material for 3D printers — a practical example of how technology and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Inspiring Others
I launched the campaign “Чаша с кауза” (Cup with a Cause) to encourage the use of reusable cups and to prove that even simple shifts in daily behavior can have a large collective impact. Similarly, through my work with young people, I focus on raising awareness about our digital footprint and how online choices also affect the environment.
My Commitment
Sustainability, for me, is about leading by example. Whether it’s planting flowers with students, reducing waste at events, or mentoring projects on environmental themes, I aim to show that every footprint we leave behind can be lighter, smarter, and more meaningful.
🧠 Who I Am Beyond the Role
Outside of my professional work, I bring the values of discipline, teamwork, and determination from my time as a national rugby team player.
I find balance between structure and creativity, between responsibility and humor. I enjoy being in nature, reading about climate innovation, and brainstorming youth campaigns over coffee and whiteboards.