Anca Macovei Vlasceanu
Founder, Mark Twain International School
CEO, Romania Education Alliance

“Honouring our Past by Designing the Future”

On the evening of Wednesday, March 5, the majestic hall of the Romanian Athenaeum was filled with elegant ladies and distinguished gentlemen, gathered around the dedicated organizers—the leadership of the National Confederation for Women’s Entrepreneurship in Romania (CONAF)—to celebrate the Women in Economy 2025 Gala: Seven Years of Excellence, Innovation, and Resilience. For the second consecutive year, the event was held under the high patronage of the European Parliament. As the most significant recognition of female entrepreneurship in Romania, the Women in Economy Gala is more than just a celebration of excellence—it is a catalyst for change.

The 2025 edition, under the theme Empowered to Act, Inspired to Succeed, honored achievements through 10 awards given to women who have transformed industries, created opportunities, and redefined standards of excellence. Among these diverse and impactful industries, EDUCATION was proudly recognized, aligning with the new strategic partnership between UNICEF and CONAF, dedicated to education and vocation in Romania.

At the right moment, Dr. Marilen Pirtea, Rector of the West University of Timișoara, took the stage and warmly introduced the award:

“Mark Twain once said: ‘The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.’ A strong educational system shapes leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Today, we celebrate a visionary who has transformed private education in Romania, proving that international standards can become a reality. A leader in educational entrepreneurship— as the founder of Mark Twain International School and Romania Education Alliance—she has created an educational model that blends tradition with innovation, offering students a modern learning experience and a dual curriculum. A strategist for the future of education—under her vision, the institution has become a benchmark for private education in Romania, earning recognition through the acquisition of a majority stake by Morphosis Capital Fund and Vybros Capital Partners. For her courage to innovate, her vision for global education, and her tangible impact on the education system, we are honored to present the ‘Architect of Future Education’ Award to Mrs. Anca Macovei Vlăsceanu!”

Upon receiving the award, Anca Macovei Vlasceanu stated:

“I am honored to stand in the presence of so many strong and visionary women—leaders who, with grace, and perhaps without fully realizing it, inspire entire generations of young women in Romania to pursue affirmation, personal success, and professional and social achievement. I bow in admiration to them and express my deep gratitude to the CONAF leadership for awarding the Women in Economy 2025 distinction in the field of EDUCATION.

I step onto the Athenaeum stage with great respect, speaking here for the first time, though I have spent countless hours in this ‘sacred cathedral’ of classical symphonies—of Romanian and universal cultural spirit—since childhood, each time captivated by the magic of the maestros’ batons. In education, some poetically compare teachers to symphony orchestra conductors, guiding their students in unison toward knowledge. In reality, however, between us, teachers must often act more like calm air traffic controllers in bustling and crowded airports—navigating crossroads and connecting dynamic worlds, filled with precious and diverse passengers.

Although this award is given to me personally, for me, it implicitly encompasses everything that defines the rich history and vibrant universe of Mark Twain International School. For 30 years, our institution has had a revolutionary and positive impact on accredited education in Romania and, with great pride, on the global stage as an International Baccalaureate World School. I am deeply grateful for the trust and energy of over 5,000 students and alumni—both Romanian and from more than 60 other nationalities—as well as for the dedication of hundreds of extraordinary teachers, colleagues, and directors who have continuously left their vibrant mark on the identity of our school.

Alongside me in receiving this honor are Dan Macovei Vlăsceanu, my fundamental partner in business and life, and our children, Ioana and Petre, who continuously inspire, teach, and motivate us in this long and beautiful journey.

And since our anniversary slogan is ‘Honouring our Past by Designing the Future,’ I extend my gratitude to our investment partners, Morphosis Capital and Vybros, as well as to Dr. Matthew D. Wilkens—a leader in the field and our new Director General/Head of School—who have recently joined us in our essential mission: to scale the Mark Twain IS model, both by establishing new schools in state-of-the-art campuses and by transforming it into a guiding platform for other distinguished schools joining us under the collaborative spirit of Romania Education Alliance.

Together, in this new formation, we will continue to create undeniable progress and synergies in Romania’s private education sector, further establishing ourselves as a force on the global education stage.”