Milena Karieva is among the founders of the "Teen Spirit" Youth Center and chairwoman of the Association since 2023, when it was officially registered. At the same time, Milena has been part of the center's activities since its very beginning in 2015. She has more than 10 years of experience in working with young people as a leader and organizer of youth initiatives and has participated in over 15 international youth exchanges at the European level. Milena has exceptional leadership and organizational skills, a strong team spirit and is able to motivate others. Over the years, she has been a volunteer in the Bulgarian Youth Red Cross for 6 years and a club coordinator for 5 years. She has two higher education degrees - in the field of Special Education and Digital Marketing. This year, Milena is completing her ESC volunteer program in Italy, where she improved her skills in working with local communities, organizing events, project management and preparing and implementing projects under the Erasmus+ program. "What "Teen Spirit" is today - a driver of change in Chepelare, the voice of the youth and a colorful palette of cultures and teenage spirit, a partner of numerous European organizations, a host of international projects and the creator of the only annual youth festival of its kind in the Smolyan region "Tuka e Taka Fest", as well as a reliable partner of large structures such as Pamporovo AD - all this is a dream come true for the child in me, who once timidly stepped into this informal group. Today I am proud to share that I am the chairman of the miracle "Teen Spirit", which is becoming an increasingly recognizable symbol of youth energy and strength," says Milena.

Nevena Pashova-Proycheva is the initiator of the creation of “Teen Spirit” – both a youth center and an NGO. She is a person with over 15 years of experience in the NGO sector at the national and international level. She has experience in project management, as a trainer and facilitator on various topics.

The main topic she has dealt with over the years is youth participation and inclusion. A large part of her work experience is focused on Roma inclusion. She served as the international coordinator of TernYpe – International Roma Youth Network for 5 years, from 2010 to 2015. She works locally with the C.E.G.A Foundation and the Pro-European Network on Roma Issues. Nevena is a graduate lawyer and a human rights trainer. Nevena was part of the State Department’s Community Organizing Program for Professional Fellows in 2015 in the USA and is still actively working with the program and its American partners.

Sofia Botusharova has been part of Teen Spirit since 2024 and has since established herself as one of the leading forces in the organization. She holds a Master's degree in Strategic Management from Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" and an additional qualification in "Business Communications". She has extensive experience in process planning - a key element in her entire career. As a student, she planned and provided technical support along with logistics for corporate clients of a large international company. She has personally participated in youth exchanges and trainings for youth workers, which gives her a deep understanding of the internal processes of organizing and conducting such projects. Over the past 10 years, she has combined her passion for planning with sales, accumulating valuable knowledge and skills. As a mother of three children, Sofia skillfully handles many tasks at the same time and possesses important skills such as stress resistance, determination, taking responsibility, patience, and excellent teamwork. She loves to constantly develop – she is participating in the 2025 fall training program of the Center for Nonprofit Law, focusing on gamification and fundraising. She has a strong interest in education, sports, rights and equality, and the development of children and young people. Out of love for Chepelare and a desire to contribute to the youth community there, Sofia is fully dedicated to creating positive changes in these areas.

I am Dimitar Nedyalkov, and although I am originally from Sofia and spent the last 3 years in Germany to complete my higher education, after only a few days, I realized that my soul belongs to Chepelare! I am joining the Teen Spirit team to contribute with rational and critical thinking, proactivity, and adaptability.

Kostadin Belenozov is part of the team of the youth center "Teen Spirit - Chepelare". He actively works with young people in the field of sports, art, and culture. An actor by heart and profession, he is involved in theater, music, and dance, and believes that art is one of the strongest ways for young people to express themselves. He has extensive experience in Erasmus+ programs and is one of the organizers of "Tuka e Taka Fest", as well as other youth and cultural initiatives. He believes that when young people are given space and trust, they find their own way and make things happen.

My name is Michael Bassel, and I was born and raised in Chepelare - a place that I carry in my heart, and that has shaped me as a person and an athlete. I am a mix of Bulgarian and British, which gives me a broader view of the world and different cultures. Since I was a child, sport has been an integral part of my life. In winter, my main hobby is skiing, preferring dynamic and technical riding styles, and in summer, the adrenaline continues with active mountain biking. I love the speed, technique, and challenges that these sports give me. The mountain is my place for development, balance, and inspiration. I believe that sport builds character, discipline, and respect. In addition to the mountain, I found my place of inspiration in Team Spirit. This organization, for me, is not just a team, but a family. I love the philosophy, values ​​, and energy that we share as a team. I am proud to be part of this team and that together we can develop. For me, Team Spirit means moving forward, together. And I am a proud representative of this youth NGO. I love my hometown of Chepelare. I believe in the power of community and support between people. I always give my best - both in sports and in teamwork. I aim for constant development and improvement, and Teen Spirit gave me exactly that - a field where I can express myself and be useful to the community in my hometown.