Dr Maria Terzi, CEO of Mallac (Cyprus)
is the visionary Co-Founder and CEO of Malloc, an AI-driven cybersecurity startup transforming mobile security. Maria’s leadership has secured $2 million in funding and led to the launch of a mobile security app with over 1 million downloads worldwide.
Maria holds a BSc in Computer Science Innovation and a PhD in Machine Learning. She collaborated with industry giants like Google on cutting-edge research and later served as a Lecturer and Research Associate at top Cypriot institutions, becoming a thought leader in AI and cybersecurity. In 2020, she left academia to focus entirely on Malloc's mission to revolutionize mobile security.
A two-time Google Hackathon winner and Facebook AI Scholar, Maria’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Europe’s “35 under 35” by the European Commission, a “Face of Europe” by the European Parliament, and receiving the MF Woman of the Year Award and Forbes Cyprus Women in Tech Award.
Maria is a strong advocate for privacy, cybersecurity, and AI, and actively supports Cyprus's growing tech ecosystem.
Outside of tech, she has been dedicated to the Girl Guides movement since age six, serving as WAGGGS Advocacy Champion, President of the Youth Council of the Girl Guides Association of Cyprus, and Deputy Chief Commissioner. Her journey is a testament to her commitment to innovation, leadership, and empowering future change-makers.
Annita Demetriou, President of the House of Representatives (Cyprus)
Annita Demetriou is an inspiring trailblazer in Cypriot politics, currently serving as the first woman and youngest individual ever to hold the position of President of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus. Elected as a Member of Parliament in 2016 and re-elected in 2021, her leadership journey culminated in her appointment as President of the Democratic Rally (DISY) party in March 2023.
With a strong academic foundation, Annita holds a degree in Social and Political Sciences and a postgraduate qualification in International Relations and European Studies. Her commitment to fostering global cooperation is evident in her roles as an Ambassador of the Women Political Leaders network and as a representative of Cyprus in the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Her passion for international dialogue extends to her active participation in various influential forums, including the Conference of Speakers of EU Parliaments, the European Conference of Presidents of Parliaments, the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly, and others.
Annita’s leadership is defined by her dedication to modernizing parliamentary work, advancing digital transformation, and fostering greater communication between lawmakers and citizens. Her agenda is deeply focused on promoting human rights, eradicating gender stereotypes, protecting the environment, and strengthening parliamentary diplomacy.
As a visionary leader, she strives for a more inclusive and progressive future. Join us to engage with a dynamic leader shaping the future of Cyprus and beyond.
Candela Gonzalez, Chair of the WAGGGS World Board (Argentina)
Candela is a member of Asociación Guías Argentinas (AGA). Since 2017, she has been serving as a member of the National Board and as Vice President & member of the WAGGGS Governance Committee since 2018. In a professional capacity, Candela works in the Programmes division at UNICEF Argentina.
Nadine El Achy, WAGGGS CEO (Lebanon)
Nadine is no stranger to our Movement and the Olave Baden-Powell Society. She started her journey as a Brownie, where she discovered firsthand how even the smallest actions can create huge ripples of change. For over 20 years, she’s been leading organisations, championing youth empowerment, and sparking positive transformations across more than 30 countries. Nadine has worn many hats at WAGGGS already—trainer, Board Member, Chair of the World Board, OB-PS Member—and now, she’s ready to take on the role of Chief Executive with all her heart, energy, and passion.
Here’s a little message from Nadine herself to all Members of the Olave Baden-Powell Society:
"With each contribution, you are making a strategic investment in girls and young women—an investment that delivers extraordinary returns in leadership, resilience, and global impact. Your support fuels the growth of future changemakers who will lead their communities, shape policies, and drive meaningful change across the world."
Nadine is looking forward to strengthening our partnership and to seeing many of you in Cyprus this October as we continue this vital work together.
Kaela Sáenz Oriti, OB-PS President (USA)
A lifetime member of Girl Scouts USA, Kaela Sáenz Oriti became a supporter of OB-PS in 2003 to further the mission of WAGGGS. During her 2020-2024 term as an OB-PS board member, Kaela celebrated 40 years as a Girl Scout—40 years of experiencing first-hand the impact of WAGGGS on young women as they build leadership skills, global perspectives, confidence, and a network of friends and sisters that is 10 million strong.
In her professional life, Kaela is the director of client services for an education technology company that serves colleges and universities. She also worked as an educator and non-profit leader for more than 15 years. She uses the skills she learned as a Girl Scout to be a trailblazer - developing and executing initiatives that build on strategic vision, increase impact, cultivate advocates, deepen participant engagement, and enrich the client and volunteer experience.
Elected as President of OB-PS in 2024, Kaela is eager to ensure that OB-PS continues to play an integral role in creating a sustainable future for the Girl Guide and Girl Scout Movement - a future that provides other young leaders the opportunity to open their horizons and what they can do to change the world.
Inga Pikse, Head of Individual Giving and Philanthropy (Latvia/UK)
WAGGGS Head of Fundraising and Philanthropy, Inga is experienced in building long-term relationships and delivering multiple fundraising and legacy campaigns. Inga will share informative and useful knowledge with Members about WAGGGS, OB-PS and the fundraising landscape.