The Political Task Force of the GLC Alumni Network is an operational group made up of one esteemed alum from each of our target Central and Eastern European countries (Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia). Its members monitor political developments in their respective countries in the areas of democracy, civil society, and human rights, contributing a short monthly summary that allows the network to stay politically informed. Task Force members also take part in virtual events to present and discuss national and international political trends, and provide ad-hoc input into the programs, initiatives, and documents of the GLC Alumni Network.
As of 2026, the current composition of the Political Task Force includes:
Sidita Zaja
Albania
Sidita Zaja has an interdisciplinary background in law, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability and more than fifteen years of experience leading projects and building partnerships. She is currently a PhD student in Ethical AI in Communication and Media and serves as a Human Rights Specialist at the Albanian office of the United Nations. Alumna from the GLC exchange program, delegation Fall 2019.
Ognyan Isaev
Bulgaria
Ognyan Isaev has degrees in journalism and psychology and is pursuing a PhD in cultural anthropology. He currently serves as Director of Educational Achievement in the Trust for Social Achievement and is one of the most visible Roma voices in the public debate in Bulgaria. He has publications for several Bulgarian and foreign media outlets on topics related to the Roma community. Alum of the GLC exchange program, delegation of Spring 2012.
Tessza Udvarhelyi
Hungary
Tessza Udvarhelyi, PhD is a cultural anthropologist and environmental psychologist by training. She is a long-time housing activist and political educator. From 2019 to 2024 Tessza was the head of the Office of Community Participation at the Municipality of Józsefváros (Budapest District 8) and from October, 2024 she has been serving as the vice mayor of the district responsible for social policy and community relations. Alumna of the GLC exchange program, delegation Spring 2016.
Adela Alexandru
Romania
Adela Alexandru is a feminist activist with a decade of experience in Romania’s civil society. She holds a PhD in Political Science. She currently serves as a gender equality expert and community organiser at Centrul Filia, a leading feminist civil society organisation in Romania. Alumna of the GLC exchange program, delegation Spring 2023.
Martin Klus
Slovakia
Martin Klus is a Slovak academic, commentator, politician and political theorist. He was a Member of the Slovak parliament between 2016 and 2023 and served as its deputy speaker and as a State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. He currently runs his own political analysis and political marketing agency called Agentúra SCIO.