About
Meet the Team.
The Bazar International is run entirely by volunteers. From the board of directors to the 1,500+ people who show up every year — everyone gives their time freely. Here are the people who make it happen year-round.
The Stands
Each of our 62 stands is run by a head of stand and a team of volunteers who work year-round — sourcing products, planning logistics, and getting everything ready long before the doors open for the weekend.
See all stands →Board of Directors
Elected by the association's members, the board is the governing body of the Bazar — each director giving their time freely to its mission.
Carmen Decalf
President
Spanish, German and Luxembourgish, with a background in finance and multinational companies, she presides over the Bazar International with extraordinary passion and motivation. The association flows through her veins and reflects her unwavering dedication and commitment.
Sonia Reyes
Vice-President
Mexican and Luxembourguish, Sonia brings an international perspective rooted in her background in international business and global logistics. Having lived and worked in diverse international settings, she embodies the global spirit of Bazar International and with it’s values at heart, she contributes to the organization’s overall management while she is responsible for the charities committee and the organization of external volunteers. Deeply committed to its charitable mission, Sonia works with dedication, rigor, and professionalism, helping ensure meaningful and sustainable impact.
Giulia Jaeger
General Secretary
Italian and Luxembourgish, she oversees and updates the organisation's plans and policies. Working hand in hand with her colleagues, she ensures that strategic objectives are met and processes run smoothly. Always ready to offer sound advice, she actively contributes to the team's success.
Celso Almeida
Treasurer
Portuguese, Celso has been involved in international volunteering since his university years and has built a solid career in finance since settling in Luxembourg in 2018. With a rigorous and structured approach, he takes on the role of Treasurer determined to manage the Bazar International's finances with precision, ensuring resources are used effectively to maximise the impact of its initiatives.
Maria Skalidi
Board Member
Maria, a Greek national, patiently and meticulously organises the Bazar weekend each year. Thanks to her dedication and organisational skills, the stands are always perfectly set up, thus ensuring the success of the event.
Iain Hackston
Board Member
Canadian, English and Luxembourgish, he manages the Bazar International's finances with exceptional rigour and precision. Thanks to his expertise and attention to detail, all our efforts are efficiently coordinated, ensuring optimal use of our resources and maximum impact of our initiatives.
Aurélie Ventujol
Board Member
Coming from an international background, with French and Luxembourgish roots, Aurélie brings a unique contribution to the Bazar International, particularly through her expertise in IT and website management. Moreover, her motivation and skills in communication and organisation are valuable assets for the team and the planning of the Bazar Weekend.
Teresa Weitzel
Board Member
Teresa, who is of Portuguese origin, spent decades working with the Portuguese stand before deciding to bring her experience in the field to the Board of Directors. Her expertise and commitment greatly strengthen our team.
Alejandra Hryszkiewicz
Board Member
Having been part of Bazar International since her arrival in Luxembourg from Argentina in 2011, where she began as a volunteer at the Argentina stand, she has witnessed firsthand the strength of its community and the tangible impact of its mission. With a professional background in finance and a structured, analytical approach, she brings both expertise and commitment to her role. Currently contributing within the Charities Committee, she is particularly inspired by the rigorous and thoughtful work behind supporting communities in need.
Seymur Ahmadov
Board Member
Coming from an international background, Seymur is an established entrepreneur with extensive expertise in business, academia and diaspora leadership. Fluent in Azerbaijani, English, Turkish, Ukrainian, French and Russian. For 15 consecutive years, he has successfully managed a country stand at the Bazar International. Now serving on the board of directors, he combines his entrepreneurial drive and leadership experience to fulfill the Bazar's international charity missions.
Working Groups
Working groups are small teams of board members who focus on specific areas of our organization's work. While all board members remain involved in discussions and decisions, working groups allow us to organize our efforts more efficiently.
By concentrating on particular topics, each group develops deeper expertise and helps move initiatives forward effectively.
The president of the board oversees all the working groups.
Bazar Weekend
Working behind the scenes, this team coordinates everything that makes the Bazar weekend happen — from event set-up, logistics, and support of stands, to on-the-ground support for all participants throughout the event. The team ensures that the event runs smoothly and safely, creating a warm and welcoming experience for all.
- Maria Skalidi★Coordinator
- Aurélie Ventujol★Coordinator
- Giulia Jaeger
- Sonia Reyes
- Teresa Weitzel
- Seymur Ahmadov
- Alejandra Hryszkiewicz
- Celso Almeida
- Giulia Jaeger
- Carmen Decalf· President
Charities
Oversees the selection and follow-up of the charitable projects supported by the Bazar — researching candidates, evaluating impact, and maintaining relationships with the organisations we fund. Oversees the selection and follow-up of the charitable projects supported by the Bazar — vetting of project proposals, evaluating impact, and maintaining relationships with the organisations we fund.
- Sonia Reyes★Coordinator
- Alejandra Hryszkiewicz
- Carmen Decalf· President
Communication
Manages how the Bazar presents itself to the world — from social media and the website to press relations and the materials that keep our community informed and engaged.
- Aurélie Ventujol★Coordinator
- Giulia Jaeger
- Carmen Decalf· President
Treasury
Ensures the financial health of the association — managing accounts, overseeing budgets, tracking donations, and ensuring full transparency in how funds are raised and distributed.
- Celso Almeida★Coordinator
- Iain Hackston
- Carmen Decalf· President
Legal
Handles the legal and compliance obligations of the association, ensuring that everything we do meets the requirements of Luxembourg law and the standards expected of a registered ASBL.
- Giulia Jaeger★Coordinator
- Carmen Decalf· President
Events
Organises everything the Bazar does outside its main weekend, from the summer mini-bazar to the cheque presentation ceremony, coordinating logistics and volunteers for each occasion.
- Giulia Jaeger
- Carmen Decalf· President
Supporting Team
The Bazar would not be what it is without the remarkable volunteers who give their time and skills year-round. Beyond the board and the weekend volunteers, a small group of dedicated individuals works quietly behind the scenes — bringing specialist expertise in areas like IT, stage coordination, and more — to keep everything running smoothly throughout the year.
Samuel Souque
IT and website
Caterina Pellegrini
Stage coordination
Amaury de Dietrich
Website
Bazar Weekend Volunteers
We are also supported throughout the entire weekend — from building up to dismantling — by hundreds of volunteers from schools and businesses across Luxembourg who generously give their time to help make the Bazar happen.