Qualifications & Experience
Passionate Strategist & Experience Designer, providing custom designed learning experiences for people & organizations around the world to optimize their individual and organizational growth, for more significance, motivation, well-being and performance, faster and less painful.
Strong believer in the power of people to make strategies & organizations work, and in the power of research & evaluation to bring about meaningful change based on learning.
Curious inquirer into how mindsets of people shape the reality and performance of organizations. In owe in front of the miraculous machinery of the human mind. Passionate learner about how people think, how mindsets work and how decisions are taken.
Certified trainer of trainers, project manager, process improvements & strategic planning specialist, adaptability coach (AQ assessment) and DISC behavior analysis consultant. Using research based tools to guide transformational processes for individuals and organizations.
Fearless speaker & considerate facilitator. Sharp evaluator & wise communicator.
Entrepreneur. Creator of the Course Craft Method for course creation, which helps experts design well structured & attractive online courses based on their expertise, with integrity and efficiency, without getting lost in content and without doubting their capacity to help clients achieve the promised results.
Traveler. Woman. Mother. Wife. Daughter.
>> ERGO – European Roma Grassroots Organizations Network (European network) – strategic planning consultant & facilitator (2024)
>> A.O. Concordia Social Projects R. Moldova – strategic planning consultant & facilitator (2024, 2020)
>> World Vision International – strategy consultant – for the Global Advocacy Campaign ENOUGH (2023)
>> HEKS/EPER Romania Foundation Romania – strategic planning consultant & facilitator (2018, 2023)
>> Habitat for Humanity Romania – strategic planning consultant & facilitator (2023)
>> Bethany Foundation Iasi, Romania – strategic planning consultant & facilitator (2023)
>> Coalition for Volunteering (national network) – strategic planning consultant & facilitator (2022)
>> Nevo Parudimos Association Romania – strategic planning consultant & facilitator (2022)
>> Caritas Asia (regional network) – strategic planning consultant & facilitator (2021)
>> Vodafone Foundation Romania – strategic planning consultant & facilitator (2021)
>> FOND – the Romanian Platform for Development NGOs (national network) – strategic planning consultant & facilitator (2014, 2021)
>> Alliance of NGOs Active in the Field of Social Protection of Children and Families R. Moldova – strategic planning consultant & facilitator (2020)
>> HEKS/EPER Romania Foundation Romania – strategic planning consultant & facilitator (2018)
>> CNPAC – National Center for the Prevention of Abuse against Children R. Moldova – strategic planning consultant & facilitator (2018)
>> Federation Coalition for Education (national network) – strategic planning consultant & facilitator (2017)
>> FONSS – The Federation for Social Services NGOs (national network) – strategic planning workshop facilitator (2016)
>> Humanitarian Association Renaître Romania – strategic planning consultant & facilitator (2016)
>> ChildPact – The Regional Coalition for Child Protection – strategic planning consultant & facilitator (2015)
>> ERIKS Development Partner – external evaluator for the national Romania strategy (2024)
>> SOS Children’s Villages International – external evaluator for the project “Applying Safe Behaviors – Preventing Peer-to-Peer Violence” (2023)
>> Caritas Romania Confederation – external evaluator for the project Emergency Response for Ukrainian Refugees (2023)
>> HEKS/EPER Foundation & UNHCR – M&E Officer for the project “Support the resilience and self-reliance of Ukrainian Refugees” (2022)
>> SOS Children’s Villages International – external evaluator for the project “Safe Places, Thriving Children. Embedding Trauma-Informed Practices into Alternative Care Settings” (2022)
>> Eriks Development Partner – external evaluator for the project Sustainable Livelihood, Entrepreneurship and Community Development for Vulnerable Roma Families (2020)
>> Caritas Asia – external evaluator for the performance of Governance Body and Regional Working Groups (2019)
>> Center for Information and Documentation on Children Rights CIDDC, R. Moldova – consultant for organizational capacity assessment & recommendations (2018)
>> World Vision International – organizational capacity evaluator for Coalitions in the Black Sea Region (2015)
>> Project Management from a Change Management Perspective – Social Innovation Programme / NGO Academy, Vienna University & Erste Foundation – trainer – (24 pax, 8 countries) (2024)
>> LOGS Social Initiatives Center – organizational development consultant – team cooperation, internal procedures, strategic oversight (2023)
>> FOND – the Romanian Platform for Development NGOs – trainer – Change Management, Leadership & Governance (national RO, 23 pax) (2023)
>> Maltese Aid Service Romania – trainer – Organizational development, Strategic development, Communication & Visibility, Organizational culture (national, RO, 60 pax) (2023)
>> NGO Academy, Social Innovation Management Program, Vienna University & Erste Foundation – trainer – Project Management Pitfalls (international, Europe, 18 pax, 7 countries) (2023)
>> NGO Academy, Social Innovation Management Program, Vienna University & Erste Foundation – trainer – Project Management2.0 – The Secret Ingredient (international, Europe, 23 pax, 2 countries) (2022)
>> Caritas Europe – trainer & facilitator – Organizational Development Support System Learning Path (international, Europe, 12 pax) (2022)
>> ANPCDEFP Romania – Connector – workshop facilitator – Grow your AdaptABILITY (international, online) (2021)
>> Terre des hommes Foundation Romania – trainer – REVIS project (Responding to peer violence among children in schools and adjacent settings by changing social and gender norms) (national, RO, 18 pax) (2021)
>> NGO Academy, Social Innovation Lab program, Vienna University & Erste Foundation – organizational coach (online) (2020)
>> NGO Academy, Social Innovation Management Program, Vienna University & Erste Foundation – trainer – Project & Program Planning and development (international, online, Europe, 23 pax) (2020)
>> NGO Academy, Regional Program, Vienna University & Erste Foundation – trainer – Organizational Resilience and Scenario Planning (international, online, Europe, 23 participants) (2020)
>> Caritas Europa – trainer – Capacity Building Workshop for set-up and step-up of Young Caritas Programs (international, Europe, online, 18 pax) (2020)
>> Black Sea NGO Forum – trainer & coach – capacity building program – Leadership and Organizational Resilience in Time of Uncertainty (international, Black Sea Region, 15 pax) (2020)
>> Maltese Aid Service Romania – trainer – Volunteer Management (national, 16 pax) (2019)
>> Caritas Asia & Caritas Austria – trainer – Advanced Volunteer Management (international, Europe & Asia, 26 pax, 11 countries) (2019)
>> Caritas Asia – trainer – Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation of Anti-Trafficking Programs (international, Asia, 34 pax, 12 countries) (2018)
>> Caritas Asia – trainer – Volunteer Management in Emergency Situations (international, Asia, 35 pax) (2017)
>> APSCF R. Moldova – trainer – Good Governance for NGOs and Networks (national, 26 pax) (2017)
>> ChildPact – Regional Coalition for Child Protection (regional network) – consultant for sustainability and representation (2017-2020)
>> ANPCDEFP – Romanian National Agency for Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Programs – trainer in the national pool of trainers (2014 – presently) – delivering training & coaching on project design, monitoring & evaluation, DEOR, design of learning activities, quality label, certification, accreditation, strategic partnerships, mobilities, project management (for youth, adult education, school education, vocational education & training and higher education)
>> Babeș-Bolyai University Cluj-Napoca, lecturer – teaching seminars on Academic Writing, Research Methods in Social Sciences, NGO Management (national, formal education system) (2003-2007)
>> ANPCDEFP – facilitator – Intermediary evaluation of ERASMUS+ 2021-2027 program in Romania (national, RO, 69 pax) (2024)
>> ANPCDEFP – facilitator – 1st step 1st – Erasmus+ Small Scale Partnerships – Partnership Building Seminar (2024)
>> Czech Republic National Agency for Erasmus+ – Workshop Facilitator – the Art of Project Event Planning – Educate, Captivate & >> Inspire the Audience (international, 45 pax) (2023)
>> National Agencies from Romania, Czech Republic & Poland – SoliDARE meeting of ESC organizations – co-designer & co-facilitator (international, Europe, 81 pax 2022, 76 pax 2023)
>> Caritas Europa – facilitator – Caritas Europa Consultative Forum (international, Europe, 80 pax, 14 countries) (2023)
>> Coalition for Volunteering – designer & facilitator – VOLARE International Conference: Volunteering Leadership & Advocacy from Romania to Europe (international, Europe, 72 pax) (2022)
>> ANPCDEFP – facilitator – Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership Plus – Partnership Building Seminar (2022)
>> Association for Child and Family Empowerment AVE Copiii R. Moldova – facilitator – “Safe Sport for Children: International Practices for Child Protection in Sport” – online conference (84 pax) (2021)
>> ChildPact – Regional Coalition for Child Protection – Child Protection in Time of Pandemics: What Did We Learn? – facilitator – online conference (35 pax, 11 countries) (2020)
>> Leading through Crises online conferences – keynote speaker – (international, Europe) – Center for European Volunteering (22 pax), NGO Academy (30 pax) (2020)
>> Caritas Satu Mare – Closing Seminar of the project “Improving the living conditions of Roma and other vulnerable groups in Satu Mare and Maramures Counties” – facilitator (national, 50 pax) (2019)
>> HEKS/EPER Romania Foundation – facilitator – evaluation focus groups / “Social inclusion and improvement of living condition for Roma and other vulnerable groups in Romania –Mures, Cluj, Bihor, Salaj, Alba, Covasna and Harghita” (2019)
>> Caritas Austria – trainer & facilitator – Exchange Workshop on Post-Deployment Resource and Support for International Volunteers (international, Europe, 12 pax) (2019)
>> Caritas Austria & Caritas Asia – facilitator – Mid-Term Evaluation Meeting of the project European-Asian Partnership for Building Capacities in Humanitarian Action (international, Europe and Asia, 26 pax, 9 countries) (2019)
>> ChildPact – Regional Coalition for Child Protection – Advocacy for INSPIRE Strategies to Prevent Violence Against Children – workshop facilitator (16 pax, 9 countries) (2019)
>> ANPCDEFP – facilitator – Education, Scholarships, Apprenticeships and Youth Entrepreneurship – Synergies between EEA grants and Erasmus+ in VET – Partnership Building Seminar (bilateral RO – NO, 46 pax) (2018)
>> Black Sea NGO Forum – facilitator – Good Governance for Nonprofits Workshop (international, Black Sea Region, 35 pax) (2018)
>> Black Sea NGO Forum – facilitator – How to make CSOs more resilient (international, Black Sea Region, 130 pax) (2018)
>> Black Sea NGO Forum – keynote speaker – Stories of Resilience (international, Black Sea Region, 130 pax) (2018)
>> Caritas Asia – facilitator – Caritas Asia Regional Partner’s Forum (international, 120 pax, 42 countries) (2018)
>> IAVE USA – opening panel speaker on the topic of Good Governance for VIOs – World Volunteer Conference (international, 726 pax, 78 countries) (2018)
>> Pro Vobis Romania – designer & facilitator – International Conference “The Volunteer Manager: Key to Excellency in Volunteer Management” (international, Europe, 110 participants, 23 countries) (2016)
>> AQai Assessments & Coaching Certified Practitioner (2021) AQai Adaptability Assessments
>> Behavioral Analysis Maxwell DISC Method Certified Consultant (2020) John Maxwell Team & People Keys
>> Public Speaking Trainer & Coach (2020) Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Romania
>> Leadership Trainer & Coach – Maxwell Method (2020) Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Romania
>> Leadership and Coaching (2019) ARIES Transylvania
>> Process Improvement Specialist – Strategic Planning (certification) (2013) National Authority for Qualifications Romania
>> Trainer of Trainers (certification) (2013) National Authority for Qualifications Romania
>> Project Manager (certification) (2012) National Authority for Qualifications Romania
>> Leadership and Change Management (2007) World Learning for International Development
>> Partnering for Results Institute (2006) Johns Hopkins University Institute for Policy Studies
>> Policy-Relevant Analysis & Writing (2005) Civil Society Development Foundation
>> Monitoring and Evaluation for Nonprofits (2004) Johns Hopkins University Institute for Policy Studies
>> Development Assistance: Strategies and Practices in Southeastern Europe (2007) Babeş-Bolyai University / Faculty of Political >> Science, Public Administration and Communication
>> National School of Social Statistics (2001) Open Society Foundation
>> Executive Education „European Program in Civil Society Leadership” (2009) Stockholm School of Economics / Heidelberg University / Vienna University / Trinity College Dublin
>> International Fellowship Program for Learning and Exchange in Philanthropy (2008) European Foundation Center (Belgium)
>> International Junior Public Policy Research Fellowship (2006) Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Washington DC, USA
>> International Policy Fellowship (2005) Center for Policy Studies/Open Society Institute Budapest, Hungary
>> International Fellowship in Philanthropy (2004) Johns Hopkins University Institute for Policy Studies/ Center for Civil Society Studies, Baltimore MD, USA
>> Research Fellowship (2003) Local Government Initiative Budapest, Hungary and Tocqueville Research Center Budapest, Hungary
>> MA in Public Services Management & Community Development (2004) Babeş-Bolyai University” Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Faculty of Political and Administrative Science
>> BA in Political Science (2002) Babeş-Bolyai University” Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Faculty of Political and Administrative Science
2013-2017 – Executive Director – Pro Vobis National Resource Center for Volunteering, Cluj Napoca, Romania
2009-2012 – Development Director -Pro Vobis National Resource Center for Volunteering, Cluj Napoca, Romania
2005-2009 – Executive Director – Pro Vobis National Volunteer Center, Cluj Napoca, Romania
2009-2010 – Research Assistant – Center for the Study of Democracy, BBU University, Cluj Napoca, Romania
2004-2005 – Programs Director – Pro Vobis National Volunteer Center, Cluj Napoca, Romania
2003-2004 – Project Coordinator – Pro Vobis National Volunteer Center, Cluj Napoca, Romania
2002-2003 – Program Officer – Romanian Academic Society, Cluj Napoca regional office, Romania
1995-1998 – Primary School Teacher – General School No. 11, Slatina, Olt, Romania
2019-2020 – Delegated observer – Council of Europe Steering Committee for the Rights of the Child / INGO Conference / ChildPact
2015-2019 – President – European Volunteer Center Network (CEV)
2015-2017 – Vice-president – FOND – the Romanian NDGO Platform
2014-2015 – Vice-president – European Volunteer Center Network (CEV)
2005-2011 – Member of the Board of Directors – European Volunteer Center Network (CEV)
2010-2013 – President – VOLUM – The Federation of Organizations Supporting the Development of Volunteerism in Romania
Rigman, C. 2018. Contributor. Volunteering and Disaster Risk Reduction: Experiences from Asia. Bangkok: Caritas Asia
Rigman, C. 2017. Author. Governance Manual for CSO Networks. Online: ChildPact Regional Coalition for Child Protection
Rigman, C., Civico, G., Bosioc, D., Nagy, A., Pearson, E., Tvrdonova, M. (coordinators). 2012. Contributor. Volunteering Infrastructure in Europe. Brussels: European Volunteer Center
Rigman, C. 2010. Author. “Volunteers in Romania: A Profile”. Roots of Social Capital: Civic Engagement and Socialization. Cluj-Napoca
Rigman, C. 2009. Contributor. (with D. Angi, C. Marian, B. Radu).”Reprezentarea politica si votul din strainatate” [Political Representation and Voting from Abroad] in Reprezentarea diasporei si votul romanilor din strainatate. [Diaspora Representation and the Vote of Romanians Abroad]. Bucharest: Soros Foundation Romania
Rigman, C. et al. 2009. Author. Instrumentar pentru managementul voluntarilor. [Toolkit for Volunteer Management] Cluj-Napoca: Pro Vobis National Volunteer Center
Rigman, C. et al. 2009. Author. Ghidul bunelor practici in lucrul cu voluntarii. [Good Practice Guide for Working with Volunteers] Cluj-Napoca: Pro Vobis National Volunteer Center
Testimonials
Cristina is a great and rare combination of attitude and aptitude, but also big picture & attention to details at the same time. The quality of her deliverables was at exceptional standards. Cristina has very high facilitation standards and skills, always ensuring a great respect for the individual and for differences. She understands and navigates easily the complicated governance structure that bigger, international organizations might have, always finding the right win-win solutions. Cristina also has significant leadership expertise and skills, and is very efficient in all her meetings and assignments, getting things done and getting the most essential from any meeting she coordinates. Cristina has strategic perspective, she can follow a well-defined plan, but is also very agile and situational in thinking and adjusting when things change.
Roberto Pătrășcoiu, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Romania
When I first met Cristina, I was immediately impressed by her self – confidence and smart thinking. She developed a number of deliverables for our organization, including an assessment of the capacity of national networks of child rights NGOs and a Governance Manual for these networks. Her writing is crystal clear! No need for editing, no need for a second eye, no need to re-read anything. It just flows and you just get the essence, as she has an awesome capacity to discern between what is ‘nice’, ‘important’ and ‘irrelevant’ and give you the gist. She will not only do excellent analysis for you, but she enjoys it! And on top of it: she will make you love it too, as the insights that you have from her analysis are exactly what you need. I warmly recommend Cristina if you need clear reports, sharp evaluations and a very smart and reliable thought partner.
Mirela Oprea, Dream Manger, Psychologist, Book author
About me
My childhood dream was to see the world. Many countries after, traveling has become my source of energy & mental enrichment.
I appreciate people in all their diversity and find inspiration in how different we are. After many years of believing that structures, processes and procedures are the way to performance, I have learned that they cannot do much in the absence of the right and passionate people using them.
I like learning. I have always been conscientious enough to perform, never brilliant though, often rebellious, but always passionate about learning. I believe in the power of learning anytime, anywhere, from anyone. Ethically & meaningfully.
I am a person who loves measure. In everything and in anything. Too much or too little becomes problematic in all areas of life. And of work. I am a person who wants to understand the meaning of things. Attentive to details. With a sharp and structured mind. Perfectionist (under treatment 🙂 ).
I believe in what I do and I do what I believe in. I cherish passion and balance, the joy and the fullness. I live and work completely. I don’t just do strategy or training. I design experiences for people. Carefully thought through, customized & thoroughly crafted.
My professional life has been a constant mix between social science research methods & practice of nonprofit organizations. Learning the power of data helped me design monitoring & evaluation tools which bring meaningful information and foster learning and development of projects, programs, and organizations. Statistics has shaped my structured mind and research methods have stimulated my inquisitive curiosity, which helped me get in-depth insights into the reality of project design & management as well as strategic planning and development of organizational structures. Studying Political Science helped me make sense of how the world works and where I, or those I work with, can make a real difference. Study & research in the US has shaped my professional capacity and my work ethics. Direct involvement in European policy has sharpen my critical thinking and wise communication approach. Living and working in Romania has consolidated my resilience. Having a family & raising children has increased my emotional intelligence and empathy. All my life experiences shaped me as the person and professional I am today.