Read more about Raluca.
From Twinklelittlestars
Raluca Banea: raluca@twinklelittlestars.org
Co-Chair
The course of Raluca's life has changed significantly since her childhood in Romania. At that time, she could neither see nor imagine the possibilities before her. Transitioning from a monochromatic view of the world to an explosion of color, sound and thought, she opened herself to a myriad of experiences. In 2002, Raluca graduated Summa cum Laudae from the University of North Texas, with a double Bachelor in Marketing and International Studies. During her college years, Raluca received numerous awards and recognitions, including: the Outstanding Student Leader Award, the Top Undergraduate Student in Marketing Award, the ZONTA International Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship (twice at the international level,) and the Outstanding Undergraduate International Student Award among others. In May 2009, Raluca completed her MBA and MA at the Wharton School and the Lauder Institute of International Studies. She is a frequent speaker on leadership and enthusiasm.
Raluca aspires to lead marketing projects at a multinational company. As a part of her education and cosmopolitan upbringing, she has visited twenty-two countries on four continents, and learned to speak five languages including Romanian, Spanish, German, Italian, and English. Since the outset of her career, she immersed herself in international business, beginning with pioneering her company's expansion into the Latin American market for medical equipment. There, her success in reaching 1000% growth in 24 months, and her extensive interactions with Latin American customers piqued her interest in gaining a deeper understanding of the cultures and business opportunities in developing markets.
Raluca's numerous cultural experiences have been diverse and enriching. They range from founding University of North Texas' multiple award winning and nationally expanding international student organization World Echoes, to researching the economic disparities in Cairo on a Golden Key International Honour Society Scholarship. Raluca organized business leadership receptions at DFW International Community Alliance, taught English to victims of human trafficking, established the community outreach program at the United Nations Association of Dallas' youth branch and raised funds to purchase uniforms for children in Kenya. Raluca has enthusiastically embraced every opportunity that ignited her passion for cultures and philanthropy.
Raluca's altruistic spirit is reflected in her favorite quote: "I have one life and one chance to make it count for something [...] to do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference." (- President Jimmy Carter) She is excited about co-chairing Twinkle Little Stars and hopes to contribute her energy, passion and creativity to the team.