Maryrose Francica
Director & Founder
Maryrose Francica’s areas of expertise are entrepreneurship, management, and EU funds. She has extensive experience in Managerial positions with leading local Companies, managing the family business and has worked as an EU funds project manager for over 20 years. During this time, she has managed over 50 EU-funded projects locally. In 2019, she opened her own Company, Skills Zone Malta, where the focus is on entrepreneurship, soft skills, leadership skills, startups and gender issues. Then, in 2024, she opened a non-governmental organisation, Women Elevation Malta.
The promotion of the role of women in society, gender issues, gender equality and fostering the entrepreneurial spirit was always of great interest to her, and she has held various roles as the Executive Coordinator for The Foundation of Women Entrepreneurs (Malta), a position she has held since 2004. She was also the first Europe Direct Manager in Malta until 2007. Maryrose is also the General Secretary of The Malta Women’s Lobby (MWL) and a founder member of the EMPOWER Platform set up in 2017 by Her Excellency Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President Emeritus of the Republic of Malta. In February 2020, Maryrose was nominated to sit on the gender budgeting committee of the European Women’s Lobby (EWL). EWL is the largest umbrella organisation of women's associations in the European Union. It was founded in 1990 to promote women's rights and equality between women and men, and it represents more than 2000 organisations. Since 2018, she has been an evaluator for the Global Startup Awards, and in 2021, she was nominated for the Female Entrepreneur of the Year in Malta.
Dagmara Dabek
Project Manager & Social Media Expert
Dagmara holds degrees in English Studies, International Relations, and American Studies. She is currently pursuing another degree in International Business Law and Arbitration. In recognition of her academic excellence and social engagement, she received a scholarship in 2022 at the University of the Fraser Valley in Canada, where she furthered her knowledge of political science. Most recently, in July 2024, she completed an internship at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington, D.C.
For the past ten years, she’s been an activist. In 2014, she became a councillor of the Youth City Council in her hometown, with which her activism adventure began. During her school and university years, she was active in the student councils, where she was first the president and vice president. The issue she addresses the most is women’s rights. In the meantime, she created the Institute for Young Women Development, which, for over 3 years, carried out initiatives to inspire and empower young women.
Between March and September 2022, she worked in the non-governmental organisation Active Women Association, where she coordinated European projects on the local level. Then, in September 2022, she started working as a project manager and social media expert at Skills Zone Malta, where she is still working. She is also working as the PR officer at Women Elevation Malta.
Alexia Micallef Gatt
Content Writer & STEM Expert
Alexia is a professional science and biology teacher with extensive expertise in education. She holds two Master’s degrees in Science Education and Gifted and Talented Education, with research focusing on fostering creativity in education.
She is actively involved in the management of Erasmus+ projects within her school, facilitating both teacher and student exchanges. Additionally, Alexia serves as an ambassador for the European Commission educational platforms Scientix and eTwinning, collaborating with educators across Europe to develop training content, promote innovative pedagogies, and disseminate best practices.
Alexia is particularly passionate about projects that integrate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education, 21st-century skills such as creativity and digital literacy, and initiatives promoting sustainable development goals and environmental awareness.
Mandy Cascun
Logistics & Events Organiser
Mandy holds a BA in Psychology and Management, with her thesis focusing on psychological well-being in the workplace.
In 2021, she began working with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Crisis Resolution Malta. TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, helping to improve symptoms of depression and other mental health challenges. At Crisis Resolution Malta, Mandy contributed to life-saving work, supporting individuals at risk of suicide. She gained experience working both at the call centre and on the Krizi app—a 24/7 live chat service designed for people who prefer written support over phone calls.
Mandy has always been a strong advocate for marginalised communities. Between 2019 and 2021, she worked in the fields of disability, mental health, and social care, managing support workers and addressing client concerns to ensure quality care.
Beyond her professional work, Mandy is passionate about travel and enjoys exploring new places and adventures both in Malta and abroad.
Julia Balzan
Project Assistant
Julia is a recent graduate from the University of Malta, holding a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Philosophy and a minor in Communication Studies.
Her passion for activism began at the age of 16, and she has since dedicated herself to creating and inspiring social change. Julia spent three years in one of the University’s student organisations, ultimately serving as President, before representing Malta’s youth as Director for the Environment within the National Youth Council of Malta. This experience strengthened her commitment to environmental activism and climate justice.
Beyond activism, Julia is a lifelong dancer, a practice she has pursued for 18 years. She regularly performs at national events with a dance company and has contributed as a choreographer to University student musicals. Her energy, dedication, and versatility make her a dynamic and inspiring member of the team.
Chip
General Manager
Chip has been a beloved member of Skills Zone Malta since his adoption by Director Maryrose Francica. Arriving during the COVID lockdown, he quickly became a source of joy and entertainment for the team. Known for his mischievous antics, especially his tendency to knock over expensive china, Chip’s playful personality is matched only by his loyalty and affectionate nature.
He is a familiar presence in the office. He often enjoys making himself visible during online calls, reminding everyone that fun and warmth are essential in every workspace.