People

Meet the Board

Radu Ciobanu, President

Radu Ciobanu is a founding member of The Moldova Essentials Fund. Originally from Moldova, Radu spent most of his life in the United States where he lives with his wife and two children. Still, he maintains close ties with his country of birth, drawn back by its mild weather, warm people, and fond childhood memories.

Having spent most of his career in international development, Radu is acutely aware of the challenges facing developing nations — and how much harder those challenges fall on the most vulnerable: children with rare diseases, children from displaced families, and people living with disabilities.

MEF is Radu's way of paying that good fortune forward. It's an important venue for giving back and making a real difference for those who need it most.

Era Ciobanu. Founding Member

Era Ciobanu is a co-founder of MEF, where she leads youth community engagement, social media advocacy, and acts as an ambassador for the organization. Currently living in the United States, Era is half Moldovan and hopes to bring resources to struggling families in Moldova, as an active member of the organization. Driven by her passion for medical accessibility and connecting to her Moldovan heritage by serving her community, she helped launch the organization to engage younger generations in supporting the country. While she visits Moldova less often than she would prefer, Era’s motivation to provide aid to the country stems from her desire to facilitate change for less fortunate families.

“I co-founded MEF because I feel a responsibility to give back to my country of origin, especially given my extensive resources and opportunities I know many Moldovan families do not have.”

Cristian Vidraşcu, Treasurer

Cristian Vidrascu is a Board Member and Treasurer of The Moldova Essentials Fund. He is also the President of CV Pro USA LLC, a Virginia-based company that helps organizations develop cost proposals, manage contract and grant compliance, support project operations, handle negotiations, and resolve contract-related issues. His work focuses on helping organizations plan realistically, manage funds and operations responsibly, and find practical solutions when projects, proposals, or contracts become complicated.

Cristian was drawn to MEF because of its practical, grassroots approach and its focus on getting help to people who need it most. He believes small, lean organizations can make a real difference when they keep overhead low, work through trusted local partners, and stay close to the needs on the ground. He also has confidence in the experience of the people behind MEF, who bring practical skills in project management, problem-solving, and getting things done, and sees the organization as a way to put that experience to work for a worthy cause.

Ghenadie Ulinici, Board Secretary and Governance Director

I spent a significant part of my life living abroad. Before that experience, I took Moldova for granted—it was simply home, something that would always be there. Living in countries with different opportunities and social systems gave me a new perspective on what many people have access to, and what many others still lack. When I returned, I saw my country through different eyes. I realized that while Moldova has incredible people and a strong sense of community, too many families still face hardships that many in more developed countries rarely experience. I believe those of us who have had the privilege to learn from different places also have a responsibility to give something back. Through my involvement with MEF, I hope to contribute, even in a small way, to creating more opportunities and offering support to those who need it most. For me, real change begins when people who have benefited from opportunity choose to share it with others.

Ionela Ciobanu, Board Member

Cristian Meghea, Board Member

I was born and raised in Romania, sharing the language, a border, and lots of common history with Moldova. I have always carried a deep connection to this part of the world and the values instilled in me during my upbringing — resilience, community, and looking out for one’s neighbors. I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by an extended family, great supportive friends, and opportunities that shaped who I am today.

Throughout my career in health research and public health, I’ve seen firsthand how fragile well-being can be when basic support systems fail. In Moldova, too many young people and struggling families face daily hardships that no child should have to endure, whether it’s a lack of proper healthcare, basic needs, or just comfort during tough times. MEF reflects what I believe matters most: lean, compassionate, and community-engaged direct action. Being part of MEF is my way of giving back to the region, honoring my roots, and helping deliver practical support to the children and communities who need it most.

Alan Feldekris, Board Member

Alan’s senior leadership experience spans traditional, digital, social and experiential communications and marketing on behalf of mission-driven brands and organizations. Recognized as both highly strategic as well as creative, Alan is known for his ability to crystalize marketing insights from complex business challenges, while fostering strong, trust-based relationships with his colleagues, partners and teams.

Alan is drawn to MEF based his strong leadership background in mission-driven organizations. Especially notable is his work in international aid, where he worked on relief and educational programs in concert with the US and Moldovan governments as well as other regional efforts including providing aid to Ukrainian citizens as the war with Russia broke out. Alan is also married to a Romanian national and has developed a close affinity with the region as a whole.

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