Our Trustees

Princess Maria of Romania, born into exile in Copenhagen, is the youngest among the royal sisters of Romania. She received her baptism in the Orthodox faith with Her Majesty Margareta, her sister, standing as her godmother. Embarking on a journey of education and exploration, Princess Maria found herself in Switzerland before making the United States her primary residence. It was there that she delved into the study of childcare, contributing significantly to the field. Her endeavours extended into the realm of public relations, where she lent her expertise to private enterprises in New York.

Transitioning her life to the enchanting landscapes of the State of New Mexico, Princess Maria engaged in private consulting, leaving her mark on various ventures. Over the years, she made poignant visits to her homeland and the heart of Bucharest, with one notable occasion being the Royal Family's collective presence in Romania during the Christmas of 1997—a historic moment marking their first reunion on Romanian soil.

Turning fifty in 2014, Princess Maria's milestone birthday prompted a grand celebration in Bucharest, graciously arranged by King Michael. On this significant occasion, she was bestowed with the Order of the Roman Crown and the Grand Cross by the Custodian of the Crown Margareta on behalf of King Michael I.

Following a heartfelt request from Her Majesty Margareta, Princess Maria made the decision to permanently relocate to Romania. Thus, in January 2015, she embarked on a new chapter of her life in Bucharest, immersing herself in a myriad of social, medical, educational, and civic initiatives. Princess Maria remains dedicated to contributing her efforts to projects aimed at enhancing the welfare and well-being of her beloved homeland and its people.

Anne-Marie Martin currently holds the position of Director Global Business Networks at the British Chambers of Commerce, a prominent entity representing businesses both in the UK and on a global scale. In this role, she spearheads the organisation's international trade programme and oversees the strategic development of its global network.

With a wealth of experience as a seasoned senior business professional, Anne-Marie has made significant contributions to various industries and sectors at executive levels throughout her extensive career. Notable among her previous roles is her tenure as the former CEO of the Council of British Chambers of Commerce in Europe, followed by her founding leadership as CEO of the British Romanian Chamber of Commerce.

Anne-Marie's dedication and expertise have earned her recognition, including her status as a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute. She has also been honoured with the prestigious King Mihai I of Romania Medal for Loyalty, in acknowledgment of her exceptional services in advancing business, social and cultural relations between Britain and Romania. Through her leadership and achievements, Anne-Marie Martin continues to make significant strides in fostering international business connections and promoting collaboration across borders.

Diana Comsa currently holds the position of Global Director of Customer Data at Condé Nast, a renowned media organisation housing some of the globe's most revered brands, including Vogue, The New Yorker, GQ, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, and more. Her professional journey unfolds from a background in product marketing to her current specialisation in customer journey and big data analytics.

With a career spanning over numerous countries, Diana has collaborated with brands across more than thirty nations, offering her expertise in marketing strategy and campaign execution. Her versatility and depth of knowledge have positioned her as a sought-after consultant in the realm of global marketing.

In addition to her illustrious career in media and marketing, Diana is also a published author, having penned the captivating hardback travelogue Secrets of Transylvania. Through rich narrative and stunning photography, the book offers readers an immersive journey through Transylvania's landscapes, crafts, and rural life. Garnering acclaim from readers and critics alike, Diana's book stands as a testament to her passion for storytelling and cultural exploration.

Valentina, a graduate in social work from the esteemed Theological Faculty of the University of Bucharest, embarked on her journey with Children in Distress in 1998. Her dedication and passion led her to spearhead the Charity's transformative 'Street Children' project, where she made a profound impact on the lives of vulnerable youth.

Continuing her pursuit of excellence, Valentina pursued a master’s degree in Third Sector Management from Sheffield University, enhancing her skills and expertise in the field. As a pivotal figure within CID, Valentina serves as the driving force behind many of the organisation's projects and programmes, orchestrating their delivery with unwavering commitment and vision.

Valentina's leadership extends to the strategic evolution of CID, including the establishment of St Margaret's Centre for Children's Care Services and the inception of Casa Maria, a new family house emblematic of the charity's future aspirations.

In her capacity as Executive Director of CID Romania, Valentina played a vital role in securing full registration from the National Authority for Child Protection for all of Copii in Dificultate's initiatives. She also curated the highly acclaimed International Autism Conference, a testament to her dedication to advancing the field of child welfare and advocacy.

Valentina's unwavering dedication, coupled with her profound impact on the lives of countless individuals, solidifies her position as a beacon of hope and inspiration within the CID community and beyond.