Our Board
Mine Balman
President
Mine Balman was born and grew up in Nicosia, Cyprus. Between 2006 and 2020, she worked as the First Assistant to the Turkish Cypriot Member at the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP). She has fourteen years of experience improving the CMP's bi-communal humanitarian “General Exhumation and Identification and Return of Remains” project. Since 2006, she has actively taken roles in human rights, gender equality, and peace and reconciliation organisations where she contributed to the peace-building efforts in Cyprus as an activist. She contributed actively in many truth and confrontation campaigns. She was the editor of two books, which are “They Were Not the Only Ones That Disappeared” written by the Former Turkish Cypriot Member of the CMP, Gülden Plümer in 2022, and “Ona Selam Söyle” written by Dr. Derviş Özer in 2013. Since 2005, she has directed 10 documentaries and short films on unofficial oral history, storytelling, and memory studies to create bridges between the past and future and contribute to peace-building and healing processes in post-conflict Cyprus. She received the "Audience Award" from the 6th International Cyprus Archaeological, Ethnographic and Historical Film Festival with the documentary "Olivia" and "Award of Seventh International Young Women’s Peace and Human Rights" from Democracy Today (Armenia) when Hands Across the Divide (HAD) nominated her in 2018 for her documentary "Together".
Katie Economidou
Vice President
Born in Nicosia, Cyprus, she pursued studies in Political Science and Philosophy at the American University of Beirut on scholarship, followed by Conflict Management and Human Resource Development at Harvard Extension School in the USA through a Fulbright scholarship. She holds an MA in International Conflict Analysis with Merit from the London Center for International Relations on a Chevening scholarship. With firsthand experience of her country's conflict and her husband's family missing since the 1974 war, she committed herself to peace and reconciliation efforts in Cyprus and beyond. She has received multiple awards for her initiatives, including the Stelios Award three times, the US Ambassador's Award for Cultural Diplomacy, the Careeatis award by BPW Limassol, and the Global Woman Cyprus Award. Additionally, she holds a Diploma in Recital Performance from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London with Merit, and has performed at numerous charity concerts across Cyprus. Fluent in multiple languages, she worked as a Tourist Guide at the Cyprus Tourism Organization from 1982 to 2019. She is married with two daughters.
Antje Papageorgiou
Secretary
Born in Hamburg, Germany, Antje Papageorgiou has found her home in Cyprus for the majority of her life. Her academic background in Economics and Tourism Management, acquired in Germany, laid the groundwork for a rich and diverse career in the tourism sector. With a wealth of experience accumulated through roles in various leading tourism companies in Cyprus, Antje has established herself as a stalwart in the industry.
Her journey has been fueled by a deep-seated passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship, as well as a keen awareness of the transformative potential of the digital age. Through her involvement in numerous relevant projects and civil society initiatives, Antje has honed her expertise and embraced opportunities for positive change.
As a dedicated board member of several NGOs, Antje is renowned for her networking skills and her commitment to driving meaningful impact. In 2021, she embarked on a new chapter by joining HAD, bringing her administrative prowess to support the organization's vital mission. Through her tireless efforts, Antje continues to be a driving force behind initiatives that make a difference in people's lives.
Maro Aristeidou
Treasurer
Maro has spent her entire life in Cyprus, specifically in Nicosia. Her maternal family hails from Kyrenia, Bella Pais, and whenever she is asked about her roots, she proudly identifies herself with Bella Pais. Professionally, she is engaged in a construction and development company, contributing to its accounts department. Although she has a deep passion for accounting, her true calling lies in life coaching, a pursuit she wholeheartedly practices on a part-time basis.
On a personal note, she is divorced and blessed with two grown-up children. Despite life's challenges, She is committed to ongoing personal growth and intellectual exploration, currently dedicating time to the study of philosophy. Maro believes that philosophy enriches her understanding of life and complements her endeavors in both accounting and life coaching.
Maria Spyrou
Member
Maria is a British born Cypriot and was involved in the 80s and 90s with a Cypriot Group, Cypriot Harmony, a group which was represented by all the different Cypriot communities and consisted of performers and artists living in the UK ( she was a DJ). She moved to Cyprus 5 years ago and wanted to become involved with both women’s issues and the peace movement and finally found out about Hands Across the Divide once the pandemic restrictions were lifted, she was able to join them last year. "I look forward to being more active in promoting peace and women’s issues with HAD."
Melek Kaptanoglou
Member
Melek is a 28-year-old Turkish-speaking Cypriot who was born in Nicosia. Her mother's family is from Paphos, and her father's family is from Larnaca. She studied folklore at Ankara University and has a master's degree in cultural studies and media from Hacettepe University. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD in anthropological studies at Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland. She has been researching peace culture and peacebuilding activism in Cyprus for some time, alongside her other research interests. She actively participates in peacebuilding events and training sessions in Cyprus and abroad. The most recent project she joined was 'Winds of Change,' which was supported by IOC Young Leaders. Thanks to this project, she was a member of the first bi-communal sailing team to circumnavigate around Cyprus.
Hale Silifkeli
Member
Hale Silifkeli, an English language teacher and dedicated volunteer in peacebuilding, holds a Bachelor's degree in American Studies and a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics. With a profound interest in themes such as language, culture, and identity, she actively engages in promoting understanding and peace within communities.
As a testament to her commitment, Hale is a dedicated volunteer and a board member of Hands Across the Divide (HAD). As well as HAD, Hale serves as the Co-President of the AHDR (Association for Historical Dialogue and Research) for 2023-2026.
Her involvement in these multicultural organizations have seen her participation in numerous workshops, seminars, and conferences, where she has contributed to the discourse on fostering inter-communal communication.
One of Hale's core beliefs is the transformative power of women and youth engagement in peace-related activities. Through her work, she aims to instill a sense of care and promote effective
communication among different communities.