Creating equal opportunities allows every young person to thrive!

We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed, regardless of their social or ethnic background.
In Hungary, only 3.3% of the Roma population over the age of 20 has a higher education degree — this is not just a statistic, but a reality that has been limiting the opportunities of the Roma community for decades.

Our Mission

We envision an inclusive and equality-based society and business sector where Roma youth are met not with barriers, but with opportunities. We aim to create an environment that allows them to fully develop their talents and knowledge, while actively contributing to economic, cultural, and social life—serving as role models and sources of inspiration for future generations.

With this vision, the ROMASTER talent development program was launched in 2007 by HBLF and IBM Hungary, followed by the establishment of the HBLF-ROMASTER Foundation in 2010. Since then, nearly 200 students have participated in the program.

Our Key Objectives

Provide support for Roma youth

to help them acquire competitive knowledge and higher education degrees, thereby enabling them to enter the labor market with equal opportunities and become active, value-creating members of the competitive sector.

Create opportunities for role modeling

so that successful Roma youth can serve as inspiration for their peers, younger generations facing career choices, and their families.

Contribute to a more inclusive society

by supporting the Roma intellectual community, fostering constructive dialogue, acceptance of diversity, and harmony between cultures in both society and the business world.

Student Stories

Veronika Keresztesy 

Master’s student in Healthcare Management, supported by JYSK
Veronika won 1st place at the National Scientific Students’ Associations Conference (OTDK) in the Medical and Health Sciences section, and her work was also recognized with two special awards.

“In our research, we worked on the Hungarian adaptation of the Stroke Impact Scale questionnaire. This internationally recognized tool helps ensure that Hungarian research findings can be compared to international data and included in broader scientific reviews. It also has clinical relevance, providing feedback on patients’ quality of life and supporting the development of stroke care.”

 Congratulations to Veronika on this outstanding achievement!
Student Stories

Anna Orbán

Law student, supported by PwC Hungary
Anna has been elected as the new Secretary General of ELSA (European Law Students’ Association) Pécs.
She was awarded the leadership position through a competitive application process. Her term lasts for one year, with the possibility of extension.
ELSA brings together tens of thousands of law students and young lawyers across Europe. In Hungary, more than 400 law students from the six faculties of law are members of the organization. ELSA offers professional programs, international networking opportunities, and a true sense of community for young people passionate about law.
As Secretary General, Anna is not only authorized to represent the association legally, but she also plays a key role in coordinating national and international operations.

Congratulations to Anna on this achievement!

What Makes the Romaster Model Unique?

The uniqueness of the Romaster model lies in its comprehensive support system, which not only focuses on reducing financial burdens but also emphasizes personal attention, skill development, and the creation of a long-term, supportive environment.
Our program supports Roma youth throughout their studies, providing continuous and stable assistance, peer and corporate connections, and a sense of community.
On average, 45 students participate in the program each year. We have more than 20 corporate sponsor partners, and nearly 50 dedicated corporate mentors support the students throughout their journey.

A Corporate Partnership-Based Approach

represents a unique value: it offers young people a perspective they typically cannot access within their own environments or families as first-generation intellectuals. They gain insight into the everyday operations of companies, build corporate connections, acquire labor market knowledge, and are better prepared for employment and career planning.

The Community of Roma Youth

discussing shared challenges, expressing both difficulties and positive feelings related to Roma identity, and accessing opportunities for skill development—all contribute to helping young people experience what it means to be part of a community. They realize they are not alone in facing challenges and that there are people with whom they can share their joys.

The 5 Main Pillars of the Romaster Model

1

Scholarship

The scholarship is intended to cover educational and general living expenses, helping to reduce inequalities stemming from disadvantaged backgrounds and giving young people the opportunity to focus on their studies.
2

Mentoring

The program’s mentors come from our corporate partners and provide personal, professional, and emotional support to the students. They help them achieve their academic goals, plan their careers, and cope with life’s challenges. Mentoring is flexible and tailored to individual needs, with mentors offering guidance in study techniques, communication, problem-solving, and confidence-building.

Romaster also offers workshops, meetups, and lectures where mentors can exchange experiences and gain deeper knowledge about mentoring, Roma culture, and social issues.
3

Exposure to the Corporate Sector and Practical Opportunities

Through their sponsoring companies and Romaster-organized events, students in the program have the opportunity to learn about labor market expectations, corporate structures, and various career paths. They can also build a professional network that may later ease their entry into the workforce. In addition, students may gain access to potential internship or job opportunities at the mentoring companies.
4

Community Building and Skill Development

We support Roma youth through student gatherings that help strengthen their sense of community and develop skills essential for both their studies and future employment. Our goal is to provide an inspiring and supportive environment that fosters personal and professional growth, increases the likelihood of completing their education, and improves their chances of finding meaningful employment.
5

DEI

We organize programs and gatherings that are built on open dialogue and collaborative thinking, actively involving Roma youth in the process. Together, we work to understand the challenges they face, while placing emphasis on getting to know others—and themselves. This approach supports the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the business sector.

Mentor–Mentee Pairs

“I can’t say it enough—Dóri is an absolute angel in my life, someone I can turn to anytime. We usually meet for coffee in Pécs, and I’m so happy that she’s always reachable on social media too. I can tell her everything, which is such a huge relief while studying at medical university. I trust her as much as I trust my own mother. I couldn’t ask for greater support.”
Krisztina KovÁcs 
“Our connection has been very open and natural since our very first meeting. There’s complete harmony between us—we relate to each other really well. Every in-person meeting is incredibly valuable for me, and I hope it’s the same for them too.”
Dóra Csertánné Kertay 

Get Involved!

For Students

Join our program — we warmly welcome you if you are a Roma student aspiring to pursue higher education or already attending university!

For Companies

Become our corporate partner! If you are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, join the Romaster program—many students are looking for new sponsors! You can also support our DEI events or other initiatives!

Become a Supporter!

You can support our mission as a private individual too—join us and take part in empowering Roma youth!

Team

Board of Trustees Members

dr. Ákos Fehérváry 

Managing Partner, Baker McKenzie Budapest Office
Chairman of the Board, HBLF-Romaster Foundation
I’m Ákos Fehérváry, Managing Partner at the Budapest office of Baker McKenzie. Throughout my legal career, I have focused primarily on corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and employment law.
Details

dr. Ildikó Takács

Executive Producer, Liberty Production Global
Vice Chair of the Board, HBLF-Romaster Foundation
I served as Cultural Attaché and Director of the Hungarian Cultural Centre in London, led theatrical distribution at InterCom, and later worked at DIGIC Pictures as Head of Legal and Business Affairs.
Details

dr. Mónika Dura 

CEO, Mindwell Zrt
I have built companies, teams, and brands. I’ve led organizations through prosperous times, economic crises, and a global pandemic. I’ve experienced the joys and challenges of success.
Details

Klára Gombos 

Retired HR Director, Robert Bosch Ltd. Budapest
I am the retired HR Director of Robert Bosch Ltd. in Budapest. Previously, I held HR leadership positions at Bosch’s Miskolc plants, Audi Hungaria Zrt., and ZF Hungária Kft., as well as at other renowned corporations in both HR and corporate governance.
Details

Péter Kemény 

Diversity & Inclusion Expert, E.ON Hungária Zrt.
After gaining experience in the social and public administration sectors, I entered the private sector in 2012 as E.ON’s Diversity and Inclusion Expert.
Details

Csaba László

Honorary professor

Gábor László 

Head of Institutional and Quality Assurance, Tesco Academy Training and Development Ltd.
My name is Gábor László, I’m 52 years old, married, and have a daughter. I currently serve as the Head of Institutional and Quality Assurance at Tesco Academy Training and Development Ltd.
Details

Szabolcs Pintér 

Managing Director, SAP Hungary
As Managing Director of SAP Hungary, leading a company of more than 2,000 people, I place a strong focus on sustainability, equal opportunity, and digital innovation. For me, social responsibility is not just a business objective—it’s a personal mission.
Details

Tibor Sőregi 

Throughout my career, strategic thinking, business development, and innovation have always played a key role. I’ve gained broad experience across the energy, industrial, and technology sectors, working in various leadership roles at both large corporations and fast-growing enterprises.
Details

dr. Judit Törös 

Founding Attorney, Törös Law Office
As the founder of Törös Law Office, I actively engage in community work as an Ambassador for Responsible Business Culture at Bridge Budapest and as a board member of the Vadvirágok Foundation supporting the Esztergom Special Children’s Home.
Details

Vállalati partnereink

HBLF-Romaster Alapítvány

1067, Budapest,
Podmaniczky utca 31.
3. emelet 18.

Pintér Melinda

Makádi Zsófia

Péter Kemény 

Diversity & Inclusion Expert, E.ON Hungária Zrt.

After gaining experience in the social and public administration sectors, I entered the private sector in 2012 as E.ON’s Diversity and Inclusion Expert. Since then, I have worked on strategies promoting gender equality, integrating employees with disabilities, and supporting Roma inclusion, alongside initiatives focused on team development, corporate health programs, and sustainability.

I firmly believe that developing diversity and inclusion is one of the best long-term investments for any employer and a fundamental pillar of a sustainable future.

Outside of work, I serve as a board member of the Bárka Foundation, working on social employment for adults with intellectual disabilities, and of the Romaster Foundation, supporting the advancement of underprivileged students.

I joined the Romaster Board with enthusiasm because I believe education is the most powerful tool against discrimination and its consequences. The negative stereotypes and prejudice Roma people face in our society are deeply troubling, which makes the goals of Romaster especially important: we need more Roma youth obtaining higher education degrees and a society that becomes ever more inclusive.

Szabolcs Pintér 

Managing Director, SAP Hungary

As Managing Director of SAP Hungary, leading a company of more than 2,000 people, I place a strong focus on sustainability, equal opportunity, and digital innovation. For me, social responsibility is not just a business objective—it’s a personal mission.

I joined the Romaster Foundation because I believe that talent development and supporting underprivileged youth are among the most effective ways to create lasting positive change. I am especially committed to digital inclusion, as technology provides access to information, education, job opportunities, and connection. For those who previously lacked such access, this can be life-changing—reducing social inequalities and helping build a more inclusive community.

I truly believe that through joint effort, we can transform not only individual lives but entire communities.

Klára Gombos

Retired HR Director, Robert Bosch Ltd. Budapest

I am the retired HR Director of Robert Bosch Ltd. in Budapest. Previously, I held HR leadership positions at Bosch’s Miskolc plants, Audi Hungaria Zrt., and ZF Hungária Kft., as well as at other renowned corporations in both HR and corporate governance. As a foreign trade economist, I’ve held international roles with success. I have over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry and nearly 40 years in leadership. I speak German and English, and since 2023 I have been serving as Chair of the Board at the Bosch Hungary Foundation.

Throughout my career, I had the privilege of working at outstanding companies and with people who valued individuals for the work they did and the effort they put into doing good—based on honesty and diligence. Recognizing talent and effort, and supporting learning, were always important. I also came to understand the liberating power of peacefully embracing difference and diversity, and how inclusion strengthens a community’s success.

This way of thinking is what I found in the Romaster Foundation, in the goals it stands for, and in the people—both companies and board members—who work to make those goals a reality.

Gábor László 

Head of Institutional and Quality Assurance, Tesco Academy Training and Development Ltd.

My name is Gábor László, I’m 52 years old, married, and have a daughter. I currently serve as the Head of Institutional and Quality Assurance at Tesco Academy Training and Development Ltd.

I’ve worked at Tesco for over 25 years and have spent the last 20 years in training and development—currently focusing on vocational education, particularly dual training. Last year, our company supported the professional training of over 2,600 students under vocational contracts across 120 locations.

Because of my work, I am in regular contact with students in training, witnessing both their achievements and struggles. I believe it’s our responsibility to help young people find their path—just as our parents, teachers, and mentors once guided us. Our goal is to equip young people with skills that help them start their lives. This doesn’t require grand gestures—what’s important is paying attention and caring. Consistent mentorship and communication help uncover areas where they feel uncertain or need support.

The Romaster Foundation provides a framework and financial opportunity for young people within the support program. It’s a great honor to contribute to this noble cause and to help more young people begin their journeys—with our company playing a part in that. I believe in the importance of social responsibility, as it plays a key role in today’s rapidly changing world, especially for those starting out with fewer advantages.

Tibor Sőregi 

Throughout my career, strategic thinking, business development, and innovation have always played a key role. I’ve gained broad experience across the energy, industrial, and technology sectors, working in various leadership roles at both large corporations and fast-growing enterprises. I’ve consistently demonstrated that effective decision-making, strong business networks, and sustainable growth strategies can lead to outstanding results.

My entire professional journey has been shaped by talent development and management. As someone directly affected, I’ve always believed that with the right support and guidance, extraordinary achievements are possible. Over the past 25 years in the business world, I’ve had many opportunities to mentor and develop young Roma talents, leaders, and professionals who are now becoming key players in shaping the future.

As a Roma professional, I see it as a personal mission to support my community—especially those youth preparing for university. I believe that education and finding the right career path are critical to success, which is why I actively take part in programs that support young people’s development and equal opportunities.

As a board member of the HBLF Romaster Foundation, I am deeply committed to supporting disadvantaged but talented students. My goal is to offer inspiration and practical support to the next generation and contribute to a more inclusive and opportunity-rich society. I bring experience from multiple industries and leadership roles, always working toward long-term, sustainable solutions that promote both corporate and social progress. I believe in the power of innovation, collective responsibility, and that every decision we make shapes the future.

Dr. Judit Törös

Founding Attorney, Törös Law Office

As the founder of Törös Law Office, I actively engage in community work as an Ambassador for Responsible Business Culture at Bridge Budapest and as a board member of the Vadvirágok Foundation supporting the Esztergom Special Children’s Home. As a managing attorney and a private individual, I support several civil organizations, for which the Hungarian Bar Association awarded our firm the “Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year” title in 2022.

As part of my educational efforts, I’ve participated as a mentor in the Banker Training Institute’s mentorship program and contributed to the legal module of the university course on business fundamentals developed by the Hungarian Startup University. My hobby is contemporary art—I regularly collect works by Hungarian contemporary artists.

My personal connection to Roma-related issues dates back to my childhood. My father was the doctor at the Esztergom Special Children’s Home—a semi-closed institution for girls, mostly of Roma background—whom we often visited. In kindergarten, my best friend was also a Roma girl. Supporting minorities and marginalized communities is something I inherited from my father.

When I reached a point in life where I had the means to help, I began supporting causes close to my heart. That’s how I became involved with several NGOs working toward Roma social inclusion, offering them support in the most effective ways I could.

The Romaster Mentorship Program is especially close to my heart because, alongside financial aid, it offers professional mentorship to high school and university students—often filling a gap in role models when it comes to learning or career building. Without this kind of support, I believe long-term social inclusion for Roma youth wouldn’t be possible.

Dr. Mónika Dura

CEO, Mindwell Zrt

I have built companies, teams, and brands. I’ve led organizations through prosperous times, economic crises, and a global pandemic. I’ve experienced the joys and challenges of success. Along the way, I’ve learned not only to focus on who is ahead but also to look back and reach out to those who have fallen behind and need support. I’ve also learned that business logic cannot exist without empathy. I believe long-term success is only possible when the head and the heart are in balance.

As a mother of five, I’m especially glad to support the work of the Romaster Foundation with my practical knowledge and experience.

One of the greatest values in my life is the opportunity to learn, and I’m proud to contribute to the mission of enabling more Roma youth to participate in all areas of education.

Dr. Ildikó Takács

Executive Producer, Liberty Production Global
Vice Chair of the Board, HBLF-Romaster Foundation

I served as Cultural Attaché and Director of the Hungarian Cultural Centre in London, led theatrical distribution at InterCom, and later worked at DIGIC Pictures as Head of Legal and Business Affairs. I currently teach at IBS, produce the DuplaPresszó cultural program, and serve as Program Director for Hungary’s Guest Country Program at the 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

To me, the Romaster Foundation is more than just an organization—it’s a community that has long served as a bridge between disadvantaged Roma youth and economic players offering opportunities to talented individuals. The program is unique not only in its support of education but also in its focus on mentoring, inspiration, and building self-confidence—empowering students to become successful, recognized, and authentic professionals.

As Vice Chair of the Board, my goal is to contribute to this noble mission. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Over the past 15 years, the Romaster Foundation has given countless Roma youth the chance to earn a degree and find their calling and a meaningful place in society.

Dr. Ákos Fehérváry 

Managing Partner, Baker McKenzie Budapest Office
Chairman of the Board, HBLF-Romaster Foundation

I’m Ákos Fehérváry, Managing Partner at the Budapest office of Baker McKenzie. Throughout my legal career, I have focused primarily on corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and employment law. With decades of experience in international environments, I have seen that diverse teams not only enrich organizations on a human level but also offer significant business advantages.

As a leader, I place great importance on creating an inclusive environment where everyone has equal opportunities and where advancement is determined by talent, diligence, and professional competence. I believe that supporting social mobility is not only a moral duty but also a key factor in the competitiveness of the Hungarian economy.

I’ve followed the work of the Romaster Foundation for years and greatly value the steady and impactful efforts they make to support the professional development and career prospects of Roma youth. When I was invited to serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees, I gladly accepted—it’s a wonderful opportunity to actively contribute to this socially crucial mission. I hope to support as many talented Roma youth as possible on their professional journeys through my expertise and network.

Melinda Pintér 

Program Coordinator

I earned my master’s degree in Communication and Media Studies at the University of Szeged, with a specialization in institutional communication. Throughout my career, I have gained broad experience in communication, advocacy, and community programs. I’ve been working at the Romaster Foundation for six years, supporting and nurturing talented Roma students. Previously, I worked for 22 years at Dura Studio as a publication and website editor, and for the past three years, I’ve also been involved with ÉTOSZ, supporting employee advocacy efforts.

The Romaster program is especially important to me because it gives me the opportunity to support and nurture talented Roma youth, helping them shape successful careers. I believe that strengthening communities and ensuring equal opportunities is a shared responsibility.

Zsófia Makádi 

Executive Director

My commitment to equal opportunities began during my English teaching studies, when an exceptional American professor taught us about the civil rights movement and Martin Luther King. These stories were so inspiring that I wrote my thesis on school desegregation movements. Later, I earned a second degree in intercultural communication, and by the end of my economics studies, I realized that although I loved teaching English, marketing, and communication, I wanted to apply my knowledge in the nonprofit sector instead. Fundraising became my calling, as all forms of charity are close to my heart.

In recent years, I’ve worked in areas such as intercultural education, housing poverty, civic engagement, and the development and mentoring of civil society organizations. The HBLF-Romaster Foundation is especially close to me because I believe everyone—regardless of their social background—deserves an equal chance to grow and flourish. I deeply believe in the power of charity and social responsibility, and that together we can achieve systemic change.

Personal connection is very important to me: in the Romaster program, I have the privilege of working with wonderful students, dedicated volunteer corporate mentors, and supportive companies. I’m grateful for this opportunity and consider it an honor to be part of this community.