20 years of private diplomacy
20 years of private diplomacy, promoting Romanian talent abroad through education, events, competitions and community building, while connecting cultures of the world in the process. Below, some of the people’s perspective on our founder’s legacy, #TheAlternativeSchool programs, #LadiesFirst magazine & our universe, at large.
“Teodora has truly made a remarkable impact on the creative industry. She created a fantastic vibe. Teodora's dedication to promoting creativity as a driver of the economy is an inspiration for all of us.” - Davor Bruketa, Co-Chairman @Bruketa&Žinić&Grey
"I have known Teodora Migdalovici for over 20 years. I have followed the evolution of her passion, cultural refinement, and business intuition, which have transformed into a kind of social positioning where she understands—and, in fact, feels compelled—to do everything she can to help those who have not been as fortunate as she has.
Wanting to help others is a noble gesture, but doing so by fully using her abilities is a shortcut to success for all those who have the chance to work with her." - Terry Savage, Chairman, London International Awards, Former Chairman, Cannes Lions
"We shared the stage at a #TheFutureofCreativity conference. Teodora is one of those incredible people who leave a distinct mark on the hearts of those they meet. She is one of the few who truly believe that the world can be changed through creativity — and she actively champions it." - Zélia Sakhi, former Cannes Lions and Dubai Lynx juror
"Teodora has the expertise, the results, the passion, and the drive to make a positive change for all creative industry professionals who are achieving - or striving to achieve - honest performance on a global scale." - Bogdan Enoiu, Founder & Chairman, McCann Worldgroup
“A few years ago, after a semester at The Alternative School and a trip to Cannes for the Young Lions competition, I felt like we were carrying an outsider’s banner. Today, we’ve gone from underdogs to contenders. I know it’s not a coincidence, and I have a pretty good idea of who sparked that change.” - Filip Gonzacenco, Art Director @Publicis Conseil Paris, #TheAlternativeSchool veteran, former YoungLion Romania.
"I think we’re very lucky to have a school like this in Romania. It represents an important link to the advertising industry and top-level professionalism in the country - but especially abroad, where we still have so much to learn. I’ve been a speaker at the school several times, and every time I’ve seen the lineup of professionals it brings in for the students, I’ve instantly felt the need to attend many of the sessions myself, knowing I’d have a lot to learn. That’s actually the most valuable thing the School has offered me so far. It works like a small update for me - a quick refresh and a reconnection with the industry from different angles and perspectives. And because Teodora allows me to speak freely during my presentations, it also feels like a welcoming place where I can share my thoughts and ideas, making space for new ones." - Mădălin Dragnea, Creative & Motion Director @ALL MAD Studio
"I admire Teodora's passion and the efforts she undertakes to celebrate Romanian creativity in all its forms. The Alternative School is not just a school - it's a source of inspiration and a gateway for young Romanian artists to access world-class training. Through the events she organizes, Teodora opens paths and builds bridges in the world of creativity and advertising. For me, the 2008 Cannes Lions Festival was the most intense week of learning in my entire career. And this passion for the festival spirit is something I managed to pass on to my marketing team at Orkla. That’s how we surrounded ourselves with the best creatives in Romania and, together, managed to create memorable campaigns with a positive impact on the business." - Adrian Păsărică, Head of Marketing @Orkla Foods România
“I lingered on a photograph in a Cosmopolitan article - must have been around 15 years ago: a young red-haired woman, with a warm smile and a penetrating gaze. The interview spoke about the courage to support creative ideas - well-thought-out and well-presented - at a festival I was only just discovering at the time. It was Teo Migdalovici, the same vibrant presence who, throughout all these years, has continued to inspire through creative resilience, refinement, and the ability to uncover new talents and perspectives, consistently offering valuable direction to the local creative industry.” - Olga Abramescu, Country Sales Manager @ Shutterstock
”I first encountered #TheAlternativeSchool in 2014 as a student, just as I was taking my first steps into the industry. The experience was nothing short of mind-blowing - in such a short time, I had the chance to meet incredible people and work intensely on real briefs. It felt like a creative energy drink that jump-started my entire perspective.
Later, I complemented it with a Cannes Lions experience, which gave me a clear mindset upgrade. It reshaped how I connect with people in the industry and helped me understand the deep impact this brand has on the creative community in Romania.
What Teodora is doing through #TheAlternativeSchool is truly unique in our market. I've witnessed talented individuals grow through her platform, and I've personally been involved in powerful initiatives promoting local talent on a global stage. From high-quality events with strong content and meaningful networking opportunities to her constant support with talent recruitment - her contribution has been exceptional. We've welcomed several strong candidates in our agency thanks to her.
The Alternative School is more than a program - it's a vital creative outlet for the Romanian industry. I strongly recommend any opportunity to collaborate with Teodora and her beautiful project” - Octavian Gheorghe, GM, GMP Academy
“Bravo ❤️. This #20 is a big, big achievement — congratulations for everything and thank you for the effort you’ve put in to support and push the industry forward.” - Hortensia Nastase, Managing Director CE @Golin
Teodora Migdalovici, a true master of the international stage, putting Romanian creativity on the map with an impressive blend of style and boldness. At a time when only the brave truly believed in the magic of Romanian creative potential, Teodora acted as a passionate catalyst — helping top agencies to transform through the necessary guidance that brought cultural relevance to the forefront of global success.
With a narrative so compelling it could travel the world, she made creativity walk hand in hand with national identity, opening wide the doors for Romanian talent. Her warrior-like magazine, #LadiesFirst, is not just another publication; it’s the emblem of promoting talented Romanian women who’ve stood under international spotlights with irresistible elegance.
The embodiment of a powerful voice and tireless energy, has been a pillar of multicultural creativity, shaking things up with diversity and innovation. The events she orchestrated were so memorable that any participant could vouch her imprint led to a vision upgrade and strategic repositioning for Romania’s creative industry.” - Isabella Brănișteanu, Founder @THINKEGIC
“The Alternative School doesn’t offer recipes. It asks questions. And if you push yourself to answer them, you grow up fast. I was lucky to meet Teodora and go through her school when I was young, full of ideas, and lacking clear direction. She pushed me to think strategically, to defend my ideas at the big table, to understand global competition. For me, it was the kind of edge that still makes a difference today.” - Răzvan Ghilencea, Creative Partner @AYZ&HENDZ
"Through her projects, she has managed to bring to light a type of authentic creativity — rooted locally but held to global standards — and to transform it into a tool of real influence." - Dana Bulat, General Manager, United Media, former Media Lions juror
"The marcom ecosystem is going through moments of singularity, and creativity, as a strategic tool, becomes the clear answer in a sea of noise generated by the diversity of AI-driven interventions.
With over 20 years of international expertise, Teodora is a valuable guide for those who aspire to high performance, starting from grounded, real-world perspectives.
'Anyone can do it with money' — say the seasoned professionals who want ideas before budgets. Teodora’s perspective, which promotes cultural insight as a method for finding great solutions, is refreshing for all those who believe in campaigns where business and societal impact matter more than the size of the budget." — Gabriela Crețu, Vice President, Ursus Breweries
“Teodora has not only witnessed many remarkable trajectories that she propelled globally — she was the starting point for many of them. Including mine.
Looking back over the last 20 years of private diplomacy at major festivals, her professional performance recommends Teodora as that coherent, consistent, and expressive voice in the private sphere when it comes to promoting Romanian talent internationally. Teodora knows the international creative environments, connecting cultures through their most talented representatives and promoting them beyond clichés. She knows how to address taboo topics with style and transform uncomfortable attributes into a catalyst for ‘better.’
From all the roles she has played — observer, disciple, speaker, juror, #LadiesFirst advocate — I recommend Teodora for her ability to see and support raw creative potential and to represent the interests and profile of the Romanian creative industries in international contexts.” - Simona Simon, Creative Director, McCann PR
"There is life before Teodora, and life after you've met Teodora. I don’t quite know how she does it, but she’s that kind of person who makes you believe that anything is possible. And for me, that was an incredible experience, especially because it came after a long time of being under the influence of someone who made everything seem impossible.
Teodora is the kind of person you can understand with just a glance, and that happens no matter the role you're in—whether you're a client, a supplier, a scholarship recipient, a student, or a partner. She’s someone whose positive energy transcends the walls of any room she’s in, and the fascinating part is that you can even feel it when she communicates in writing." - Georgiana Chițac, illustrator, LesDamesDeBucharest / georgianachitac.com
