JA Europe Celebrates 2025 FERD’s List Honorees
December 17, 2025
JA Europe and Ferd announced the 2025 FERD’s List honorees, recognizing seven European JA alumni for their leadership, innovation, and commitment to their communities. Each honoree reflects the entrepreneurial mindset and purpose-driven approach that define FERD’s List and its connection to Junior Achievement’s mission across Europe.
FERD’s List, a joint initiative of JA Europe and Ferd, recognizes inspirational young entrepreneurs and leaders who have transformed their early JA experiences into meaningful careers and ventures. The list highlights JA Europe alumni whose work demonstrates the long-term impact of entrepreneurship education and the value of combining business acumen with social responsibility. Each year, new honorees join a growing network of alumni committed to creating positive economic and social impact.
The 2025 honorees gathered in Brussels this week for their official induction, including an informal networking meeting with Johan H. Andresen, Chair of Ferd and founder of FERD’s List, along with representatives from JA Europe.
Andriy Fedoriv
CEO, Fedoriv Group
JA Ukraine alumnus
“At the age of 13, I studied entrepreneurship at the JA programs, and it was a turning point in my life.”
Arpine Koshtoyan
Founder and creative director of Koshtoyan Couture House
Junior Achievement of Armenia alumna
“JA taught me that entrepreneurial success comes from sharing knowledge, inspiring others, and building bridges between dreams and reality.”
Dominik Schirle
Co-founder, START Summit
JUNIOR Germany (JA Germany) alumnus
“If it weren’t for the JA program, I would have never had the courage to start my own startups.”
Dr. Georgi Prandzhev
Medical doctor; founder and CEO of GYNie.ai
JA Bulgaria alumnus
“Beyond’s pre-accelerator by The Edge Bulgaria was essential for everything. Without them, this would have been only a paper-based scientific work. Thank you!”
Linda Sonnichsen
Serial Entrepreneur
Fonden for Entreprenørskab (JA Denmark) alumna
“Success is a journey, not a destination.” –Arthur Ashe
Mantas Vičius
Co-founder, Elicėjus
Lietuvos Junior Achievement (JA Lithuania) alumnus
“JA sparked my entrepreneurial journey showing me that age doesn’t limit impact when passion and purpose align.”
Ricardo Costa
Co-founder and Chief of Operations, Hartics
JA Portugal alumnus
“JA transformed my worldview, giving me unimaginable tools, inspiring connections, and empowering me to help others change their lives.”
The official celebration took place during JA Europe’s Empowering Youth Voices event in Brussels. During the event, honorees spoke about their paths, reflected on the role JA played in shaping their development, and answered questions from young JA journalists. Their participation reinforced the importance of alumni voices in inspiring and guiding the next generation of young people.
Salvatore Nigro, CEO of JA Europe, “We are deeply grateful to Johan H. Andresen, Katharina G. Andresen and Ferd for their continued trust and extraordinary support to JA’s mission. Their commitment goes far beyond the FERD’s List, from recognizing inspiring alumni to stepping in with crucial support that sustains JA programs across Europe, including in countries facing significant challenges. Thanks to this continued collaboration, more young people are gaining the skills and confidence they need to shape Europe’s future.”
As the FERD’s List community continues to grow, the 2025 cohort further strengthens a global network of alumni who are making meaningful contributions to society and the economy. Their stories reflect the enduring impact of entrepreneurship education in empowering young people to lead with purpose, innovate with intention, and create lasting positive change.
To learn more about the 2025 honorees and past honorees, visit the FERD’s List profiles page.