Maja Rusan Maja has served as Head of Fundraising and Communications at CRVENI NOSOVI (Red Noses) for the past three years. A passionate and strategic fundraiser, Maja is driven by the mission to create and develop sustainable channels of support for non-profit organisations. In this role, she has successfully doubled the organisation’s income, an achievement that reflects both deep sector knowledge and entrepreneurial acumen.
In addition to her fundraising expertise, Maja managed CRVENI NOSOVI’s finances for three years and holds a certificate from the Controller Akademie in Munich. This financial insight is actively applied to ensure effective and efficient development of fundraising strategies.
Raised in a business environment—her mother owned a factory—Maja gained early exposure to the dynamics of operations, management, and people. Over eight years in the private sector, she held a range of leadership positions including Sales Manager, Subcontractor Manager, Supply Manager, and Quality Assurance Manager for ISO9001 standards. These experiences instilled a deep appreciation for value creation, human potential, and organisational resilience. Even today, the sound and energy of a factory still quickens Maja’s pulse.
By combining professional motivation to contribute to the common good with a sharp entrepreneurial mindset, Maja has consistently delivered measurable results. A particular passion lies in partnerships with companies — demonstrating that investment in society offers not only reliable but often priceless returns. She believes that society is composed of individuals, each inherently valuable, and is committed to showing how everyone can contribute according to their values and capacities.
Maja holds a degree from the Faculty of Economics, with a specialisation in Tourism. Originally dreaming of opening a hotel, she remains inspired by travel and human connection. Having explored nearly every corner of Europe, she now shares these journeys with her family—two sons, Petar (11) and Karlo (9)—whom she considers her greatest achievement.
Diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 13, Maja has never allowed the condition to define or limit her. Rather, it has taught resilience and gratitude. “Except when I’m low on sugar,” she jokes, “then I just eat sweets—so my life is literally too sweet.”