The People of Casa Mare – Our Organizing Team

In our tradition, the Casa Mare is the cleanest and most treasured corner of the household—the place where we welcome dear guests and celebrate life’s most important milestones. Here in California, our team turns this metaphor into reality.
We are a team of passionate individuals from the diaspora, united by the desire to keep our Moldovan identity, culture, and traditions alive far from home. Each member of the organizing team brings energy, volunteer spirit, and a dedication to building strong cultural and social bridges for the Moldovan-American community in Sacramento and across the state. We are not just a leadership team; we are your hosts in this big family!

  • Mariana Mikesell – Founder, General Coordinator
  • Veaceslav Dragomir – Executive Support Officer
  • Natalia Covali – Operational Facilitator
  • Timur Roibu – Financial Manager

Operational Departments

The activity of our organization is structured into 6 essential pillars, each managed by a dedicated team that brings Casa Mare’s projects to life:

  1. Bridges Between Generations
  • Motto: “Connecting eras, uniting destinies”
  • This department is the heart of our continuity. It brings together those who organize authentic șezători (traditional social gatherings) and traditional craft workshops, as well as those who share old legends and wise ancestral tales. Through every activity, our members pass the torch to the younger generation by personal example and direct action, ensuring that the past becomes the foundation for the future.
  • Coordinators: Lilia Daschevici, Adrian Galben
  1. Traditions, Culture, and Education
  • Motto: “Guiding with love, growing with values”
  • A space dedicated to our cultural and spiritual excellence. We specialize in organizing large-scale cultural events, heartfelt literary evenings, and many other activities aimed at instructing and educating the new generation. Everything takes place in the spirit of our national identity, cultivating a love for our roots in the hearts of our children.
  • Coordinators: Ion Tomachinschi, Daria Damaschin
  1. NextGen
  • Motto: “Moldovan soul, global vision”
  • The dynamic hub dedicated to the youth of our community. The NextGen team organizes cool and innovative projects, naturally combining the language of their parents (Romanian) and the language of the country they live in (English). Through these initiatives, young people learn how to work effectively in teams, support one another, and develop leadership skills for a successful future.
  • Coordinators: Sanda Colta, Daniel Vovc
  1. The Immigrant’s Compass
  • Motto: “Confident steps in a new world”
  • The support and guidance anchor for our community. We offer practical advice and referrals to professionals in various fields, providing support to obtain reliable legal and social assistance. This department serves as an essential guide both for newcomers starting their journey in the US and for those needing assistance along their integration path.
  • Coordinator: Marina Damaschin
  1. Tech, Communication, and Diaspora Relations
  • Motto: “Smart connections, hearts of the nation”
  • Our digital voice and infrastructure. This department manages our online platforms, the technology behind our projects, and maintains close ties between Moldovans in California and compatriots everywhere. Through smart communication, we ensure that distances disappear and we always stay connected.
  • Coordinators: Ghenadie Ciornii, Mihaela Furculița
  1. Sport and Wellness
  • Motto: “Movement. Balance. Community”
  • The promoter of vitality and positive energy in the community. We help keep our community in excellent physical and mental shape by encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle. We organize engaging sports activities, lively outdoor picnics in the California fresh air, and provide specialized reading materials and useful resources on health and balance.
  • Coordinators: Anastasia Salaru, Dmitrii Antohi