Mentoring is a globally recognised tool for students, offering a trustfull partnership with mentors – professionals in the field – actively share their knowledge and help the student to meet academic and professional challenges.
The mentoring programme offers the student an experienced person, usually an entrepreneur, who dedicates time and expertise to support, guide and advise. This collaboration enables the student to set and achieve goals.
Mentoring support at RISEBA is available to every student, regardless of their level of study.
The benefits of mentoring for students:
- Practical experience and contacts: mentoring gives students real experience and valuable contacts, enriching their understanding beyond theory.
- Accelerated professional development: Students who choose mentoring accelerate their professional development by learning from the experience of experienced mentors.
- Self-assessment: Mentoring stimulates self-assessment, enabling students to evaluate their abilities and overcome both academic and everyday challenges.
Each year RISEBA offers students the opportunity to participate in Speed Dating with a mentor to find the most suitable mentor for future collaboration.
RISEBA students currently have access to more than 90 mentors from different sectors and fields of activity.
Elīna Sitenkova
Life moto: I can do anything but not everything
Meeting format: hybrid
With over three years of experience in personnel management at an international technology company, I specialize in talent acquisition for engineering teams, process optimization, and implementing a data-driven approach within HR. I have led company-wide initiatives, created innovative employee programs, and supported leadership development by working closely with managers across multiple levels.
In addition to my core role, I also work as a facilitator and internal training developer, and have shared my expertise as a guest lecturer at a university. My mentoring approach is practical, supportive, and focused on helping individuals grow through structured guidance and real-world experience.
Kārlis Ploks
Life moto: Don’t live a boring life
Meeting format: hybrid
On a daily basis, I work with people of different ages and from different fields to help them improve their public speaking skills and self-presentation. I organize events, give guest lectures, and run an association that promotes entrepreneurship and career development among young people.
Ramona Markeviča
Life moto: You can’t wait for inspiration, you have to become it yourself! – I.Ziedonis
Meeting format: in person
I have been working in public relations for 10 years, across various industries, projects, and institutions. I am currently writing my Master’s thesis in Project Management and will graduate from LBTU in January. I have no limits.
Kaspars Gaļimovs
Meeting format: hybrid
CostPocket’s country lead in Latvia. A RISEBA graduate with a Professional Bachelor’s degree in Business Organisation and Management. The mentor enjoys developing projects that create meaningful added value, especially those linked to technological solutions. Continuous self-improvement on the path to becoming the best version of oneself is an essential part of everyday life.
The mentor provides support on topics such as: personal growth, self-understanding, awareness, what not to do in business, what to do in business, how not to get lost in the city’s nightlife, career development, overcoming fears, learning to respect yourself, building self-confidence, ego management, and-where possible-support with contacts and career growth opportunities.
Aiva Spuņģe
Life moto: By developing our potential, we inspire others and create sustainable growth for society.
Meeting format: online
Senior manager in the private and public sectors. 15 years of experience in media development and management, including the launch of a new television channel. Also served as a board member of a castle complex that combines hotel, museum, restaurant, and real estate management. Experience in marketing, public relations, and tourism. As an inspiring leader and mentor, she is able to motivate teams to achieve goals in line with each individual’s personal talents. She is currently developing her knowledge and experience in foreign financial markets and sailing.
Ilga Sirmele
Life moto: I am not where I was, and I am not yet where I want to be, but! I really like the path I am walking on.
Meeting format: hybrid
A goal-oriented and people-centered leader with international experience in developing teams and organizations. I am capable of managing an institution’s work at strategic, administrative, and human-resources levels, ensuring high quality, successful change implementation, and effective internal collaboration. I have practical experience in both the public and private sectors – leading HR processes, implementing career and development systems, managing strategic projects, as well as developing and introducing internal regulations and development plans. I am well-versed in budget planning, document management, internal communication, and I am familiar with labor law regulations.
Mārtiņš Priedītis
Life moto: Self-criticism leads to growth, perfectionism to excellence, perseverance to open doors and fulfilled dreams.
Meeting format: hybrid
Audiovisual system designer, integrator, and new media artist with over 15 years of international experience in the commercial and cultural sectors. Founder of reverie™ | interactive multimedia solutions, whose projects have been implemented in Latvia, Europe and Asia (Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, etc.). With his master’s thesis defended at RISEBA University in 2025, he developed a new methodology for generative data sculptures using artificial intelligence, combining semiotics, emotion mapping, and mid-air haptics in the interpretation of cultural heritage. He actively develops machine hermeneutics as a practice of artistic and commercial innovation, building a bridge between technology, art, and business development. The developed methodology was first presented at the REACT 2025 conference in Vienna, continuing its development in an international context. As a mentor, I want to share my experience on how to turn creativity into real solutions – where an idea becomes a work and conviction gains coverage through perseverance and discipline. My goal is to inspire students not only to think boldly, but also to act.
Madara Kalniņa
Meeting format: hybrid
I have experience in various industries – the automotive industry, hospitality, business consulting, and previously in active sales. I have worked in various positions – from administrator to corporate client manager. Although the industries and roles have been different, they all have one important aspect in common – working with people. Through this experience, I have learned how important clear, respectful, and effective communication is, which has always been the basis for successful cooperation. Outside of work, I am a trainer for the MOT youth motivation program, where I volunteer with classes, give talks, and organize activities on topics that are important to young people.
Anna Allena
Life moto: Don’t stop, achieve your goals!
Meeting format: hybrid
Anna Allena is a graduate of RISEBA’s distance-learning programmes, having completed both the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business Management, obtaining the qualifications of Business Manager and Organisation Manager. Alongside her academic development, Anna spent 12 years working in public administration and is now continuing to develop her expertise within the field of entrepreneurship. She is further expanding her knowledge in public procurement, human resource management, psychology, coaching, occupational safety, digitalisation, international communication, marketing and project management.
As a mentor, Anna places particular emphasis on supporting students who begin their studies later in life. From personal experience, she understands the challenges faced by mature students – lack of confidence, loss of motivation when encountering initial difficulties, balancing work, family and studies, generational differences in perception, or even job loss during studies. In such situations, Anna offers not only practical advice but also genuine human support – the ability to listen, encourage and, when needed, help bring clarity in moments of uncertainty.
Viktorija Mihaļčuka
Meeting format: hybrid
More than 13 years of experience in the field of entrepreneurship – Nordic Group, a business training and gamification company (practicals.net/lv), specialising in the invention and production of educational games and training. Roles held within the company include PR Director, Head of Sales and Chair of the Board. She is currently a Member of the Board of the Latvian Football Federation. She also runs a private practice as a certified supervisor, consultant-supervisor, and organisational, business and management psychologist (working in the fields of sport, education and entrepreneurship).
- Latvian Football Federation (lff.lv; since 2018), previously held the position of Head of Administration.
- She is a graduate of RISEBA programmes: Business Psychology, Management Psychology and Supervision, and is currently studying in the RISEBA PhD programme New Media and Creative Technologies.
- She is also a graduate of UEFA Academy programmes: UEFA Certificate in Football Management (UEFA CFM), Women Football Leadership Programme (UEFA/FIFA WFLP), and IMD Business School (Switzerland, Lausanne).
- Member of the Latvian Supervisors Association (LSA), the Latvian Sport Psychology Association (LSPA), the Latvian Association of Organisational Psychologists (LOPB), and the UEFA Academy Alumni network.
Elina Apanesevica
Meeting format: hybrid
Mentor who helps young people develop skills and character traits that will help them achieve their ambitious career goals in the future. I mentor students on career and internship choices, investing, leadership, and self-improvement. International experience in marketing, entrepreneurship, and public relations in both Latvia and the US. Experience in large corporations, agencies, and international Erasmus projects. Previously worked as a marketing project manager at Swedbank, digital project manager at the PR agency Public ID, organizer of the Baltic Communication Awards for two years, and student mentor for the Southwestern Advantage summer program in America for five years, helping young people reach their potential in all areas of life.