Join the EU Influencer Masterclass by Sevim Aktas, founder of Inside EU Climate & Careers, an Instagram account with 35.000 followers, and take your first steps to becoming a powerful voice in the EU space. This program, in collaboration with The Nine and Brussels New Generation (BNG), is tailored to empower the next wave of voices in the EU space.
What’s This About?
The EU Influencer Masterclass is a hands-on, four-session program in Brussels designed for aspiring influencers passionate about EU policy and public affairs. Learn how to launch and grow an Instagram account that makes an impact, all while building a personal brand that stands out.
Who Is This For?
This program is perfect for:
Young professionals eager to share their expertise.
Students passionate about EU topics.
Aspiring influencers ready to amplify their voice.
Anyone looking to create meaningful content in the EU space.
Workshop dates & topics:
TUE 18 FEB - 19.00-21.00 - Behind the Scenes of EU Influence
WED 19 MAR - 19.00-21.00 - Find Your Niche, Own Your Voice
TUE 15 APR - 19.00-21.00 - Brand Like a Pro, Post Like a Boss
TUE 13 MAY - 19.00-21.00 - The Influence Test Drive
What You’ll Get
By the end of the masterclass, you’ll:
Define your niche and craft a standout personal brand.
Develop an actionable content strategy for Instagram.
Learn to create impactful posts and grow your audience.
Walk away with your account ready to launch and thrive.
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: The Nine, Brussels
Capacity: 20 participants (limited spots!)
Cost: To ensure commitment and a focused group of participants, we’ve set these modest fees plus, the drink is on us! 🍷🥤
Members of The Nine & BNG : €10 per session – Total €40 (includes one drink per session: soft or wine).
Non-Members: €15 per session – Total €60 (includes one drink per session: soft or wine).
The Nine will process the payment once your application has been approved.
Participants must attend all four sessions.
You’ll need a genuine interest in becoming an influencer and the willingness to apply what you learn.
We will process the payment once your application has been approved.
Application Deadline: 7 February 2025
Selected participants will be notified by 10 February 2025.
While this masterclass is Brussels-based, we’re already planning an online version for the near future. Stay tuned for updates!
Session 1: Behind the Scenes of EU Influence
Discover what it really takes to become an EU influencer.
This session shares Sevim Aktas’s journey, highlighting challenges, successes, and lessons learned. Get an insider’s perspective on what works (and what doesn’t) in building influence in the EU space.
Guest speakers:
Elisabeth Hosszú (EU Influencer, @hosszuelisabeth)
Olivia Lori (EU influencer, @olivialori.eu)
Catherine Ray (Podcaster, A quoi tu sers ?Le podcast des Métiers de l'Europe)
Session 2: Find Your Niche, Own Your Voice
Unlock your unique angle and stand out in the EU space.
Through practical exercises, this workshop will help you define your niche, align your passion with audience needs, and create a clear focus for your content. By the end, you’ll know exactly what sets you apart.
Guest speakers:
Elizabeth Hosszú (EU Influencer, @hosszuelisabeth)
Olivia Lori (EU influencer, @olivialori.eu)
Session 3: Brand Like a Pro, Post Like a Boss
Master the art of personal branding and content creation.
Learn how to craft a compelling visual identity, develop engaging content pillars, and create posts that resonate. This session gives you the tools to design a cohesive, scroll-stopping Instagram presence.
Guest speaker:
Philip Weiss (ZN CEO & Founder, author of ‘Hyperthinking’ book, TEDx Speaker with 25+ years experience in online communication strategy)
Session 4: The Influence Test Drive
Present, refine, and perfect your influencer strategy.
Share your ideas with peers and experts in this interactive feedback session. Hone your branding, optimize your content strategy, and leave with the confidence to launch your Instagram account.
Guest speakers:
Karen D. Pesse (Linkedin Top Voice, Belgium's 40 under 40, TEDx Speaker)
Catherine Ray (Podcaster, A quoi tu sers ?Le podcast des Métiers de l'Europe)
Helping you navigate Europe’s big ideas.
Sevim Aktas is the founder of Inside EU Climate & Careers – a fast-growing platform helping young professionals decode EU climate policies and unlock sustainability career opportunities.
Public Policy & Communications Specialist
Derya Fikret is a dynamic policy communications specialist who transforms complex EU policy into compelling, accessible narratives. With a background in European Studies and over five years working in Brussels’ policy landscape, she bridges the gap between regulatory analysis and creative communication.
Driven by curiosity and a passion for new ideas, Derya is always exploring projects that bring together creativity, communication, and community. Most recently, she has been working with Sevim Aktas on the development of the EU Influencer Masterclass workshop series.
Founder & Host, À quoi tu sers ? Podcast | Former spokesperson, European Commission
Catherine Ray is a seasoned EU communicator and policy advisor with over 20 years of experience in European affairs. Passionate about making EU careers and policymaking more accessible, she is the founder and host of “À quoi tu sers ?”, a podcast that demystifies EU jobs and careers by bringing listeners behind the scenes of the European project. Formerly serving in the Spokesperson Office and as Head of Unit at the European Commission, she is bringing deep expertise in strategic communication, political advisory, and media relations.
Founder & CEO, ZN | Author of HyperThinking
Philip Weiss is the Founder & CEO of ZN, helping businesses and organizations adapt their communication strategies to the digital age. A graduate of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Oxford, he also ran Oxford Student Radio, earning the Young Achievers Award from HM The Queen.
He is the author of HyperThinking, a framework for embracing digital change and creative problem-solving. Through ZN, Philip continues to shape the future of online communication and strategy.
EU Policy & Advocacy Advisor, CEFIC | EU Content Creator
Elisabeth Hosszú is an EU Policy & Advocacy Advisor at CEFIC, working on EU Green Deal topics like energy, climate, and chemicals. With experience at the European Parliament, she excels in strategic communication, bridging young people & policymakers. As Belgium’s Youth Delegate to the UN, she amplifies youth voices globally. She’s also an EU content creator on Instagram, offering insights into EU institutions & demystifying the “EU bubble” for a wider audience.
EU Content Creator | Disability & Inclusion Advocate
Olivia Lori is a passionate EU content creator specializing in disability policies, social inclusion, and youth opportunities. With a background in International Relations, she has worked in communications at both the Council of the EU and the European Parliament.
Her dedication to making the EU more accessible has earned her recognition as one of the Top 5 EU content creators on Instagram and TikTok. Through her platforms, she breaks down EU policies and advocates for a more inclusive Europe.
LinkedIn Top Voice | Belgium 40 under 40 | TEDx Speaker | Account Executive at Salesforce
Karen D. Pesse is a civil engineer turned tech strategist, currently driving digital transformation in the public sector as a Strategic Account Executive at Salesforce. Passionate about AI, diversity, and inclusion, she advocates for equitable access to technology and leadership opportunities for underrepresented groups.
A TEDx speaker, LinkedIn Top Voice, and recognized as one of Belgium’s 40 Under 40, Karen combines innovation with social impact, helping organizations navigate the future of tech with a people-first approach.