<\/p>\n
Her professional path has taken her from art history and pedagogy through working with several non-governmental organisations, cultural and creative industries projects, and strengthening local self-government to her current position in the BIRN Hub. So, how did she manage all these positions?<\/span><\/p>\n Let\u2019s meet her!<\/span><\/p>\n Aida\u2019s academic background in Art History and Pedagogy from the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Sarajevo, shaped the foundation of her interest in how culture, memory, and narrative intertwine. She worked as a curator at Gallery 11\/07\/95, a memorial gallery dedicated to the memory of the Srebrenica genocide.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt was there that I encountered the power of war photography through permanent and temporary exhibitions by renowned photojournalists such as Ron Haviv, Narciso Contreras, and Paul Lowe, whose work has shaped how the world sees and remembers the war. These exhibitions were not merely artistic displays\u2014they were testimonies. They revealed to me how photojournalism, particularly war photography, operates at the intersection of art, truth, and justice. On one hand, such images preserve historical facts; on the other, they restore voice and presence to those who were silenced\u201d, Aida explains.<\/span><\/p>\n This experience profoundly influenced her understanding of journalism as an active force in memory-making and truth-telling. After her time at the gallery, she worked with several non-governmental organisations on projects related to cultural and creative industries and the empowerment of local communities.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAt the same time, I tried my hand at journalism, exploring one of its many forms. However, I soon (and perhaps just in time) discovered that what resonates more deeply with me is supporting and empowering journalists\u2014those who seek to deepen their knowledge, expand their skills, and explore new tools. I began writing articles focused on practical techniques and digital tools that journalists can use in their everyday work. The aim was not only to share useful resources, but to contribute, however modestly, to raising the overall quality of media content and building the competencies that a resilient, responsible journalism requires\u201d, says Tinjak.<\/span><\/p>\n Joining BIRN felt like a natural progression for her. It allowed Aida to continue engaging with narratives that matter, with investigative journalism\u2019s added urgency and responsibility:<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI believe that journalism and art are united by a shared impulse\u2014to communicate, to preserve memory, and to question the world around us. Both serve as powerful tools for challenging oppressive systems and amplifying silenced voices, pushing boundaries and standing as unwavering beacons of truth in a world that often seeks to suppress them.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When she joined BIRN Hub as a Project\/Programme Assistant in 2021, she expected hard work, persistence, and the need to grow into the responsibilities ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201dAnd that\u2019s exactly what awaited me. The road wasn\u2019t without its challenges, but each experience has left valuable lessons that have shaped my professional path. What I hadn\u2019t dared to expect was the depth of connection within the team. It\u2019s the people who make me proud to be part of BIRN\u2014their trust, support, and understanding make every challenge easier and every success more meaningful\u201d, explains Aida.<\/span><\/p>\n Now, as a Grants and Project Coordinator at BIRN Hub, her work revolves around coordinating and implementing project activities, and overseeing and managing the grant-making process. In practice, that means a great deal of communication, mostly with journalists who are grant recipients, and quite a bit of administration.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhat makes the role truly rewarding is the opportunity to connect and collaborate with journalists from different countries (even if mostly online), to read their story proposals, and to hear fresh, often powerful ideas. It makes me happy to be, even in a small way, part of the journey that leads to the production of those stories. The job requires solid organisational skills, which I\u2019ve come to value more and more over time. I believe that when things are well structured from the start, it\u2019s easier to navigate the unexpected. While plans sometimes shift and circumstances change, having a reliable structure in place helps me adapt and keep things moving\u201d, says Aida.<\/span><\/p>\n