OUR TEAM
It has been a long road, when most people ask where I am from, well it takes a while to explain…
STANOJKA BAŠIĆ
My name is Stanojka Bašić, I was born to Serb parents, both from Hercegovina.
I was born in Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia and spent my first eight years living in Dubrovnik, surrounded by family.
After my first year of schooling, I moved with my mum and brother to the United Kingdom, my father had joined his younger brother …
Letter from Stanojka
My name is Stanojka Bašić, I was born to Serb parents, both from Hercegovina. I was born in Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia and spent my first eight years living in Dubrovnik, surrounded by family. After my first year of schooling, I moved with my mum and brother to the United Kingdom, my father had joined his younger brother in Bradford two years previously.
I completed my schooling and studied Computing Maths. My career includes networking, support, and software testing roles. My last position was as a Software Test Manager. As I worked on mostly short-term projects, I have amassed over 30 years’ experience in 20 different companies, including software houses. Like most children who are moved from their motherland at an early age, I always loved Yugoslavia and it was always my destiny to return here. Between 2007 and 2014 I had the chance to live in Serbia, as Yugoslavia no longer existed, and I was the owner/ director of a tennis club in Belgrade, Tennis Club Trim. I ran the club for over 4 years, and it was here that I realized where my passion lay, in working with children. Giving children the chance to participate in sport, no matter their background, ability or the financial standing of their parents. We did our best to discount our club prices to enable all children to participate.
With this in mind, and looking at what Novak Djokovic has accomplished with his own Foundation, the idea was born. To create a Foundation that will enable children to have access not only to sport, but also music, the arts, well the possibilities are endless. I have decided to dedicate the rest of my years to making the foundation a reality. Obviously, I will not do this alone, I will employ people of similar values and we will do this together, as a team. We will also work with other foundations and support each other, in particular smaller foundations.
This is not a small mission, but I believe I have the contacts, energy, and perseverance to succeed. I have spoken to many people in the country and the response has been phenomenal, “How can we help?” In order to make this a reality, I have decided to focus on Former Yugoslavia and Greece, a country where I spend a lot of time, the Greek people, historically, have always supported us, and we are brother Nations.
In loving memory of Bogdan Bašić, Stana Bašić, and Marija Papić.
OUR CAPTAINS
LETTER FROM DRAGANA
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share a glance of my personal journey with you and to contribute to the history of this foundation!
My name is Dragana Vučenović, and I was born and raised in Banjaluka, where I still reside. I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Banjaluka, and then continued with my Master’s studies there. Simultaneously, I enrolled in training for cognitive-behavioral therapy and am currently a psychotherapist in supervision for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Throughout my studies and my exploration of the psychological aspects of human existence and behavior, I felt a deep-seated need to actively contribute and offer support to others. This passion led me to volunteer with the Blue Phone helpline, which provides psychological support and counseling to children and adolescents. This volunteer experience helped me bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on involvement. Following my volunteer work, I was offered a position as a psychological counselor at the same helpline, a role I embraced and held for two years. During this time, I gained invaluable experience dealing with a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, suicidality, family and relationship problems, abuse, and many other challenges. This role was and remains precious to me as it provided insight into the complexities of individual lives and the various mechanisms people use to survive.
These experiences imprinted in me a strong desire to help others as much as possible and make a meaningful contribution, leading me to join the One Team Foundation with this vision. I hope to use my experience and the many stories and emotions I’ve encountered to help as many people as possible. The foundation represents the ideal opportunity to realize this vision and to work at a high level of impact. I am grateful for the opportunity to transform my compassion into creativity, to share my ideas and vision with a team of dedicated individuals, and to strive towards making a meaningful difference. Working with children is an extraordinary and precious experience, and helping them reach their full potential, nurture their development, and find their unique place in the world is a rewarding gift I wish everyone could experience.
LETTER FROM FILIP
I am excited to share a glimpse of my personal journey with you and to contribute to the mission of this foundation.
My name is Filip Nikolić, and I was born and currently reside in Belgrade, Serbia. I am studying Software Engineering at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade. Since starting my studies, I have been fascinated by the potential of technology and how it can contribute to various projects. This led me to begin a career in web development, creating and maintaining websites for several companies, cafés, and restaurants across Serbia, some of which I still manage today.
Though my primary focus is in software development and web technologies, I have always felt a strong desire to engage in activities beyond my professional boundaries—where I can directly help people, especially children in need. This foundation gives me the opportunity to combine my passion for technology with my desire to do good through hands-on support for those who need it the most.
Working with children is a unique challenge and a gift. Children are the future, and I believe that through this foundation, we can create a safe and nurturing environment for their growth and progress. I am truly looking forward to contributing, whether through my professional skills or my heartfelt desire to be part of something that has a real and positive impact on the world.
LETTER FROM Aleksandar
I am thrilled to share a part of my personal journey and contribute wholeheartedly to the mission of this foundation.
My name is Aleksandar Cunjak, and I was born and currently reside in Banjaluka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. I`m a Software Developer with a thoughtful approach to crafting reliable and effective solutions. I finished 2 years at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Banja Luka which provided me base knowledge to start learning on my own throughout later years, and bring practical experience gained over 3 years in the software development field.
My primary expertise lies in software development and web technologies, but I have always felt a deep calling to extend my efforts beyond my professional sphere. Helping others, particularly children in need, has been a passion close to my heart. This foundation offers me a meaningful way to merge my technical skills with my desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Supporting and working with children is both a responsibility and a privilege. They represent the future, and through this foundation, we aim to foster an environment that empowers and nurtures their growth. I am excited to contribute, whether by leveraging my professional abilities or by bringing genuine care and dedication to initiatives that create lasting, positive change in the world.