The Zero Project Team

Meet the Team!

The Essl Foundation is a non-profit family foundation in Austria. With the Zero Project, it has created a global initiative that connects disability-inclusive innovators around the world.

A small team, a global network

The Zero Project's core team is based at the House of Philanthropy in the city of Vienna. On a daily basis, the team works with partners and innovators of a global network to advance the implementation of the UN CRPD. 

Essl Foundation Board Members

“We wanted to go one step further: not only find the best proven solutions for disability inclusion but use all our leverage, expertise and network-power to advance the implementation of the UN CRPD.”

Martin Essl

Portrait photo of Martin Essl in front of a painting
Martin Essl, Founder of the Essl Foundation and the Zero Project, and Chairman of the Board
Portrait photo of Michael Fembek
Michael Fembek, Member of the Board, and CEO of the Zero Project

Download short bios and press photos:

Press kit

Zero Project: Operational Lead

“Beyond data, success, and innovation, the Zero Project to me is first and foremost about people – we provide a forum for human to human interaction that values everyone and their unique insights. Perhaps one of my fondest memories is the personal feedback I received from a conference participant who was hard of hearing, who underlined that, ‘[f]or the first time in my life I feel seen and heard as an individual. Thank you!’ In the spirit of tikkun olam, I could not ask for more.” 

Robin

Portrait photo of Anna Königseder
Anna Königseder, Director, Business Partnerships and Operations
Portrait photo of Robin Tim Weis
Robin Tim Weis, Director, International Affairs
Portrait photo of Michael Pichler
Michael Pichler, Director, Zero Project Austria

Download short bios and press photos:

Press kit

Zero Project Team

"Since joining the international Zero Project team, I’ve been inspired by the incredible network of individuals and the innovative solutions they bring to create a world with zero barriers. Exploring diverse initiatives and developing new ways to communicate our work has been both motivating and rewarding, pushing me every day to contribute to our mission.” 

Alessandro

Portrait photo of Alessandro Gobello
Alessandro Gobello, Social Media Manager
Portrait photo of Anja Günther
Anja Günther, Programme Manager
Portrait photo of Claudia Koch
Claudia Koch, Personal Assistant to Martin Essl
Portrait photo of Isabella Essl
Isabella Essl, Head of Inclusive Arts
Portrait photo of Judith Hermetter
Judith Hermetter, Head of Communications
Portrait photo of Karin Praniess-Kastner
Karin Praniess-Kastner, Counsultant, Zero Project Business Dialogues
Portrait photo of Katharina
Katharina Praniess, Consultant, Zero Project Austria
Portrait photo of Margaret Grobelna
Małgorzata "Margaret" Grobelna, Programme Manager
Portrait photo of Maria Chiara Franco
Maria-Chiara Franco, Project Manager
Portrait photo of Mariia Horbivnenko
Mariia Horbivnenko, Project Manager
Portrait photo of Natascha Dreisbach
Natascha Dreisbach, Management Assistant and Procurement, MGE Family Office
Portrait photo of Sabine Wachernig
Sabine Wachernig, Head of Strategic Partnerships
Portrait photo of Wilfried Kainz
Wilfried Kainz, Head of Research
Portrait photo of Xin Hu
Xin Hu, Database Analyst

Get in touch!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email us:

Contact the Zero Project Team

At work for a world with zero barriers

“What I like most about my work at the Zero Project, is getting to know the projects by only reading their nominations and exchanging emails first, and then after one year finally meeting them in person as Awardees at the Conference, putting a face to each name.”

Maria Chiara

The image shows two men smiling and enjoying a moment of camaraderie. Both are adorned with lanyards, suggesting their participation in an event, as indicated by the backdrop reading "Zero Project - For a world without barriers." The scene reflects themes of connection and inclusion, promoting values of equality and engagement within a context that appears to advocate for accessibility and the elimination of barriers for people with disabilities. The friendly atmosphere suggests a positive and supportive environment, embodying tolerance and assistance.
"As Head of Research of the Zero Project I am excited to discover innovations that benefit persons with disabilities. Engaging with the Zero Project has opened new perspectives for me in areas I did not know about.” - Wilfried
This photo shows Sabine surrounded by three of the Scaling Solutions Fellows during the boot camp in February 2024. They are all laughing in what appears to be a break during the workshops.
"I am thrilled to be part of Zero Project, where we advance global innovation for persons with disabilities, create spaces for knowledge transfer, and collaborate within a strong network of inspiring individuals and game-changers worldwide." - Sabine
Anja and Michael stand in front of a ZeroConIndia roll-up that has the conference logo alongside a world map where India is highlighted. They both point to the country on the map and have big smiles - reflecting their enthusiasm for this regional conference and attending in person.
"The moment I knew I wanted to join the Zero Project was at #ZeroCon2022. I was standing in the Opening Ceremony surrounded by people from all over the world. Then music started to play, and Caroline Casey came dancing down the aisle to kick off the conference. At that moment, I felt a sense of belonging." - Anja
A photo of a group of around 10 diverse people posing for the camera before the start of the 2024 "Inclusion Run" at the Vienna Marathon. They're all wearing a red T-Shirt with the event logo and appear to be very happy about joining the run together.
"To me, the Zero Project is collaboration at its best: every day we're in touch with people who are in it with all their heart. They bring their expertise, innovative ideas, and unwavering commitment to making a difference. Where you'd often find negativity elsewhere, here you find generosity and a spirit of paying it forward." - Judith
A photo of a group of around 15 diverse people - Zero Project Team Members and friends - in front of a very large artwork. This photo was taken during a guided tour of a modern arts museum associated with the Essl Family.
"Through working at Zero Project, I get to witness first-hand that true impact lies in creating scalable, innovative solutions that empower people with disabilities to lead autonomous and dignified lives. It's a privilege to dedicate my work to breaking barriers, making meaningful connections and ensuring inclusive progress for all." - Margaret
A candid photo of Isabella exchanging a few words with Connie Vandarakis, Member of the Inclusive Arts Steering Committee, at the Zero Project Conference 2024; the photo was taken just after the end of a session. Connie is still standing on the elevated podium, leaning slightly over the desk to speak with Isabella, who is standing on the floor in front of her. They are immersed in their conversation.
"Together, we are creating a world in which art is accessible to all and inclusion is not just a goal, but a lived reality." - Isabella

Zero Project Partners

"The most potent and powerful thing about the Zero Project is our connection with each other around the world."

Caroline Casey, Zero Project Ambassador

Learn more about partnerships and initiatives

From honorary Ambassadors to regional partners; from expert advisors to sponsors of strategic initiatives - the Zero Project Network continues to grow. With more than 10,000 experts from 180 countries it's united by a collaborative approach to innovate for disability inclusion.

Discover the Zero Project Network