It is with great sadness that the EMA programme learned that one of our graduates, Anna Hadjiloizou, passed away on the 6 September 2025. Anna completed the EMA programme in the academic year 2023-24. She was a treasured member of the EMA community, and her untimely passing has been keenly felt in our network. The graduates of the 2023-24 cohort have prepared this message of commemoration of Anna which we share below.
We extend our deepest condolences to Anna’s family and loved ones. May she rest in peace.
Message from the 2023-24 cohort:
Maya Angelou once said “Be certain that you do not die without having done something wonderful for humanity”. Anna did more than quoting these words in our yearbook, she felt it in her core and lived under its guidance. She spread its message through her words, actions and thoughts.
There are way too many words that can be used to describe Anna’s journey. Words as powerful as strength, bravery and perseverance. As sweet as kindness, companionship and love. Anna understood the hardships of the world, and in a time where caring is resistance, she gave herself wholeheartedly to the fight against injustice, inequality and abuse. She was a force to be reckoned, full of loud actions of kindness and care.
Her friends will remember her as great dancer, strong-headed, funny and smart, always ready to listen, learn and expand her world. She was unafraid of asking the hard questions, of pointing out inconsistencies and calling the right names. She was the before-and-after kind of friend, as life could never be the same after meeting her and seeing the world through her eyes. She was always trying to meet others halfway, make them feel welcome, listened and seen. She showed us support and empathy when we struggled and made us all feel like it was okay to be vulnerable, to be flawed, to be us.
Anna always spoke up when something was wrong and showed up when someone was in need. She was courageous and tough. Her fight for mental health awareness will continue to touch many lives, and we will carry her legacy in our hearts, into our lives, into our work and out in the streets. She was a source of inspiration, always ready to act, to be bold, to be kind, to be fair.
There are so many memories to be cherished. Studying by the seaside, talking about everything and nothing at all, walking down the streets of Venice with a mission in our hearts: to make the World a better place. We went to protests, classes, trips and parties together. We felt surprised, angered, sad and happy. She lived life to the fullest, always with a bright smile and making sure that everyone knew how important they were.
How lucky we were to get to share our journey with you, Anna. You lit up our world like nobody else. Our beautiful, kind friend. We will make you proud.”
