We strengthen independent media and free, critical discourse. We are reestablishing trust between journalists and the public. We support the establishment of new companies and develop international networks. Our training programs reach all corners of Germany – and also our own neighborhood in Berlin's Neukölln district. The Publix space will provide our community with the most beautiful co-working space in Berlin along with professional infrastructure, affording them the best support possible for their work. Our team includes:
Publix will be a new home for all those who work in journalism, shape the public sphere and strengthen democracy. This requires a strong team!
Maria Exner
Founding Director
Maria, a journalist and the founding director of Publix. She guides our mission, in addition to building the team and designing the Publix program. Previously, Maria served as editor-in-chief of ZEITmagazin and deputy editor-in-chief of ZEIT ONLINE, where she developed innovative, civil society-oriented projects, including Germany Talks and the Z2X Festival of Ideas. She is the recipient of numerous awards for her work, including the Jean Monnet Prize for European Integration and the Grimme Online Award, in addition to being recognized as Magazine Editor-in-Chief of the Year.
Mia Pascale Bergert
Residents & Collaboration Lead
Mia Pascale is responsible for the Publix Community and is the first point of contact for all those who want to work in the space in the future. Mia Pascale studied political science, administration and international relations in Friedrichshafen and Buenos Aires, and she previously worked as a consultant to the board and Publix project coordinator at the Schöpflin Foundation in Lörrach and Berlin. She has been part of Publix since the very beginning. Following the planning work of the past several years, she is now extremely excited to see the project coming to life.
Katharina Klün
Program & Experience Lead
Katharina Klün adds years of experience in the conception and implementation of large-scale events to the Publix team. She was, for instance, responsible for international culture marketing projects of Red Bull as well as the Opening events of the fashion fair Bread & Butter in Berlin and Barcelona. As the director of “Q Berlin”, she modernized the flagship conference of the city of Berlin. Most recently, Katharina managed the architecture and design department of a Berlin agency.
Justina Kilinski
Head of Operations & Finance
Justina brings distinctive commercial and start-up experience to the Publix team and has built co-working spaces in Germany and abroad. Most recently, she worked as an investment manager at a Berlin-based venture capital firm, and before that, she was involved in building the photography center Chaussee 36. At Publix, Justina is responsible for finances, process set-up and operations. She is looking forward to turning an idea into a new institution.
Sabine Peitzmeier
Architect/Client Representation
Sabine is an architect and represents the interests of the Schöpflin Foundation as the client. She is the point person for all building-related issues surrounding the completion of the Publix space. After leading construction projects as a planning architect in Berlin, Sabine spent more than 10 years managing construction projects in Germany and abroad for the German Society for International Cooperation. Her passion is now aimed at ensuring that the AFF architects’ design for the Publix building is realized as a space for manifesting the ideas of the team and the community.
Ralph Ziegler
Facility Management
Ralph will be in charge of the technical infrastructure for the 6,000-square-meter Publix space. Ventilation and lighting will be his responsibility, along with supporting all users with day-to-day needs concerning the physical space. Ralph is a master electrotechnician and an expert in facility management with more than 20 years of experience in building control technology. He has been involved in the successful development of numerous facility management organizations. Currently, he is actively involved in construction of Publix and is keenly looking forward to interacting with all the people in the space and in the neighborhood.
Village One
Design and digital Infrastructure
Village One is a democratically organized studio for opinionated design and technology with a strong focus on meaningful projects. In partnership with Publix, Village One is developing the visual presentation and digital infrastructure of the space.
