Florin Lupu (Oct 1, 1978-Mar 17, 2002) was a co-founder of the Renaissance (Renașterea) initiative and Executive Director of the Romanian Foundation for Development through Economic Education and Partnership (DEEP) [Fundația pentru Dezvoltare prin Educație Economica și Partneriat], which he established in 2000 after serving as national Executive Director of the Pro Democracy Association (then Romania’s largest civil society development organization).
As the program quickly expanded and Renaissance counted more than 300 Romanian and international volunteers in its programs, Florin and another teammate were tragically killed in an automobile accident near Jiu Valley in March, 2002. His life and vision continue to inspire numerous young people throughout Southeast Europe, and his ideas for community collaboration and knowledge sharing are incorporated into this Jiu Valley Portal.