A presence, a smile. I only came across Michaela in passing, at the EBRD, but quite often. Michaela always seemed ‘together’, powerful but calm, human and in tune with the world, with nature. Michaela’s influence was profound by its authenticity. Michaela you have passed, but Michaela you are present. John Mair…

So sad.  A true companion: principled, determined, passionate, caring.  Miachaela made a difference.  Now there is a space where Micahaela ought to be.  I wish there was not. …

My deep condolences to Michaela’s family. Michaela  stood out, made a difference and was a  person of conviction.  She walked the walk. The world is a lesser place. …

The news of Michaela’s passing took me by surprise, and I still have a hard time accepting it. I genuinely enjoyed working with Michaela and I learned a lot from her! She introduced me to women’s and vulnerable peoples’ rights in international development – an area of work I was just starting to become aware of as a climate change specialist. I am so proud to have worked along Michaela’s side and to see her fight for the rights of the disadvantaged all across the world. Michaela was the quintessential fighter – armed with grit, ambition, and endless passion for the cause of the unheard and the unseen. Her appetite to find solutions that matched projects and that maximized impact was inspiring. Michaela believed in everything she did, and everything she did had to be the most impactful!   And I loved getting to know Michaela as a friend, learning that she liked Salata de Vinete (aubergine salad) from our shared Romanian heritage, just as much I do, and having a good laugh. Apart from her passion and her grit, I will always remember her humor. I’d like to send all my love to Michaela’s family during this trying time. I…

I am saddened by this terrible news. My heart goes out to her parents, brother and sister-in-law and nieces and nephews as well as to her many colleagues and friends. Michaela was fiercely intelligent and had a big and generous personality. I will miss her strong voice and delightful laugh.  I met Michaela at the Asian Development Bank and our friendship continued after I returned to Montréal and she to London. She came to Montréal for my wedding. Michaela’s passing happened far too soon; a brilliant light has gone out. She is greatly missed.      …

My deepest sympathy to Michaela’s family and friends. Sending healing prayers and comfort during this heartbreaking time… I will always remember Michaela – she is like no other! Incredibly smart, caring and amazing woman….

We will miss Michaela very much. I worked with Michaela for many years, mainly through the Multilateral Financial Institutions Environmental and Social Working Group, where she represented EBRD and later AIIB. Michaela was a forceful and effective advocate for balancing the traditional focus on the environment with social aspects such as gender, resettlement, and human rights. It was in large part thanks to her effort that this group of directors and senior advisors, who mainly came from an environment background, came to accept and appreciate the social dimensions of development. Michaela was my ally and advisor in this work, as I tried to support the same agenda representing IFC and the World Bank. On a personal level, we shared a love for Bangladesh, and I always enjoyed getting updates through Michaela on how David and Sara were doing. I will miss Michaela’s humor, her ability to speak clearly and forcefully, and her friendship….

You have left us too soon, dear Michaela. I hope this last journey is a peaceful one. For you have travelled and embraced the world so fully during your extraordinary life of service and dedication to those less fortunate. You left a mark on so many of us and I am deeply saddened to have to say goodbye… but you will remain in my heart and mind always, as a fellow anthropologist and humanist… and you will live on in the memories and the gratitude of those you have inspired, supported and loved. So long, dear Friend.  …

My deep condolences to Michaela’s family. I am lucky to have known her a bit in London, and in Beijing. I am so sad that she is gone. That twinkle in her eyes will stay with me: fierce, mischievous, kind. And those great loops she would do with her voice: to tell a story, to puncture an illusion, to seal an argument – with triumphant warmth. She will remain an inspiration….

I cannot remember when I first met Michaela but it was more than ten years ago while she was at the EBRD.  I was impressed by her no-nonsense manner, efficiency and dedication to gender equality and the power of women and girls. Michaela did not suffer fools at all well!  But once you got to know her, she revealed a wry and witty sense of humor and a delightful laugh! When I joined the World Bank in 2014, she became a valued external colleague. While we strategized about how to navigate bureaucracy and make internal changes within the MDBs, we had good times and fun along the way. Michaela showed how to live with passion and joy, even as she bravely and courageously battled the cancer that would take her life.  My condolences go out to her parents, her brother, and her many friends and colleagues on whom she has left a very large imprint….

Deepest condolences and blessings to her friends, family, and colleagues near and far. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her and know her, she will be missed dearly and am cherishing her light. …

Michaela’s memorable laughter brought magic and light- a rainbow on good days and a ray of sunshine on less good days. Michaela laughed willingly, not in response to external stimulations but because she loved life, and communicated that love with those around. She also loved champagne and books, not fools. I learned that, as I’m neither champagne nor script. I’m grateful to Michaela for her acceptance, for being a fair fighter, for her impatience with my half-baked thoughts, for her sharing about the value of meaningful human bonds.  We shared thoughts, a corridor in an office, a few trips, books and not enough champagne. But I take away an image I never witnessed of Michaela waterskiing with skills, grace and elegance, expressing her love for life and being loved for who she is.  My thoughts go to those she loved most and who will miss her most, her family.  With respect and care,   Henri  …

Michaela was truly one of the most inspirational and principled people I was ever privileged to meet.  Her passion for seeking to protect the vulnerable and marginalised, especially women and girls, never ceased to humble me. She was never afraid to speak out. She sought solutions to problems that were realistic and implementable (although perhaps not all of her banking colleagues always thought so). Through her actions and words, she challenged the rest of us to be better people as well.  Michaela’s generosity, zest for life, love of dance and music, sense of humour and compassion are just a few of things that I will miss terribly.  Thank you for all the years of friendship Michaela.  Be at peace my dear, you deserve to rest now….

 My deepest condolences to the family. Michaela is leaving behing a big gap when it comes to her tiredless work for women and minorities. She will be remembered for her professional and personal achievements and her kind personality….