After training as travel agent, Astrid Oelpenich studied cultural sciences (BA) and socio-cultural studies (M.A) at the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt/Oder. Her interest in educational work, youth commitment and anti-discrimination motivated her to work in the field of non-formal education for many years. Above all, she gave workshops and seminars and launched long-term voluntary service programmes.

For RomArchive, Oelpenich was engaged mainly in the section ‘Politics of Photography’, focusing on financial administration, clarification of image rights and database management.