Ms Pontaga has been the Co-Chair of the Latvian Multiple Sclerosis Association since 2017 and a member of the EMSP Executive Committee since 2014. She has an MSc in business management and economy and more than 30 years of experience working in local and international non-governmental organizations. In addition, Ms Pontaga has had professional experience in business, agriculture and advocacy work with European legal bodies for over 10 years. She is also working as a youth group leader using non-formal education methods and as a Biodanza teacher, encouraging people with MS to improve their wellbeing through movement.