26 Croatian women leaders from 11 countries awarded in Zagreb
The awards ceremony, held at the Westin Hotel in Zagreb to coincide with International Women's Day, honored 26 women from 11 countries who have made outstanding contributions in their professional fields and communities. 26 mujeres de 11 países que han hecho contribuciones destacadas en sus campos profesionales y comunidades.
This year, 25 awards were presented to influential Croatian women and one future leaders award to women of Croatian descent who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation and social commitment while promoting Croatia's reputation globally.
The recipients represent a wide range of professions, including science, medicine, entrepreneurship, technology, the arts, diplomacy, education, and social activism.
Many of the award winners have developed distinguished international careers, lead successful organizations and initiatives, or are driving significant change in their local and global communities.
Their achievements reflect not only professional excellence but also the importance of collaboration, mentoring, and support among women of all generations.
According to Caroline Spivak , founder of the Croatian Women's Network, the awards recognize women who are shaping the future and opening doors for others.
“Tonight we celebrate excellence, courage, vision, and dedication. These women are transforming society, breaking down barriers, and creating opportunities for future generations of leaders,” Spivak declared during the ceremony.
“Each of the award winners demonstrates how knowledge, integrity, and perseverance can be powerful drivers of positive change in Croatia and beyond.”
Spivak also highlighted the strong global connection among Croatian women.
“These awards are not just a recognition of achievements; they are also a message for women to believe in their ideas, their voice and their strength, and in the powerful connections between Croatian women on all continents,” she added.
Over the past decade, the Croatian Women's Network has awarded more than 200 prizes and built an international community of more than 1,500 members más de 200 premios y ha construido una comunidad internacional de más de 1.500 miembros .
Founded to empower women of Croatian descent worldwide, the organization focuses on mentorship, professional collaboration, and leadership development , connecting women from diverse industries and backgrounds.
“The idea was born exactly ten years ago and our greatest achievement is that we continue to grow while introducing the world to women whose knowledge and work have enhanced Croatia’s global reputation,” Spivak said.
“Today we collaborate in many fields and together we build stronger communities both in Croatia and throughout the diaspora.”
Over the past decade, the Croatian Influential Women Awards have become one of the most important international recognitions for women of Croatian descent who contribute to social, economic and cultural development.
The 2026 award winners come from countries such as Croatia, the United States, Argentina, Chile, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Switzerland, Colombia, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada.
25 winners of the Croatian Influential Woman Award
Carolyn Agin Bruno – Estados Unidos de América – Socia principal, Bruno Law, PLLC y Asesora general
Silvina Biott – Argentina – Escritora y poeta
Maria-Gabriela Dumandžić – Argentina – Ejecutiva
Ana Jerković – Croacia – Economista y diplomática
Jasna Karačić Zanetti – Bélgica – Jefa de la Unidad de Diplomacia de la Salud / Presidenta de la Asociación Croata para la Promoción de los Derechos de los Pacientes
Danica Kegević – Chile – Presidenta, Club Deportivo Croata Valparaíso, Chile / Gerente de Cuentas Clave
Suzana Krišto – Bosnia y Herzegovina – Miembro del Parlamento,
Vitomira Lončar – China – Profesora, Universidad de Eurasia, Escuela de Cultura y Medios, Xi’an, China / Gerente general, Teatro Mala Scena, Zagreb, Croacia
Branka Malinar – Estados Unidos de América – Curadora, Museo Croata, CL, Ohio
Marija Mrgudić – Croacia – Enóloga
Gordana Nikolić – Croacia – Decana, Universidad PAR de Ciencias Aplicadas
Marina Perić – Estados Unidos de América – Productora supervisora (Hollywood Unlocked, The Steve Harvey Show y The Kelly Clarkson Show)
Martina Puljić – Croacia – Presidenta, Junta Directiva, Pleter-usluge doo
Nevena Ramić – Croacia – Primera Suboficial de la Fuerza Aérea Croata
Angela Sankovich-Ramirez – Colombia – Comunicadora social, especialista en gestión de proyectos — CEO, Cámara de Comercio Colombia-Croacia y cofundadora de Croactivas® para Colombia
Patricia Stambuk Mayorga – Chile – Periodista, escritora, académica
Nera Stipičević – Croacia – Autora multidisciplinaria, productora, académica, actriz y economista
Dra. sc. Vesna Škare Ožbolt – Croacia – Abogada
Mirela Španjol – Croacia – Directora ejecutiva
Jozefina Tomljenović – Estados Unidos de América – Gerente de operaciones de enfermería, Clínica Cleveland
Tanja Trošelj Miočević – Croacia – Asesora experta, ciencia y educación superior
Nicole Vidovich – Estados Unidos de América – Directora senior, creatividad y marketing de marca
Nikolina Vučković – Croacia – Productora creativa e innovadora,
Yanya Viskovich – Suiza – Asesora estratégica y abogada
Kristina Zanić – Emiratos Árabes Unidos – Directora ejecutiva
Winner of the Future Leader Award
Danijela Karolina Boras – Canada – Undergraduate Student – Majoring with Honors in Geology
You can read more about the winners here. aquí
Source: https://www.croatiaweek.com/croatian-women-of-influence-awards-2026-zagreb/