Croatian women leaders unite in Melbourne for inspiring summit

by croatiaweek
November 15, 2025
in Business

(Photo: AUS-NZ Croatian Women in Leadership Summit)

The AUS–NZ Croatian Women in Leadership network celebrated its 5th Summit in Melbourne last weekend, bringing together an energetic community of Croatian women leaders from Australia, New Zealand, Croatia, the UAE and beyond.

Founded in 2019 by H.E. Ambassador Betty Pavelich and Sonja Palic, the network continues to champion connection, empowerment and shared purpose across the diaspora.

Held at The Langham, the three-day gathering featured keynote addresses, panel discussions and inter-generational conversations centred on leadership, resilience and the importance of heritage.

(Photo: AUS-NZ Croatian Women in Leadership Summit)

Member of the European Parliament Željana Zovko opened with a call to embrace the privilege and responsibility of Croatian identity, urging attendees to engage meaningfully with both Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Željana Zovko (Photo: AUS-NZ Croatian Women in Leadership Summit)

She emphasised the long-standing strength and influence of Croatian women at home and abroad.

Major Antonija Trupinić highlighted mindset, professionalism and resilience as essential qualities for personal and professional success, while Justice Larissa Strk reflected on balancing demanding careers with community engagement and gratitude for one’s roots.

Major Antonija Trupinić via video link (Photo: AUS-NZ Croatian Women in Leadership Summit)

Panels throughout the Summit explored leadership across industries, innovation driven by curiosity, and the need to record and share community stories.

Discussions also underscored the importance of embracing failure as part of growth and introduced the idea of “rugged flexibility” as a modern leadership trait.

(Photo: AUS-NZ Croatian Women in Leadership Summit)

(Photo: AUS-NZ Croatian Women in Leadership Summit)

Speakers reinforced the transformative impact of educating girls and the power of courage even when faced with fear.

(Photo: AUS-NZ Croatian Women in Leadership Summit)

(Photo: AUS-NZ Croatian Women in Leadership Summit)

Notable contributors included Dame Naida Glavish, who opened with a Māori Karakia, and a diverse line-up of professionals from fields such as aviation, technology, finance, and community leadership.

Dame Naida Glavish (Photo: AUS-NZ Croatian Women in Leadership Summit)

Shared messages of courage, curiosity, solidarity and pride in heritage resonated strongly throughout the event.

(Photo: AUS-NZ Croatian Women in Leadership Summit)

(Photo: AUS-NZ Croatian Women in Leadership Summit)

Continuing its commitment to giving back, the Summit raised over $6,000 AUD for Safe Steps, a Victorian organisation supporting women affected by domestic violence.

(Photo: AUS-NZ Croatian Women in Leadership Summit)

Co-founders H.E. Betty Pavleich and Sonja Palic with Zeljana Zovko (Photo: AUS-NZ Croatian Women in Leadership Summit)

The unifying message of the 5th Summit—Empowering Agents of Change—will guide future initiatives as the AUS–NZ Croatian Women in Leadership community continues to grow, inspire and uplift women across the region and the diaspora.