Authentic, exciting and inclusive are some of the adjectives that I would use to describe the Australian-New Zealand Croatian Women in Leadership group. The brain child of Her Excellency, Ms Betty Pavelich, Ambassador of Croatia, and Ms Sonja Palic, Business Manager, these two women of action wasted no time in establishing this organisation which has grown from strength to strength. The aim is to offer all women of croatian origin the opportunity to learn from one another by sharing their gifts and talents. In an atmosphere of trust and support, women are encouraged to speak without reserve, to seek advice, to share experiences and to focus on being there for one another in whatever way is life-giving.

We in Western Australia are very blessed to have Francika Roberts nee Jelavic as our Representative on the Board. Fran has an astonishing amount of energy and pours this into offering us wonderful opportunities to connect. I am delighted to be an inaugural member and warmly encourage all eligible women, young and not so young, to become active members.

Marija Retel, Education Consultant
WA

I attended the Summit in Canberra in February 2022 with my daughter Anastasia.I did not know what to expect in the lead up. From the time of my arrival, I was delighted by the event. I was blown away by the quality of the speakers and attendees. There were so many interesting, diverse, and empowered women. They were wonderful examples to my daughter. I made good friends with some of these extraordinary people and have maintained contact. I felt welcomed from the beginning. The Summit reinforced in me just how beautiful Croatian heritage and culture are, and how blessed I and my children are to have this as part of our identity.

Elizabeth McKinnon, Barrister-at-Law
VIC

It’s been a pleasure to see the Australian and New Zealand women’s Leadership group grow its membership over the last few years.

DOMA Is recognised as one of the largest investment and development companies in the ACT with operations across the eastern states. It is also one of the largest private hoteliers in the ACT and its Little National Hotel network is being rolled out into other cities, presently including Sydney, Newcastle and Adelaide.

DOMA has been sponsoring and hosting summits for the Australian and New Zealand Women’s Leadership group since the very first days back in 2019. It’s been a pleasure to see this network grow its memberships since then. DOMA is proud to see not only the success of Croatian women across all industry groups and professions but also proud to see the encouragement and inspiration that is so freely given to support and motivate each other

Betty Domazet, Emergence Health Specialist & DOMA group

ACT

Having been a part of the AUS-NZ Croatian Women in Leadership organisation since its inception in 2019, I cannot speak highly enough of the value connecting with the group has given me both personally and professionally. From being inspired by incredible speakers at the first Summit event in Canberra to building connections over dinner with other Croatian women in both Auckland and Sydney, the organisation provides access to an incredible network of women at all career stages with the shared bond of our collective heritage. I am so grateful for all the incredible women I have crossed paths with so far and look forward to my continued involvement with the organisation.

Olivia Panzic, Content & Communications Manager, TikTok ANZ

NZ to NSW

What a special weekend the 2022 Summit was - it was amazing to connect with so many wonderful, talented women at the top of their game, sharing & reflecting on experiences through the lens of our Croatian heritage. The collective skill diversity & wisdom of this group is energising & provides opportunities to authentically develop & help ourselves through the story-telling & celebration of our Croatian business women.

Kate CUIC

VCCC Board member, VIC

I'm fortunate to be part of the AUS-NZ Croatian Women in Leadership. It is the best way to stay connected with extraordinary women with the same cultural background as my own. The recent summit was a demonstration of the opportunities that Australia and New Zealand have provided women of Croatian background to excel in their chosen field. It was great to hear the Croatian work ethic and determination underpin much of the successes of all the speakers. The organisation is made up of group of women willing to help, mentor and support each other in achieving and celebrating success.

Angela Jeffery, Project Director
Sydney Metro, NSW