Living library

Alena Vanková, the first lady who holds the keys to managing the operation of two units of the Mochovce nuclear power plant, became not only the winner in the Business and Management category in 2024, but also the absolute Slovak Woman of the Year.

Diana Cencer Garafová is originally from the spa town of Piešťany, but currently lives and works in Bratislava. She holds the prestigious title of Doctor of Arts in Fine Arts, which she received from the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava.

Jana Pajchlová was born in Bratislava, and currently lives and works in Bern, Switzerland. She studied architecture and urban planning in Italy at the prestigious Politecnico di Milano, where she received her degree in architecture. In her work, she combines technical precision with aesthetic sensitivity and an eye for detail, focusing on creating spaces that are functional, harmonious, and respectful of both people and the environment

She received her engineering education (Ing.) at the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, where she specialized in civil engineering. Although her original profession, she currently successfully works as a construction manager, dedicating herself to transport civil engineering.

Monika Božíková comes from Nitra and currently lives in the village of Svätoplukovo. She graduated in teaching general education subjects with a specialization in mathematics and physics from Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, where she later earned the degree RNDr.

Zuzana Palková was born in Komárno, but has lived most of her life in Nitra. She is exceptionally educated, and her academic career began at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, where she received an engineering degree (Ing.) in Electronics.

Ema Pavlíková was born in Nitra (Slovakia), but currently lives and works in Prague (Czech Republic). Although she did not study at a university, her path led through a secondary vocational school with an art focus, graduating in graphic design. She uses her skills in her current position as a senior graphic designer.

Eva Kánska, an IT specialist, comes from Opočno, Czech Republic, and currently lives in Jílovice. She earned her degrees from the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague. She holds an engineering degree (Ing.) in Informatics and a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Information Management. She currently passes on her deep knowledge in the IT sector as an assistant professor at the university.

Zuzana Gaľová works in cybersecurity at Aricoma Systems, advising clients on data protection and security strategies. She emphasizes that her female perspective often becomes a key advantage in client interactions: Despite transitioning to IT from another field, Zuzana quickly adapted, joining the company ahead of schedule and helping establish Aricoma's internal monitoring centre in Slovakia.

Zuzana Molčanová is the first woman in Slovakia and the only woman in the Czech Republic and Slovakia to receive the prestigious title of Microsoft Most Valuable Professional with a specialization in the Microsoft Teams application. She is also one of four certified Minecraft Education trainers in Slovakia.

Born and raised in Rize, Türkiye, Ayça Arifoğlu Gülener has been passionate about mathematics and commerce since childhood. Growing up in a family involved in business gave her an early understanding of the dynamics of the trade world.

Cansu Yalçınkaya, born in Kocaeli, is a chemical engineer and MBA graduate with international professional experience. Blending science, business, and cultural adaptability, she leads technology and innovation projects in the Netherlands.

Duygu HANIM, born in Hatay, is a computer engineer with a degree from Kocaeli University and 15 years of software experience. Despite facing workplace bullying, she persevered, founded her own consultancy, and joined global projects. Guided by her motto, “I walk with the light I carry inside”, she inspires young women to follow their own path.

Melike was born and raised in İzmit, Kocaeli, where she currently lives. She graduated from the Faculty of Engineering at Kocaeli University with a degree in computer engineering. She now works as a software architect. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga.

Born in Erzin, Hatay, Nazire Saltık is a Statistics graduate of Eskişehir Osmangazi University and a SME Banking Portfolio Manager with 15 years’ experience. After a crisis-era start at Citibank, she advanced through training and mentorship and now supports women entrepreneurs with finance and literacy.

Adriana Mazarakioti is an IT entrepreneur and co-owner of a computer store in Patras. A Panteion graduate with an MBA, she shifted from accounting to tech, offering software and web services. A mother, she models work–life balance and urges girls to pursue what they love.

Eleni Mazarakioti holds a phd in Computational Chemistry from Brock University in Canada. She lives in Patras and works as a postdoctoral researcher in European Funded projects. She indicates that is important to follow your dreams and that STEM sector offers many career opportunities.

Mary Smaili is a biologist from Patras with a Master’s in Biological Technology from the University of Patras. She also studied Health Unit Management and quality systems. She has worked in microbiology and healthcare labs and now coordinates bone marrow donor matches at the “Give Life” center, using informatics to connect lab data with patient results.

Michaela Mavrogianni is a software developer who works with Java and data applications. She lives in Patras and studied Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of the Peloponnese. In her job, she helps turn EU statistics into clear, useful tools. She is also pursuing a Master’s in AI and automation.

Niki Patrinopoulou lives in Patras and is a computer engineer and postdoctoral researcher in autonomous drone systems. After studying Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of Patras and completed her PhD in 2024 on UAV navigation, path-planning, collision avoidance, and multi-drone cooperation.

Panagiota Stakopoulou is an Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Biotechnology at the University of Patras. Her research focuses on microbial biotechnology and bioinformatics. She has worked on major projects like Marie Curie and LifeWatch and shows how bioinformatics has transformed modern biology. She also balances research and family life.

Vasilina Geramoutsou lives in Patras. She studied Mathematics at the University of Patras, then completed a Master’s in the Electrical & Computer Engineering department on Data Analysis & Decision Making. Her message: believe in yourself—IT is supportive and full of growth paths.

Ana Bucur is originally from Brăila and currently lives in Bucharest. With over 13 years of experience in a leading IT company, she works as a programmer, contributing significantly to the development and implementation of complex technological solutions. Her professional career is based on expertise, rigor, and a passion for technology, values that continue to inspire her in the projects she coordinates.

Andrada Olteanu is originally from Pitești and currently lives in Bucharest, where she moved six years ago. With solid experience in a leading IT company, she has built her career on her passion for technology and her choice to pursue a professional path in IT. Her professional journey reflects dedication, competence, and commitment to developing innovative solutions.

Diana Popa is originally from Pitești and has been living in Bucharest for over 18 years. She works as an automation engineer in an international corporation and owns her own company in this field. Her professional career reflects her vast experience, technical expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit, values that underpin the projects she coordinates and develops.

Diana Porțan is an active researcher in Greece and Romania, with an initial background in biology and later in interdisciplinarity. Her professional activity reflects her commitment to research and innovative approaches, combining scientific expertise with interdisciplinary perspectives in the projects and studies she carries out.

Janina Pițurcă is originally from Craiova and currently lives in Bucharest. She works in IT, specializing in graphic design, and has built her career on creativity and technical expertise. Her professional background reflects her dedication and passion for developing innovative visual solutions.

Maricica Ciubara is a communications expert and educational advisor specializing in the integration of refugees in Romania. Education in the digital age is a central focus of her professional work, contributing to both professional skills development and personal education through innovative approaches and active involvement in educational projects.

Nicoleta Gudănescu is a professor and researcher at the Romanian Academy, Institute for World Economy, where she works in the field of research, development, and innovation project design and implementation. Her professional career is based on a solid background in both technical and economic fields, which supports her research and academic contributions.