This week, the R.I.S.E. Leadership Academy 2025 was launched
by Soroptimist International Klub Zagreb Centar, aimed at empowering young business women aged 22–35. Under the guidance of Soroptimist International of Europe (SIE), the academy will offer training programs in both Croatia and Slovenia.
R.I.S.E. stands for Resilience, Influence, Strength, and Empowerment. This initiative has brought together emerging female managers and entrepreneurs from Poland, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, and Turkey.
Privredna banka Zagreb and ISP Slovenia, part of Intesa Sanpaolo Group's International Banks Division, have jointly supported this initiative, highlighted by a "One-to-One Interview" with Vedrana Jelusic Kasic, a Management Board Member of Privredna banka Zagreb responsible for the SME and Corporate Division. During this interview, Vedrana emphasized that "empowering women in business is essential for unlocking untapped potential, driving innovation, and cultivating diverse leadership, ultimately leading to sustainable growth and a competitive advantage in today's dynamic marketplace."
The R.I.S.E. Leadership Academy 2025 features leadership training, cultural exchange, and a comprehensive nine-month mentoring program with esteemed lecturers, including Hafdis Karlsdottir, President of Soroptimist International of Europe (SIE); Judica van Riessen, Dutch expert in family law and Vice President of SIE; Ivana Gažić, CEO of Zagreb Stock Exchange; and Lidija Pavic-Rogosic, Director at ODRAZ-Sustainable Community Development, along with Carmen Majetić Pavić, President of Soroptimist International Klub Zagreb Centar.
Next week, the program will continue in Maribor, Slovenia, under the leadership of SI Maribor.
Soroptimist Club Zagreb Centar and Soroptimist Club Maribor
invite you to the first Soroptimist leadership program held across two countries.
Apply Now – R.I.S.E. Leadership Academy 2025:
A Cross-Border Leadership Experience
Dear Future Leader,
Are you ready to grow, connect, and lead?
We warmly invite you to apply for the R.I.S.E. Leadership Academy 2025, an inspiring international program organized by Soroptimist International Clubs Zagreb Centar and Maribor, taking place from 10 to 15 October 2025 in Zagreb, Croatia, and Maribor, Slovenia.
This Academy is unlike any other—it’s the first Soroptimist leadership program held across two countries, designed to offer you a truly unique, immersive cross-border learning experience. By participating, you’ll be part of a pioneering group of women exploring leadership in both cultural and geographic dimensions.
R.I.S.E. stands for Resilience, Influence, Strength, and Empowerment—qualities you’ll strengthen through:
- Hands-on leadership workshops and expert-led sessions
- Training in communication, negotiation, and project development
- Support from a vibrant international peer group
- A 9-month mentoring program following the Academy
Who can apply? We welcome applications from non-Soroptimist women who meet the following criteria:
- Aged 22–35
- Fluent in English (working language of the Academy)
- in their final year of university, currently employed, or unemployed and actively seeking opportunities
- Committed to attend a pre-Academy online preparatory meeting
- Committed to full participation in the Academy (October 10–15, 2025)
- Committed to ongoing engagement in the post-Academy mentoring program
A total of 20 participants will be selected:
- 7 from Croatia
- 7 from Slovenia
- 6 from other European countries
All selections will be made based on a CV and motivation letter that highlight your leadership potential, aspirations, and desire to grow with others.
Participation Fee & Additional Requirements:
Selected candidates are asked to pay a €50 registration fee. In addition, participants are responsible for covering their own travel expenses to Zagreb (arrival) and from Maribor (departure). All other costs—including accommodation, meals, intercity transport during the Academy, and full participation in all program activities—are fully covered. Participants are also responsible for having valid travel insurance, including medical coverage, for the entire duration of the Academy.
How to Apply:
Use the link below and submit your application by 20 September 2025. Don’t forget to include your CV and a Motivation Letter.
For additional information, feel free to contact us at
📧 leadershipacademiacroslo@gmail.com
Step into a unique, empowering international experience. R.I.S.E. with us—and be part of something that bridges borders and builds futures.
Warm regards,
The Organizing Team SI Club Zagreb Centar & SI Club Maribor
Schedule
October 10th until 15th in Zagreb and Maribor
Our lecturers
Croatia
Carmen Majetić-Pavić
Vedrana Perković-Hadl
Lidija Pavić-Rogošić
Vesna Lendić Kasalo
Ines Došen
Vedrana Jelušić-Kašić
Ivana Gažić
Vjeran Bušelić
Slovenia
Nada Šabec
Sonja Šoštar Turk
Adriana Magdovski
Miha Lavrič
Anita Hrast