Jovana Čutul

Jovana Čutul, a political science graduate from the island of Krk, is dedicated to community development, women’s leadership, and social change. She is the founder and president of Udruga Žene za otok, one of the most active initiatives empowering women in island and rural communities. Under her leadership, the organization has delivered projects such as Active Islanders, Color is Golden, Halfway There, the Island Business Women conference, and the Women: Wings and Roots program, all of which have significantly increased the visibility and connectedness of women across the islands.

Jovana is the author of Women Who Lead – 12 Lessons on Community, Passion, and Change, which uses compelling real-life stories and practical tools to show how women can drive initiatives and transform their communities.

She is the recipient of the 2025 International Influential Croatian Women Award for Leadership and Innovation, awarded by the Croatian Women’s Network, as well as Person of the Year of the Island of Krk for 2024.

As Chair of the Gender Equality Commission of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Jovana actively brings attention to socially important topics and fosters collaboration among women from diverse sectors, including entrepreneurship, culture, civil society, and politics. Recognized as a connector, builder, and catalyst, she is on a mission to create stronger, fairer, and more resilient local communities.