Marta Slovakova: Networking in a Global Dimension

July 1, 2026

JA Slovakia CEO Marta Slovakova knows her greatest strength: “I’m a really good networker,” she said. Through the JA Leadership Exchange and Development (LEAD) program, she has found new ways to use that strength to connect people, ideas, and organizations across borders.

When her LEAD counterpart, Dinu Raheja, Executive Director of tGELF/JA India, visited Slovakia as part of the executive exchange, Marta introduced her to representatives from AT&T, the American Chamber of Commerce, Citibank, DXC Technology, and the U.S. Embassy, as well as educators and thought leaders throughout the region. Rather than simply showcasing JA Slovakia, Marta created opportunities for Dinu to build relationships that could continue long after the visit.

“This is the essence of OneJA,” Marta reflected. “From a small country, we can connect India with everybody.”

Marta joined LEAD hoping to gain new perspectives on education, entrepreneurship, and organizational leadership by learning from other JA leaders. Instead, she discovered that the experience works in both directions: while learning from peers around the world, she also opened doors for others through her own network.

The program also expanded her professional relationships. Before attending the JA Global Leadership Conference in Rio de Janeiro, most of Marta's connections were concentrated within Europe. LEAD introduced her to leaders from every region of the world and broadened her perspective on how JA organizations approach common challenges in different contexts.

“Now I know many people globally,” she said. “This gives me a real global dimension.”

Her partnership with Dinu has reinforced that idea. Marta admires Dinu's creativity and ability to find opportunities in challenging circumstances, and the two continue exploring ways their organizations, students, and partners can learn from one another. Later this year, Marta will travel to India to continue the exchange firsthand and deepen the collaboration between JA Slovakia and JA India.

For Marta, LEAD has become more than an opportunity to learn from other leaders. It has strengthened the relationships that make OneJA possible, showing that meaningful collaboration begins with people who are willing to connect others and build something together.