Student-Led Conference Gains International Recognition
RIT Croatia student Leonela Krajač achieved second place in the Small Project Manager category at the 2025 IPMA Awards for her leadership in organizing the Women in Leadership Conference. This international recognition highlights how student-led initiatives at RIT Croatia create professional-level impact while addressing critical societal needs.
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From Concept to Award-Winning Execution
As President of RIT Croatia’s Women in Business Club, Krajač transformed her vision into a full-scale professional conference despite having no prior event management experience. The Women in Leadership Conference featured:
- Panel discussions with industry leaders
- Interactive breakout sessions
- Structured networking opportunities
- Career path exploration workshops
“The validation from IPMA confirms that student initiatives can meet professional standards while creating lasting impact,” Krajač noted regarding her team’s achievement.
Overcoming Challenges in Student Leadership
Organizing Croatia’s premier student-led leadership conference presented significant hurdles:
Resource Management Strategies
Krajač leveraged RIT Croatia’s network to secure speakers and sponsors through:
- Clear communication of the conference vision
- Strategic relationship-building with alumni
- Faculty mentorship throughout development
Adapting Under Pressure
The team navigated last-minute speaker cancellations and logistical challenges by implementing:
- Contingency planning for program changes
- Real-time problem-solving protocols
- Cross-functional team collaboration
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Institutional Impact of Student Initiatives
The Women in Leadership Conference created measurable benefits for RIT Croatia’s academic community:
| Area of Impact | Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Student Development | Enhanced leadership skills among organizers and participants |
| Industry Connections | 15+ new corporate partnerships established |
| Alumni Engagement | Increased participation in mentorship programs |
| Institutional Recognition | International visibility through IPMA award |
Sustaining the Legacy of Women’s Leadership
The conference has become an annual event at RIT Croatia, with current students building upon Krajač’s foundation. Key elements ensuring its continued success include:
- Comprehensive documentation of processes
- Formal knowledge transfer between student generations
- Continuous faculty advisory support
- Strategic alignment with university learning outcomes
“Seeing new leaders expand this platform while maintaining our core values demonstrates the project’s lasting significance,” Krajač reflected.
Pathways to Student Achievement at RIT Croatia
Krajač’s accomplishment exemplifies how RIT Croatia’s educational model fosters professional readiness through:
Experiential Learning Framework
- Cooperative education requirements
- Faculty-supported passion projects
- Industry-aligned curriculum development
Leadership Development Infrastructure
- Dedicated club funding and resources
- Professional skills workshops
- Competition preparation support
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Conclusion: Redefining Student Potential
Leonela Krajač’s IPMA Award recognition demonstrates how RIT Croatia empowers students to create professional-caliber initiatives that address real-world challenges. The Women in Leadership Conference continues to provide:
- Practical leadership experience
- Industry networking opportunities
- Platforms for professional development
This achievement sets a benchmark for student-led projects at international branch campuses, proving that with institutional support and personal dedication, academic environments can produce award-winning professional work.
