DRUŠTVO VTIS
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MEMBERS
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COUNTRIES
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LOCAL COMMITTEE BOARDS
WHO ARE WE
Drustvo VTIS is a non-profit, volunteer-based association of Slovenians educated abroad. We are a world-wide community of experts, pioneers and researchers committed to promoting the circulation of Slovenian knowledge.
OUR MISSION
We are on a mission to connect and empower Slovenians to make a positive impact at home and abroad. We inspire more innovative communities by sharing ideas, experience, and culture.
Endorsement
Partnership
Partnering with VTIS provides advanced and forward-looking organizations with unique opportunities to connect with our community, which combines perspectives and experiences from over 50 countries around the world.
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Partnering with VTIS provides advanced and forward-looking organizations with unique opportunities to connect with our community, which combines perspectives and experiences from over 50 countries around the world.
• Access to the largest network of Slovenians with international background and experience;
• Share job opportunities with our community 24/7;
• Flexible partnership packages to align with your goals and needs;
• Career days, present at our events.
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• A company that values knowledge and experience from abroad.
• An organization that advocates for similar goals as the VTIS Association.
Programme
Our main goal is to connect Slovenians and friends with their peers living, studying or working abroad. While being deeply connected with the local industry, educational institutions and governmental bodies, our organization is serving as one of the nation's key enablers of innovation, knowledge-sharing and international collaboration.
Connecting ambassadors of global knowledge in Slovenia and abroad
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We constantly strive to continuously nurture, weave and strengthen our personal connections through our events and meet-ups at home and abroad.
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The Slack platform allows us to quickly exchange suggestions and ideas, open discussions and find solutions, and connect to Slovenians around the world.
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The VTIS Mentoring Programme is organised for members of the VTIS Association who are looking for guidance on the path to their goals and can be helped by a mentor.
Enabling cooperation between Slovenians in Slovenia and abroad in the field of science, economy, commerce and culture
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Partnering with VTIS provides progressive and forward-looking organizations with unique opportunities to connect with our community, which brings together perspectives and experiences from more than 50 countries around the world.
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We organize recognizable and well-attended events, where our members present their knowledge in Slovenia and abroad.
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Supporting and organizing events for informing students about study and moving abroad and helping them with first hand experiences and advices.
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The aim of our Job fair days is to connect leading Slovenian companies with job opportunities for Slovenes educated abroad, our members, who are interested in returning to their home country.
Raising awareness among the key stakeholders on impediments to circulation of knowledge
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Proposals and commentaries on the topics of best practices in science, various industries and education.
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Our working groups within the association deal with various topics, from internationalization, economics to legislation. We strive to provide comments and suggestions through research and in-depth analysis on the basis of experience, and form documents and positions on this basis. Read about it here.
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On the VTIS blog we publish weekly articles and content on current topics. We present the knowledge of our members, we also represent companies, and share practical advice to our members and the wider Slovenian public (interviews, news, research, advice etc.). You can also listen to the VTIS Innovator podcast where we host interesting members and their stories. Have a look!
Management
Members of the management board
PRESIDENT
Žan Dapčevič ↓
Žan Dapčević graduated in economics and international business from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and is currently studying for an Executive MBA at the Said Business School of the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. He is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Academia, a college for short-term higher education in Maribor, Slovenia. In addition to leading the Academia, he is also a member of the board of directors of the Association of Slovenian Higher Vocational Schools - HVC Association. In 2021, Forbes ranked Žan among the 30 under 30 individuals in Europe who are changing the world with impact-based startups.
Member
Klara Hofer ↓
Klara Hofer is a creative business strategist with a strong international background and experience across diverse global environments. Her academic and professional journey has taken her through several European countries as well as Southeast Asia, where she developed a deep understanding of global markets and cultural differences in business decision-making.
She completed her Master’s degree at Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi in Italy and earned her MBA from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Living and working in Thailand and Singapore gave her direct insight into the dynamics of Southeast Asia and the region’s role in connecting Asian and European markets.
She has built her professional experience across various industries, including FMCG, fashion, consulting, and venture capital. She has worked with international companies such as Coca-Cola, HUGO BOSS, and ECCO, focusing on strategic positioning, go-to-market strategies, and brand development.
Within VTIS, she has been primarily active in the VTIS Asia local committee, where she contributed to connecting members and developing activities for the Slovenian community in the region. For her, volunteering represents an opportunity to share knowledge and support individuals pursuing international careers.
Her work is defined by a clear, analytical, and creative approach, with a particular interest in the intersection between Europe and Asia and in long-term value creation.
Member
Anita Šenk ↓
Anita Šenk, PhD in Biomedical Sciences lives in Bern, Switzerland. She has over a decade of experience in research and development across academic and pharmaceutical sectors. Following the successful completion of her master's studies in Ljubljana, Anita embarked on her professional journey in the pharmaceutical industry, gaining valuable experience in both Slovenia and Switzerland. Afterwards, she decided to transition her career path into academia. At the Medical Faculty in Bern, Switzerland, she pursued her doctoral studies in Biomedical Sciences and engaged in postdoctoral research investigated different mechanisms of blood vessel formation during the tissue regeneration. Additionally, she actively contributed to the education system, serving as a teaching assistant and co-examiner at the Medical faculty. Recently, she returned to the pharmaceutical sector and is now employed as a QC Project Manager at an innovative biotech company, ten23 health. In her free time, Anita enjoys reading, dancing, hiking, and actively participating in the VTIS society. She enjoys participating in thought-provoking conversations on current issues. Excited about challenges and new opportunities, she is looking forward to expanding her network and building upon her management skills. Hvala in Lp
Member
Jure Kocman ↓
Jure Kocman is a medical doctor and economist with several years of experience at the intersection of medicine, economics, and strategic consulting. His work focuses on enabling innovations to reach end users as quickly and effectively as possible, combining scientific insight, business thinking, and an understanding of the broader societal context.
He is driven by constant curiosity and a strong orientation toward working with people and solving complex challenges through collaboration. Professionally, he operates in an international environment, where he has worked with global pharmaceutical and healthcare organizations and has been involved in strategic development, health policy, and healthcare innovation.
His experience allows him to navigate and understand academic, industry, and policy-making environments alike. He joined VTIS with the aim of strengthening the network of strategic partners and co-creating an environment in Slovenia that fosters the circulation of knowledge between researchers, professionals, and the business sector.
For him, volunteering represents a way of giving back to the community and an opportunity to help individuals co-create a better environment and broader perspective. He believes that volunteering is not only an opportunity, but also a responsibility toward collective action that can significantly contribute to a better future for the community.
He is guided by the thought: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Office
Manca Kunaver ↓
Manca has a law degree and a future Master's degree in Economics. She has a strong connection to foreign countries through her studies in Ljubljana and several years of experience in a multinational Swiss company where she worked as Head of General Services. She is also a passionate tennis player. As an extremely dynamic person she is always looking for new challenges and projects, but above all that she enjoys working in positive and ambitious teams. She has found those in VTIS, of which she has been a part for more than 4 years. She is inspired by individuals with exceptional motivation, will and energy to help people and care for the future of Slovenia. As the office manager she is the first voice of VTIS, answering emails and messages, ensuring the smooth functioning of volunteers, the association's administration and optimisation of processes, technical support, relations with partners and engaging content on social media. She takes care of the announcements and coordination of the events and activities of the association.
Vida Wåhlmark ↓
Vida is a criminologist and a future Master’s graduate in security studies. At VTIS, she is responsible for volunteers and their activities, drawing on her experience as a VTIS volunteer as well as her involvement in various student organizations during her studies.
She enjoys coordinating and organizing events, as well as continuous learning. In her free time, she loves spending time with her dog, socializing with friends, exploring nature, or playing video games. She is also passionate about good food and fitness.
Brina Vadnjal ↓
Brina is a student of biopsychology and psychology who works with the VTIS association as a student collaborator. She is responsible for the association’s public image, managing social media and the blog, while also contributing to a positive atmosphere among volunteers with her upbeat energy. She applies her knowledge of psychology in working with people—both in fostering team spirit and in understanding the needs and motivation of the association’s members. Brina is a curious and dynamic individual who enjoys working with VTIS, as it allows her to meet interesting people and engage in diverse, including international, environments.
Barbara Kovač ↓
Barbara studied Marketing and International Business Management and has built her professional path across different companies and industries. She contributed to developing marketing and sales strategies for the European market, led international projects, organized trade fairs and events, and oversaw product launches. She is passionate about strategic marketing and creating stories with added value—stories with a long-term vision that leave a mark, inspire people, and connect communities. She believes that we leave the greatest mark when we build together. At VTIS, she is responsible for a more strategic approach to marketing and communication. She is convinced that a brand's strength is built through authentic stories that bring people together, foster a sense of belonging, and open space for collaboration. She finds inspiration in nature, through travel, and in honest conversations that spark fresh ideas and creative energy for future projects.
Katja Cankar ↓
Katja holds a degree in political science and has gained international experience through a study exchange in Spain. Her passion for connecting students with global opportunities has driven her career for over a decade as a scholarship advisor for the Ad futura program at the Public Scholarship, Development, Disability, and Maintenance Fund of the Republic of Slovenia. There, she helps young individuals pursue their educational ambitions abroad. In 2024, when the VTIS Association took over the management of the EducationUSA advising center, Katja became a vital part of the office due to her extensive experience in U.S. study counseling. She continues to lead advising activities, organize events, and provide personalized support to students interested in studying across the Atlantic. Katja firmly believes that with the right plan, anyone can achieve access to world-class education. Beyond her work with students, Katja is also an active freelance photographer, capturing conferences, events, and special moments through her lens. She finds creative inspiration during mountain hikes, where nature provides her with peace, focus, and new ideas for her projects.
Petra Kržičnik ↓
Petra is a designer and illustrator with expertise in visual communications and advertising. She collaborates on artistic projects related to culture and the arts. Her experience includes working on set designs, art installations, as well as theatre and puppet performances. Always eager to learn something new, she is well-equipped to handle the diverse challenges each project brings. Her years of professional experience encompass the development and planning of visual communications, including logo design, branding, and user experience (UX). Within VTIS, Petra oversees the visual identity and translates ideas into refined graphic solutions.
Membership
Full membership is open to Slovenian citizens that have obtained a degree or were involved in a research programme outside of Slovenia. Membership is also open to ‘associate’ members who believe in our mission and would like to be part of our association.
Meet our members
