On Friday evening, in the magnificent Sarajevo City Hall, the prestigious awards ceremony was held, organized by the Woman.Comm Club, celebrating women who have advanced the communications industry across the region. The event honored women who continually strengthen the foundation of the profession, push the boundaries of creativity in line with digital societal transformations, tackle challenges, and successfully integrate communication trends into strategies that reach target audiences.
“Year after year, our regional platform contributes to networking women who live and breathe communications 24/7. These are women united around the initiative to change society for the better, who selflessly share their knowledge and experiences, especially with young female colleagues who are yet to become leaders of positive change. The collegiality is best reflected in their willingness to nominate each other for these awards, thereby paying respect to a colleague’s work—even when they don’t personally know her, but recognize the impact of her activities within the broader community,” said Irena Miličević Vukoja, Director of Woman.Comm Club, in her opening speech.
Irena Miličević Vukoja
Winners of the Annual Awards, based on last year’s laureates’ votes:
Marketing Star: Dunja Ivana Ballon, Director of HURA, IAB Croatia, and Dani komunikacija
Amra Skrobo Berberović, Commercial Manager CEE – West ONTEX, spoke about Dunja Ivana Ballon:
“Dunja Ivana Ballon is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in the advertising industry of Croatia and the region. Under her exceptional leadership, HURA achieved impressive results: a 148% growth in membership, a 1200% increase in employees, and a 280% revenue boost. The Dani komunikacija festival, which she leads, has become a key gathering for creative and marketing professionals, attracting over 3,000 participants and hosting more than 70 program segments.
As the Director of IAB Croatia, Dunja has united digital economy leaders, spearheaded key market standardization projects, and opened discussions on future topics, including artificial intelligence and data privacy. Through educational platforms like the HOWtoWOW Academy, she has enriched the industry, providing valuable resources and growth opportunities. Dunja Ivana Ballon symbolizes professionalism, innovation, and dedication. Her projects and initiatives have left an indelible mark on the advertising scene, setting new standards of quality and professionalism.”
Dunja Ivana Ballon
PR Star: Marina Bolanča, CEO of Abeceda komunikacije
Una Bejtović, CEO of Bejtović Communications, shared a few words about Marina:
“With decades of experience in the communications industry, Marina not only symbolizes the best in this field with her personal example, values, and charisma but also pushes boundaries, continually learns, connects with new generations and trends, and, together with her team, develops new tools for more effective communication. Want to know everything about PR? Interested in following communication trends? Curious about the views of young people? Ask Marina! It’s no surprise that the Woman.Comm jury’s choice for PR Star of the Year is Marina Bolanča!”
Marina Bolanča
Media Star: Hana Bartolović, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of After5.hr
Belma Pećanin, CEO of Gracija magazine, commented on Hana Bartolović:
“Her portal caught my attention last year, and I enjoy reading it because it somewhat mirrors the concept of Gracija. I admired her courage to make a leap in her career and become independent, especially her goal to restore authentic and untainted journalism through After5, offering high-quality articles and reports, engaging stories, and a respite from the daily hustle and negative topics surrounding us in today’s hectic world.”
Hana Bartolović
Agency & Special Star: Bojana Stanković, Head of Communications at Smart Vision
Vesna Vlašić, Managing Director of McCann Sarajevo, said about Bojana:
“Bojana stands out as a leader whose vision and energy push boundaries. Under her guidance, Smart Vision has executed campaigns that not only deliver measurable results but also win audiences’ hearts. A prime example is the collaboration with the Novak Đoković Foundation.
Additionally, under Bojana’s leadership, Smart Vision expanded its operations by opening an office in Dubai, enhancing its presence in the Middle East and enabling international projects. Her ability to identify potential in people, projects, and markets and transform it into extraordinary results has made her a role model in the profession.”
Bojana Stanković
Digital Star: Ena Tuzlak, Digital Executive at Philip Morris International
Marina Pavlović, Head of Creative at Degordian BH, described Ena Tuzlak:
“Ena not only shapes numerous successful campaigns but also advances digital standards through her educational efforts. What sets Ena apart is not just her professional expertise but also her incredible ability to share her extensive experience with others, empowering the next generation of digital leaders.
Through her work in various industries, her role as an educator, and her involvement in numerous projects, Ena has proven that true strength lies in continuous learning and sharing knowledge. As part of Philip Morris International, her campaigns consistently earn accolades, and her ability to lead and manage digital strategies serves as a prime example of excellence and dedication to her profession.”
Ena Tuzlak Hadžić
Ilarija Bašić – Employer Branding Star
Latifa Imamović, CMO at Klika, says:
“Ilarija Bašić has been a valuable member of the communications industry for many years. She crowned her contributions to the field of communication and marketing by defending her doctoral dissertation, ‘The Relationship Between Employer Branding, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Organizational Representation on Social Media,’ thus becoming the first Ph.D. holder specializing in Employer Branding. Employer Branding remains a mystery for many companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but I believe Ilarija has set a new standard with her academic work and made a significant step forward in bringing this topic to the business world. We believe that she will see this award as an incentive to continue her efforts in popularizing Employer Branding and that she will excel in doing so.”
Ilarija Bašić
CSR Star: Sanja Burg, Communications & Engagement Director at L’Oreal Adria-Balkan
Irena Knežević, Corporate Communications Manager at Hemofarm BH, says about Sanja:
“Sanja’s decades-long experience shows that great ideas, when executed well, can endure and evolve over time. She is responsible for establishing and managing the ‘For Women in Science’ program in Serbia and Bulgaria, which has advanced the status of women scientists and researchers. Alongside her decades of volunteer work and dedication to preserving cultural heritage, Sanja is committed to building a better society.”
Rising Star: Ina Vučković-Delalić, Marketing Associate Manager at Deloitte BH
Ena Hodžić, Marketing Senior Specialist at Mastercard BH, says:
“I am often inspired by women who didn’t start their careers in communications and marketing because they bring freshness and a unique passion to their work. That’s precisely what I recognized in Ina. Her career so far has been marked by finance, project management, and local initiatives, which eventually led her to marketing, socially responsible projects, and work on both local and global initiatives in an international corporation. This is a perfectly paved path for a rising star, which is the very name of the Woman.Comm award she won!”
Ina Vučković Delalić
Regional Ambassador Star: Aida Salkić, CEO of PR Agency Beyond Consulting
Ivona Jurilj, Country Manager at Degordian BH, writes about Aida:
“The news that the prestigious Regional Ambassador Star of the Year award went to Aida Salkić this year filled me with pride and joy. Our story began in Sarajevo at one of the many conferences where we meet as professionals and women sharing a passion for the communications industry. Even then, through our conversations and exchange of experiences, I felt her incredible energy, clear vision, and expertise that inspires.
Aida has over a decade of experience leading strategic communications for renowned companies across various industries. But what sets her apart is not just her knowledge but the way she inspires us daily with her work and reminds us of the power of communication as a driver of change.
Since the establishment of the Woman.Comm Club, Aida has been one of its most active members, contributing to numerous significant projects and helping solidify the club as a relevant platform in the region. She has moderated key panels at Woman.Comm conferences, served as a mentor and lecturer at the Rising Star Academy, and delivered an inspiring workshop on ESG practices, sharing practical knowledge gained over years of industry experience.
I am grateful that the jury recognized what all of us who know her already do – that Aida is an authentic leader and role model.
Dear Aida, heartfelt congratulations! This recognition shines a light on everything you are – a true star of our industry!”
Positive Influence Star: Brankica Raković, CEO of Dot Media, Editor of Lola Magazine, and Host of the Podcast ‘Oslobođena’
“In addition to all these titles, Brankica is a TV host, influencer, and marketing expert with over 18 years of experience in the communications industry. She holds many titles but, above all, is a woman, a fighter – and Lola’s mom.
Her unique outlook on life and the strength she exudes serve as inspiration and motivation for many women she has touched through her life story and her activism, both professionally and personally”.
