The jury did not have an easy task this year either. The nominees for the second annual Woman in IT awards in the three award categories (Woman in IT, IT Student of the Year, and IT Ally of the Year) were all top figures in the Slovak IT sphere. They prove that technology is not just about algorithms. It can be about empathy, courage, and the ability to change the world for the better.
Authority in science and technologyn
The winner of the main category WOMAN in IT was Elena Zaitseva, professor at the Department of Informatics at the University of Žilina in Žilina. She is the author of three books and over 150 articles, has coordinated more than 20 research projects, and her name is well known among experts abroad.
Unfortunately, she was unable to be with us in person, so the award was accepted on her behalf by the dean of the Faculty of Management and Informatics at the University of Žilina, Prof. Ing. Emil Kršák, PhD.
However, she sent us a message saying that this award represents both gratitude and a commitment to show that women belong in IT and that science is a wonderful path for those who are not afraid of challenges. “For me, this award is a symbol of community and support, as well as an important confirmation that what I do has meaning and a real impact. At the same time, it is an obligation to continue opening doors for talented women and to be an inspiration to them, just as other women have been to me,” she says.
Teaching AI to save lives
The winner of the IT Student of the Year category was Lucia Piatriková, who recently earned her doctorate at the University of Žilina and currently works at the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica. She researches the use of artificial intelligence in the analysis of histological images. In addition to her research, she founded the IT&FIT civic association, which connects technology with a healthy lifestyle.
“For me, this award is proof that young women also have a voice in IT. My message to girls is: Don’t be afraid, IT is a space where you can create and change the world! Any woman who wants to learn and develop can succeed in IT. Computer science is an extremely broad field in which each of us can find what we enjoy and find fulfilling,” she emphasizes.
IT is inspiration and the future for everyone 
Peter Baus, project leader at Accenture Technology, was named IT Ally of the Year. He was involved in the Make a Change educational program, which opens doors to IT for women, supports them in the workplace, and connects the non-profit sector with the world of technology. He is also known as the leader of the Omama platform, which helps families in disadvantaged environments.
“In my experience, women bring tremendous added value to IT – new perspectives, creativity, and empathy. It is important that we see and appreciate their achievements because it can inspire others. To anyone considering studying or pursuing a career in IT, I say: Go for it, technology needs your talent and your voice,” she says.
Why is recognition so important?
Women in IT are not seen on television shows or on magazine covers, yet they are fundamentally changing Slovakia into a more modern and better country. At the same time, they continue to struggle with prejudice, doubts, barriers, and stereotypes.
“We felt an urgent need to highlight that there are exceptionally talented women working, doing business, researching, and teaching in the IT sector who deserve special recognition and attention. Not only do they have unique results, achievements, and a share in where the IT sector is moving and how many quality opportunities Slovakia can offer the world, but they are also a strong inspiration for other women and young girls,” explains Petra Kotuliaková, founder and executive director of Aj Ty v IT.
The general partner was the Ministry of Investment, Regional Development and Informatization (MIRRI) of the Slovak Republic. “It is important to recognize women in IT because their presence brings balance and new impulses to technology. They show us that innovation arises where different experiences and perspectives meet,” said Radoslav Štefánek, State Secretary of MIRRI and Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Government for Artificial Intelligence.
The WOMAN in IT award was supported by:
Main partner: AIslovakIA,
Partners: AmCham Slovensko, Base4Work, Hurricane
Community partners: Erste Digital, Digitálna koalícia, ING, Lenovo, Partners, Raiffeisen Processing Centre, Titans
