The “Marili” agency traditionally awarded the most successful women managers from the country and the region for the 29th time on 17 May 2025, in Skopje. At the event, titled “Selection of the Most Successful Women Managers,” laureates were women managers who have made a significant impact with their work and dedication. All were nominated by their colleagues and collaborators and came from various sectors within the private industry. This year, 13 managers received the “Leading Woman” statuette. Of them, 11 are from the RN Macedonia, one from the Republic of Serbia, and one from the Republic of Croatia. Among the awardees were Janinka Chuparkoska, General Manager of Kozuvcanka DOO Kavadarci, a former member of the Board of Directors of the Economic Chamber and one of its patrons, and Dr. Olivera Klincharova, Chair of the Board of Directors of Delta INS Broker AD Skopje and President of the Group of Insurance Brokerage Companies within the Chamber.
Lidija Tripunoska, General Manager of the “Marili” agency and event organizer, emphasized in her address to attendees that the purpose of the event, beyond its revue nature, is to inspire future generations—especially young girls—to believe in themselves and in personal success.
“To encourage them to believe in themselves and to move confidently through life’s challenges with knowledge, continuous improvement, and honesty, and to succeed in every field. Their struggle for gender equality in society and in business should guide them throughout their lives and serve as an example and inspiration for future generations,” said Tripunoska.
Dr. Jelisaveta Georgieva-Jovevska, Vice President of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, was declared the most successful woman manager and laureate for 2024.
“This award motivates me to be even more successful in the period ahead. But let it also be an encouragement to all women and girls who work persistently, never give up, and keep learning. The key weapon for every person is knowledge—never stop educating yourselves. Be confident, respect yourselves, and respect those around you. Balance and strong support from family are essential to achieving great results. I often quote Robert Kuok, one of the wealthiest people in Malaysia, who said to never be greedy, never use others, but to use every opportunity available to us. I would add—be principled, aim to be better every day, show empathy to others, and pursue your goals not for personal gain, but for the greater good,” said Georgieva-Jovevska at the 2024 award ceremony.
The Economic Chamber of North Macedonia and the “Marili” agency cooperate in networking, motivation, education, and similar initiatives. In 2024, for the first time and at the initiative of both institutions, the award-winning women managers had the honor and pleasure of being received by the President of the country—in a ceremonial reception hosted by the President of the RNM, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.
Over the years, the event has strengthened women’s entrepreneurship and leadership, especially regarding the presence of women in leadership and decision-making positions—an area that requires ongoing efforts. Through its Marili Business Club, the “Selection of the Most Successful Women” event connects over 150 women managers who cooperate, network, inspire one another, organize humanitarian events, and encourage young women and girls to enter and realize their potential in the business sector.
This year’s Marili Business Forum focused on tourism. Senior representatives from domestic institutions spoke during the working portion of the forum, while during the formal segment of the “Selection of the Most Successful Women Managers” event, the following were named as this year’s laureates: Anita Atanasovska, General Manager of Superior Lux, Skopje; Stevka Vasileva, General Manager of PZU Dr. Aleksandar and Dr. Metodi Belushkovi, Radovish; Dafinka Ivanovska, LL.M., Executive Manager and Ruby Director at tianDe Revital Cosmetics, Skopje; Dr. Olivera Klincharova, Chair of the Board of Directors of Delta INS Broker AD Skopje and President of the Group of Insurance Brokerage Companies within the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia; Dr. Daniela Mihajlovska, General Manager of Diamond Dental & Aesthetic Center, Skopje and Gostivar; Elena Loteska-Naumovska, General Manager of Brod Armada, Ohrid; Dr. Maja Petanoska, Brand Manager and Co-owner of Dermaestetika DOO, Skopje; Irena Minovska-Pehlivanova, M.Sc., Strategic Manager at Auto-Moto Association of Macedonia (AMSM); Arzijana Fejzi, Legal Affairs Manager at Ramazzotti Food, Gostivar; Janinka Chuparkoska, General Manager of Kozuvcanka DOO, Kavadarci; Prof. Dr. Jana Maneva-Chuposka, Visual Artist and President of the Association of Fine Artists of Macedonia (DLUM); Barbara Olenik-Staničić, MBA, Director of Human Resources at Jadran d.d., Crikvenica, Republic of Croatia; Slobodanka Coka Stević, General Manager and Owner of TA Kondor TIS, Loznica, Republic of Serbia.
