Entering 2026 with our Aspen Annual Conference, we also announced the Aspen CE Madeleine K. Albright Leadership Awards, honoring the achievements, inspiration, and positive societal impact of young leaders. The ceremony at the Aspen Annual Gala Dinner 2026 was opened and appreciated by Vice-President of the Aspen CE Board Dita Charanzová and Founder and Supervisory Board Chairman Ivan Hodáč. We also thank the Aspen Institute CE Executive Director Tomáš Klvaňa as well as the two masters of ceremony, our alumna Ema Šťastná and our Geopolitical Consultant Matthew Heibel, who guided us through the evening.
With gratitude for their contributions to society, we introduce the 2025 laureates:
- Bára Stárek, head of Díky, že můžem. An NGO that annually organizes Korzo národní, attended by tens of thousands of people. The event is a commemoration of the Velvet Revolution. She is also an alumna of our Aspen Young Leaders Program and one of the Forbes 30 under 30.
- Zsófia Szlamka, a developmental psychologist, researcher, and an entrepreneur. Her research interests include cross-cultural mental health service development, workplace mental health, and caregiver interventions for developmental disabilities. SHe is a Co-Founder of Let’s CEE and Research Lead at Orygen Global.
The award offers long-term support for both award-winning personalities, inclusion in the Institute’s global network, and the opportunity to participate in international activities and events organized by Aspen Institute CE partners. Through the Aspen CE Madeleine K. Albright Leadership Award, we seek to honor lesser-known stories of leadership and courage that deserve recognition, particularly in these challenging times.
“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent,” said Madeleine K. Albright. We hope the same for the Award laureates.