WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Two hundred of the world’s leading Slovak and Slovak American professionals, entrepreneurs, scientists, technology leaders, diplomats and creatives convene in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 23 for Slovak PRO Summit 2026, the largest and most prestigious gathering in the organization’s history.
Hosted at George Mason University’s Mason Square in Arlington, Va., the invitation-only summit arrives at a historic moment.
“This year marks an important moment for Slovak PRO. We are celebrating 250 years of America, 25 years of our community and, importantly, looking ahead to what comes next,” said Jana Trnovcová Ragucci, executive director of Slovak PRO. “Our ambition is to continue connecting Slovaks and friends of Slovakia across generations, industries and borders, while creating more opportunities for meaningful collaboration.”
The program focuses on the Slovak American story and on equipping the next generation of leaders for success in business, science, technology and culture. It opens with welcome remarks from Slovak PRO President Michal Šimkovič and Trnovcová Ragucci, followed by the keynote “America 250: The Slovak American Story” from Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the United States Andrej Droba.
From Slovak roots to American success stories
Dr. Cecilia Rokusek, president and CEO of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, speaks on shared heritage; Henry Kallan, president and owner of the Library Hotel Collection, on his American Dream journey; and Diane Duda Miller on the century-old business founded by her great-grandfather, Slovak immigrant Andrew Duda. Viktor Riško presents the Triumph Gallery of Slovak Immigrants, including Hertz founder John Hertz.
Technology and innovation feature prominently: Rasťo Hlaváč on the Minit acquisition, Meta product design lead Michal Vaško, Brightpick CEO Ján Žižka, Xatoms co-founder and CEO Diana Virgovičová, and Artemis aerospace engineer Etienne Besett. A dedicated AI panel brings together George Mason professor Jana Košecká and Kempelen Institute CEO Mária Bieliková. AmCham Slovakia President Martin Maštalír addresses the bilateral business relationship.
25 years of community
The panel “Between Two Worlds: What Does It Mean to Be Slovak?” features performer Luba Mason, investor Bob Lesko and Stagwell Vice Chair Ray Day. A closing conversation on the next 25 years, moderated by Pavol Demeš, joins Šimkovič, President Emeritus Oto Raček, former President Vladimír Lackovič and Trnovcová Ragucci.
An Oct. 22 reception hosted by Ambassador Droba at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic includes the Slovak PRO Awards Ceremony. Supporters include FCSU Financial, Mužila Foundation, ESET and Fellow.
About Slovak PRO: Slovak PRO is a global community connecting Slovak professionals and friends of Slovakia across business, technology, science, culture and diplomacy. Through its chapters, events and international initiatives, it creates opportunities for professional connections, collaboration and support across borders.
Full program and event details:https://luma.com/SlovakPRO-Summit-2026
Video from Slovak PRO Summit 2025:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qtuokWmSyo
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SOURCE Slovak PRO
