American Councils Highlights Ana Janošev

Ana Janošev, a 2008 alumna of the American Serbia and Montenegro Youth Leadership Exchange (A-SMYLE) Program, now part of the FLEX program, built a career creating positive social impact. Currently, she serves as Leaders Community Manager at the female factor, a global community designed to boost connections, confidence, and competence for the next generation of female leaders.  
 
Her experience with A-SMYLE introduced her to the power of community service, a concept that was uncommon in her hometown in Serbia at the time. “I learned about the importance of civic participation and saw how community activism can create positive societal change,” Ana recalls. This exposure sparked a lifelong dedication to community activism, ultimately driving her to a career in social entrepreneurship, where she has directly and indirectly touched the lives of over 35,000 young people.  
 
Currently, Ana is focused on closing the gender leadership gap, empowering women to advance in their careers and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Ana’s commitment to social impact earned her a place among Euclid Network (EN)’s Top 100 Women in Social Enterprise in 2022, and she was invited to deliver a TEDX talk titled “How to Empower Social Entrepreneurship.” (https://lnkd.in/eWM4FrpA) 
 
Beyond her current role, Ana mentors social entrepreneurs and provides freelance services as a facilitator for organizational development, learning, and innovation.  
 
Reflecting on her academic and professional journey, Ana offers this advice to current and future participants of American Councils’ administered programs: “Be curious−curious to learn about others, to experience new things, and understand how the world around you works. It will take you to beautiful places you never thought you’d be at.”