Slovak PRO: A Network of Slovak Professionals in North America that Connects and Inspires

​In 2025 Slovaks scattered around the world form diverse and remarkable communities. Alongside traditional cultural, religious, or sports associations, new forms of organization have emerged over the past decades, responding to the needs of a dynamically changing generation. One of the most prominent examples is the Slovak PRO network – a volunteer platform bringing together Slovak professionals working primarily in North America, which has, in a short time, become a significant player in connecting the diaspora with Slovakia.

In just a few days, on September 23, the third Slovak PRO Summit will take place at the IBM headquarters in New York, with the participation of the President of the Slovak Republic, Peter Pellegrini. (https://www.slovakpro.org/event/summit25)

From an Idea to a Network

Slovak PRO was initiated by a group of Slovaks living in New York who felt the need to meet not only at cultural events or religious services, but also in a setting where they could share career and business experiences. The first meetings were informal, but over time, a more stable community began to take shape. A key moment was the decision to move activities from individual networking to a more systematic platform.

The network received its name – Slovak PRO (Slovak PROfessionals) – in 2007. The name captures the core idea: to connect people with Slovak roots working in various fields, from technology, finance, and law to medicine, the arts, and education. However, Slovak PRO has never aimed to be an elitist club. From the beginning, it has been an open community based on mutual support, mentorship, and building bridges between the diaspora and the homeland.

A New Generation of Associations

Traditional Slovak associations in the U.S. – cultural organizations, parishes, or institutions like the Slovak League – have a long history and immense merit in preserving identity. Slovak PRO builds on this tradition but brings a different focus. It emphasizes professional and personal growth of its members.

In practice, this means that meetings focus on discussions about innovation, business opportunities, and new trends in technology and healthcare. However, this does not imply a departure from culture – quite the opposite. Slovak PRO strives to demonstrate that professional networks can naturally extend into cultural and social spheres. When people connect through their professions, they often also find common ground in cultural or community activities.

Slovak PRO has long cooperated with official diplomatic institutions of the Slovak Republic in the USA, since their support and connection with compatriots is a natural part of their mission. The most intensive cooperation takes place with the Consulate General of the Slovak Republic in New York, which is at the heart of the Slovak community and close to the venue of the Slovak PRO Summits. Key roles in launching and shaping Slovak PRO’s activities were played by Consuls General Jana Trnovcová, Ladislava Begeç, and Milan Vrbovský. Their work is now continued by current Consul General Beatrice Szabóová.

Additionally, Slovak PRO maintains ties with the Permanent Mission of the Slovak Republic to the UN in New York, the Slovak Embassy in Washington, and honorary consulates in various U.S. states.

This collaboration takes many forms – from organizational and logistical support for events to joint professional and cultural programs, as well as hosting meetings between the Slovak community and prominent figures from Slovakia.

The Summit as the Flagship Event

The most visible activity of Slovak PRO has become the Slovak PRO Summit, first held in 2023 in New York. Its goal is to gather successful and active Slovak professionals from North America once a year, along with guests from Slovakia. The summit provides a space for presenting inspirational stories, exploring collaboration, networking, and discussing how the Slovak diaspora can contribute to the country’s development.

The event has gradually grown in size and gained prestige. Representatives of Slovak research and educational institutions, innovation centers, and technology companies participate in the program. For example, the 2025 Summit partner is the Kempelen Institute of Intelligent Technologies (KInIT), which will present its project mapping the Slovak AI diaspora. Thanks to such connections, real bridges are formed – students from Slovakia establish contacts with top experts from Silicon Valley or New York – something that would be much harder without such a platform.

The People Behind the Network

The success of Slovak PRO is the result of individuals who invested their time, energy, and enthusiasm. Among them, Oto Raček played a key role in building the initial structure in New York. Other professionals later took up the torch – Vladimír Lackovič, and currently Michal Šimkovič. The current Executive Director is Gabriela Záhoranská. Over time, dozens of other leaders have joined, and today Slovak PRO is a diverse network spanning across the U.S. and Canada.

The common denominator among these people is pride in their roots and a desire to give back. Many have built careers in foreign corporations, universities, or startups, yet they haven’t forgotten Slovakia. Slovak PRO gives them a way to give back – whether through mentoring youth, offering internships, or building institutional partnerships.

Why It Matters

Like many small countries, Slovakia faces a brain drain. Many young people leave to study or work abroad – and often don’t return. From the state's point of view, this may seem like a loss, but Slovak PRO shows that the reality can be different. If a country can maintain ties with these individuals, it gains valuable capital. Professionals abroad can bring know-how, investment, and new connections.

This kind of network also acts as an ambassador for Slovakia abroad. The leaders and members of Slovak PRO promote the country's reputation through their work, represent it in international teams, and highlight its potential. They also help attract talent back – not necessarily permanently, but in the form of short-term stays, projects, or collaborations.

Slovak PRO also works with representatives of the Czech Republic, for example by organizing joint events in New York, Chicago, Austin, and the SF #TechWeek: Czech & Slovak Edition, and it has formed a partnership with the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (NCSML) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (https://www.tema21.cz/clanek/prezidenti-orloj-aj-pivo-ako-americke-mesto-uchovava-cesko-slovenskeho-ducha)

Challenges and Perspectives

Building a diaspora is not without its challenges. One of them is maintaining continuity – the enthusiasm of the early years must be transformed into stable structures that can function through generational changes. Slovak PRO therefore works to involve younger members and give them a role in organizing activities.

Another challenge is connection with Slovakia. Without interest from the home country, the network's potential would remain untapped. A good example of best practice is cooperation with Slovak universities and institutes, which understand that the diaspora is not competition – it is an opportunity.

Looking forward, Slovak PRO aims to expand its activities beyond North America and connect with similar networks in Europe and other continents. In a globalized world, borders are blurring, and it is increasingly about being connected and relevant.

Slovak PRO is proof that even a relatively small community can play a major role. At a time when the “brain drain” is often lamented, this network proves that brains abroad can be an asset for Slovakia – if space for cooperation is created.

From the first informal gatherings in New York, Slovak PRO has secured a solid place among Slovak community initiatives. It shows that a modern diaspora does not have to rely solely on culture and traditions, but also on sharing experience, innovation, and professional solidarity. And that pride in one’s roots can be expressed not only through folk dress or song, but by helping Slovakia grow in a globalized world.

History

• 2001 – Founding of Young Slovak Professionals Network (Founder: Oto Raček; Co-founders: Alex Mitro, Iveta Hlinka)

• 2007 – Rebranding to Slovak PRO (led by Oto Raček)

• 2012 – Network expansion

• 2014 – Network revitalization (Oto Raček partners with Vladimír Lackovič, who becomes president in 2017)

• 2018 – Slovak Embassy in the USA (Ambassador Peter Kmec), Consulate General in NY, and Slovak PRO organize Slovak Professionals Networking Event at Bohemian National Hall

• 2023 – First Slovak PRO Summit in Manhattan, New York (80+ participants)

• 2024 – Second Summit at the Slovak Consulate in NY (100+ participants)

• 2024 – Expansion to seven U.S. cities, over 40 events held

• 2025 – Expansion to two Canadian cities and Florida

• 2025 – Third Slovak PRO Summit at the IBM building in New York (200+ participants)

Past Presidents

• Oto Racek (51, born in Spišská Sobota, in the USA since 1992) – Founder, President Emeritus, IT security expert

• Vladimír Lackovic (36, born in Banská Bystrica, in the USA since 2004) – Board of Directors member, entrepreneur in digital tech and marketing, currently Special Envoy of SARIO for trade and investment in the USA

• Michal Simkovic (41, born in Dubnica nad Váhom, in the USA since 2011) – Slovak PRO president since 2024, works in Silicon Valley in IT as an internationally recognized designer and advisor

Present Day

• Membership: Over 3,000 members

• Cities: New York, San Francisco, Austin, Boston, Seattle, Chicago, San Diego, Miami; in Canada: Toronto, Vancouver

• Events: Over 40 annually, including Slovak PRO Summit, Slovak PRO House @ SXSW, Slovak Tech Conference in San Francisco, Slovak Finance Conference in New York