Today we’d like to introduce you to Eva Staronova.
Hi Eva, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve come to believe that life isn’t about following a predetermined path—it’s about discovering the thread that quietly connects everything you do.
Looking back, my journey through business, diplomacy, fashion, philanthropy, and the arts may seem unconventional, but each chapter has been guided by the same purpose: bringing people together.
Growing up in Slovakia and later living and studying abroad taught me that every culture has something to teach us, and every encounter has the power to change us. That realization inspired me to create platforms that celebrate creativity, foster dialogue, and build bridges across borders—whether through the +421 Foundation, cultural diplomacy, or artistic collaborations.
The older I get, the more I realize that success isn’t measured by what we accumulate, but by what we contribute. Titles fade, achievements become milestones in the past, but the lives we touch and the opportunities we create for others continue to ripple outward. If my story has a message, it’s this: when you follow purpose with curiosity and generosity, the path has a remarkable way of revealing itself.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wouldn’t call it a smooth road—but I no longer see that as a bad thing.
Over the years, I’ve come to believe that what we call challenges are often opportunities for growth. And if I have to choose between comfort and growth, I’ll choose growth every time.
Of course, I hope that growth comes in the gentlest and most joyful way possible. 🙂 But whenever life does throw me off balance, my practice is to find my center again. To breathe. To regain my peace. To step back and look at the situation from a bird’s-eye perspective, almost as if I’m watching life as a movie.
Interestingly, my greatest lessons have always come through people. We all carry our own fears, insecurities, and life experiences, and sometimes those collide. It’s easy to react in those moments. I’m learning that real growth begins when we pause long enough to see the bigger picture.
At the end of the day, beneath our opinions, emotions, and circumstances, we’re all deeply connected by our shared humanity. Remembering that helps me replace judgment with understanding and conflict with compassion.
We’ve been impressed with Plus421 Foundation (+421 Foundation), but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have founded +421 Foundation on a simple belief: culture has the power to connect people in ways that politics, business, and even language sometimes cannot.
Since 2006, our mission has been to build bridges between Slovakia and the international community through meaningful cultural, educational, and philanthropic initiatives.
Over the years, we’ve organized exhibitions, concerts, fashion events, theatre productions, educational programs, and charitable projects that celebrate creativity while fostering dialogue across borders. Rather than simply showcasing Slovak talent, we strive to create spaces where artists, entrepreneurs, diplomats, students, and audiences can meet, collaborate, and inspire one another.
What sets us apart is that we don’t see culture as entertainment alone—we see it as a catalyst for understanding, empathy, and lasting relationships. Every project we undertake is guided by the belief that creativity has the power to unite people, remind us of our shared humanity.
What I’m most proud of isn’t any single event or accomplishment—it’s the community we’ve cultivated over nearly two decades. Many people who first joined us as guests have become collaborators, supporters, and lifelong friends. To me, that’s the true measure of success.
As we celebrate two decades of building these bridges, I’m reminded that our greatest achievements have never been measured by the number of events we’ve produced, but by the connections that continue long after the lights go down.
If I hope readers remember one thing about the +421 Foundation, it’s this: culture is one of the most powerful forces we have to foster understanding, preserve identity, and bring people closer together.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I have dedicated much of my career to the nonprofit sector and my greatest hope is that governments, institutions, and communities become increasingly effective at addressing society’s most pressing challenges.
In an ideal world, nonprofits wouldn’t need to spend so much energy filling systemic gaps or responding to preventable crises. Instead, we could focus more on enriching lives—through education, culture, innovation, collaboration, and community building.
At the same time, I see several encouraging trends shaping our sector. There is growing recognition that collaboration creates greater impact than competition. Nonprofits, businesses, governments, and academic institutions are increasingly working together to solve complex problems that no single organization can address alone.
Technology is also opening new possibilities—from digital fundraising and global partnerships to greater transparency, accountability, and more meaningful ways to engage supporters.
I also believe people, especially younger generations, are looking for authenticity. They want to support organizations that are transparent, purpose-driven, and able to demonstrate real, measurable impact. That’s a healthy shift, and one that encourages all of us to continually improve.
To me, the greatest success of any nonprofit would be to make itself progressively less necessary by helping build stronger, more resilient communities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.plus421.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plus421foundation?igsh=dTlkZmI0bjRtbGM0
- Facebook: +421 foundation
