From an early age, she was aware of being perceived as “too much.” Too creative, too outspoken, too sensitive, too empathetic, too naive. Labels that, instead of nurturing her potential, often risked limiting it. These experiences highlight a broader reality: stereotypes - especially those tied to ethnicity and background - can shape how young people see themselves long before they have the chance to define their own path.
Yet, Radka’s story is not one of limitation, but of opportunity. A turning point came when a teacher recognized what others had overlooked. Seeing her potential, she encouraged Radka to nurture it and bring it to the surface. Through Junior Achievement, that potential began to take shape in tangible ways.
Together with her peers, Radka worked on creating natural face masks made from dried herbal teas—an idea that combined creativity, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. What started as a school project quickly turned into a remarkable success. Their company won multiple awards at an international trade fair, including second best company overall and best international company. Individually, Radka was recognized as the best salesperson, and their achievement culminated in being named one of the top student companies in Slovakia.
But the impact of this experience went far beyond awards. Before joining the programme, Radka imagined a very different future for herself - one shaped by routine and limited ambition. She expected to find a stable but unfulfilling corporate job, work for decades, and follow a conventional path without questioning it.
Through Junior Achievement, that vision changed completely. She discovered that life could be approached differently - that it was possible to embrace her identity, to take pride in where she comes from, and to fully express who she is. Most importantly, she learned to believe in herself.
This transformation reflects the deeper mission of Re-Power Your Future: to provide opportunities for young people who may not have access to them in their immediate environment. Many participants come from families where education and professional guidance were not always accessible. In Radka’s case, her father works as a machinist and her mother as a shop assistant. Despite these challenges, her parents have been a constant source of support, taking pride in her achievements and encouraging her to succeed. She will be the first in her family to attend university, an important milestone that symbolizes both personal accomplishment and generational progress.
Looking ahead, Radka’s vision is both ambitious and deeply rooted in her values. She aims to create her own company, Terapia naplno, developing the concept of “Slow Beauty” while actively challenging stereotypes about Roma communities and other ethnic groups. Her goal goes beyond entrepreneurship: she wants to use her platform to promote a broader message of equality and respect.
At the heart of her vision lies a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves the same opportunities, respect, and dignity. Her story becomes, therefore, not just a personal success, but a form of activis, one that challenges preconceived notions and opens new perspectives.
Radka’s journey is a reminder that talent is universal, but opportunity is not. With the right support, guidance, and encouragement, young people can redefine their narratives, turning perceived limitations into strengths and building futures that reflect their true potential.
Because sometimes, all it takes is someone who believes in you until you learn to believe in yourself.