Director

Inclusion Stars

Dinah Richter Spritzer​ is the director of Inclusion Stars, which provides training and strategy to organizations on conflict resolution, ESG compliance, women's leadership acceleration, mentorship, boosting profits through employee engagement, and intercultural communication. A former journalist for the New York Times and USAToday, Dinah is based in Prague but provides services globally, including to clients in the United States where she was born and raised. ​She is the author of Global Intercultural Communications, a best-selling interactive course book first used by the University of Phoenix Business School. Dinah has numerous coaching and diversity certifications, including a master's of science in organizational development from a leading U.S. business school, St. Joseph's University. She is a professor o journalism at New York University and continues to publish articles concerning gender and minorities in Europe and beyond.

CEO

RTL Hungary

Gabriella Vidus graduated from the Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management at the College of Commerce, Catering and Tourism in 1997. In 2000, she graduated as a Marketing Economist with a master’s degree from the Budapest University of Economic Sciences.  In 1997, she began her career at TV2 as a Client Manager.  She has been working at RTL Klub since 2000: after being a Sales Team Leader for two years, she was appointed Head of Sales in 2002. Following the creation of R-Time Sales and Marketing in 2004, she led the company as Deputy General Manager. In May 2008, she was appointed General Manager of the renewed R-Time Kft. as well as Sales Director of RTL Klub.  Since 1 July 2015, she has been serving as CEO of RTL Hungary. She is Vice President of the Hungarian Advertising Association and the Association of Hungarian Electronic Broadcasters. In 2020, she was presented the Female Manager of the Year Special Award by the Hungarian Association of Executives and the MVÜK –

Community of Hungarian Company Leaders.

CCO Diageo Europe and Managing Director Eastern Europe

Diageo

I’m Danish, moved to Budapest in 2019, worked in consumer goods for 23yrs, 14yrs at Diageo (mostly P&G and Gillette before Diageo). Married to Malene and two sons Bertram (18) and Anton (16). Love sports, cooking, travelling and spending time with family and friends. Have lived abroad before (California, Bangkok, Stockholm) and consider myself a global citizen.

CEO and Managing Director

Decathlon Hungary

With 20 years of leadership experience—mostly within Decathlon—I’ve built a career grounded in retail expertise, people-centric leadership, and global perspective. I’ve lived, studied, and worked across the USA, Germany, Japan, India, Bangladesh, and now Hungary, experiences that have shaped both my worldview and leadership style. As CEO and Managing Director of Decathlon Hungary, I’m passionate about making sport accessible to all, also by supporting social projects whenever possible, and I continue to explore new cultures through travel.

Country Manager, Executive Vice President

Sigma Technology Hungary, Sigma Technology Group

György has been managing the Hungarian operations of Sigma Technology, a Sweden-based tech consultancy, for 18 years. He also acts as VP of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Hungary.

Director

A Budapest based next-gen filmmaker moving seamlessly between commercials and feature films, keeping narrative always at the core of his style.

Consulting Psychologist

Consulting Psychologist with experience in organizational development and team leadership gained through years in HR and Talent Management. Currently, she combines her private practice with organizational development and training projects, focusing on the intersection of psychology and business. Her key area of interest is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, where she actively engages in both research and practical implementation. As a Researcher and Project Manager at We Are Open, she contributes to various DEI initiatives, working to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces.

LGBTQ+ journalist, activist, social media expert, project manager

WeAreOpen

I wear many hats across the fields of communication and storytelling. As a marketing professional, I specialize in social media strategy and content development; as a journalist, I write, speak, moderate, and contribute to a diverse range of projects — from documentaries to exhibitions. Currently, I’m working on my first book. At WeAreOpen, I’m responsible for communications and oversee the organization of several key events, including our annual conference.

Associate professor, Institute of Intercultural Education and

Psychology

ELTE

Dr. Monika Kovács is associate professor at the Institute of Intercultural Education and Psychology at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Budapest, teaching social psychology of gender at BA, MA and PhD level. She is one of the lead researchers of the Horizon Europe EU-founded project titled “Anti-Gender Backlash and Democratic Pushback”

(PushBackLash) that focuses on actors, attitudes, agendas, and strategies that push back against gender equality and democracy as well as on evidence-based strategies to counteract this pushback.

Professor of Gender Studies

Central European University

Eva Fodor is Professor of Gender Studies and Pro-Rector for Teaching and Learning at the Central European University, Vienna. She has a PhD in Sociology from the University of California in Los Angeles and works in the field of comparative social inequalities. Her most recent book, The Gender Regime of Anti-Liberal Hungary (Palgrave MacMillan open access, 2022) analyzes some of the critical and alarming social consequences of Hungary’s recent anti-liberal turn.

Gender Equality Adviser

Amnesty International Hungary

Fanni Csernus, PhD, is the gender equality expert at Amnesty International Hungary, specializing in the elimination of discrimination against women in the labour market. Her work focuses on addressing the gender pay gap through initiatives at the individual, organizational, and national levels. She is actively involved in developing training programs, delivering lectures, preparing publications, conducting research, and formulating policy recommendations for both companies and political decision makers.

Economist with a Postgraduate Degree in Data Privacy, Freedom of Information and Cyber Security from ELTE Faculty of Law

Over 25 years’ experience in global and regional Communications, Public Affairs and Compliance in companies like The Coca-Cola Company, Microsoft and Telenor. Specialises in raising core company values such as ESG and Privacy to brand equity through integrated marketing and communications strategies.

NGO Consultant

Boglarka Fedorko has more than 15 years of experience working with marginalized groups in Hungary and globally. As a grantmaker, researcher, and project manager, she has supported migrant and racial justice, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ equality movements and organizations with a focus on the Eastern-European and Central Asian regions, particularly in the fields of resource mobilization, intersectional programming, and narrative change.

Business Developer

Skilly

Janina joined the Skilly team in 2024 as a business developer. Prior to this, she worked for 12 years as a social worker in both the civil and public sectors, and gained experience in the business sphere through the open labor market employment of people with disabilities.

Work and Oragnizational Psychologist, Founder

Mindsetland

As a consultant and training specialist I support the return process of mothers to the labor market after childcare leave. I also have a scientific expertise on the subject. As an Assistant Professor at Budapest University of Technology and Economics I conducted a scientific research in 2024 on the challenges and needs of parents returning to the labor market, in which 1,400 people participated. In 2023, I gave a talk on the topic at TedXBME and in 2024 at TEDXlibertyBridgeWomen event. I founded Mindsetland to support the conscious preparation and confident return of women to the labor market.

CEO

WeAreOpen

Nóra, as the leader of WeAreOpen, is one of the key figures in the field of social sustainability in Hungary. Together with her team at WeAreOpen, they provide services to companies that help them make meaningful progress toward a psychologically safe, diverse and inclusive corporate culture. She has extensive, multidisciplinary leadership and academic experience.

Co-Founder & Co-President

Be Social

She regularly appears at professional conferences, in media, and teaches at universities. Her expertise is frequently sought by mass media, she serves as a jury member in industry competitions, and she is also an active content creator. In 2010, she co-founded Be Social Kft. with her business partner, establishing one of Hungary’s first digital agencies focused on social media. Since then, she has held the position of co-managing director.

Chairperson of Board of Directors

WeAreOpen

With 25 years of experience in digital and leadership roles, I have built a career at the intersection of innovation, strategy, and impact. I have lived, studied, and worked in New York, London, Budapest, Amsterdam, and Helsinki, shaping my global perspective and ability to drive change across diverse markets. As CEO of an advertising agency and Chairperson of the Board at WeAreOpen, I am passionate about leveraging AI, fostering open corporate culture, and creating meaningful connections between brands and audiences.

Independent Transgender Rights Activist

Transzegészségközpont (Transgender Healthcare Center) is a virtual center founded by Mónika Magasházi in 2022. THC is running a webpage, Facebook group and YouTube channel. THC provides mental and coaching support for the Hungarian transgender community in cooperation with medical and mental professionals. Educate the society who are the transgender people and fight for the transgender rights in Hungary. THC works for the transgender inclusive safe workplaces, like holding workshops, supporting the HR divisions, CEO's, and all the employees within the company. THC is a bridge between the transgender community and the employers.

Senior Vice President, CEE Region
Velux Group

I joined the VKR Holding / VELUX Group 23 years ago and have worked in various roles, in diverse teams over these years. Our company is very strongly and proudly value-driven, and from our core values, Mutual Respect is the one that drives my behavior, attitude, and approach to my colleagues. This value has helped me build numerous high-performing teams, drive changes, implement new ideas, and create an environment where colleagues feel safe, valued, included, and can bring their best for our mutual success. Additionally, I am a proud father of two teenage daughters, which gives me extra personal motivation to create a working culture where they have equal chances based on their performance and can enjoy a safe environment.

Leadership Coach and a Purpose Sherpa

I am a leadership coach and a purpose sherpa. I guide leaders, change-makers and their organizations through their transformation. I help my clients to align with their 'why' and break through their limitations.

Senior Leadership Consultant

Eszter Árvai is a Leadership Consultant, regular Forbes contributor, and Licensed Psychological Safety Practitioner based in Budapest and Amsterdam. As the former CHRO of IKEA Austria and a Board Member at Decathlon Hungary & Slovakia, she helps leaders build psychologically safe, high-performing teams—the foundation of fearless organisations. Eszter is known for her strategic perspective, human-centered approach, and practical, real-world solutions to organizational challenges.

Lead Trainer

Grund Essentials

Declan is hosting the Open Conference for the 8th year! Lead trainer of Grund Essentials, he has been training in applied improvisation for 17 years and worked internationally with blue chip companies across the region and beyond. He still works as an actor so turn on Netflix, HBO or AppleTV and you'll find him there too!

Founding Member

Grund Theater

Brigi is a founding member of Grund Theatre, Hungary’s first applied improvisation company and a trainer in its education team. With international experience as an improvisational actress, she leads workshops on communication, presence, and creativity.

Communications Trainer and Inclusivity Expert

Katya is a communications trainer and inclusivity expert who combines theatre skills with years of experience in accessible education. As the founder of the JEL Foundation and a member of Grund Theatre LAB, she designs and delivers interactive trainings that empower marginalized communities and support personal growth through play, presence, and connection.

People & Organisation Consulting Leader

PWC

Marta leads the HR consulting and organizational development practice at PwC, where her team helps clients enhance efficiency, organization, and digital transformation. She frequently shares best practices on Employee Value Proposition, Employer Branding, Gender Equality, and Authentic Leadership. Marta is dedicated to fostering a progressive and inclusive workplace culture.

Chief Talent Officer (CHRO)

Publicis Groupe Hungary

Zsofia Komaromi is the Chief Talent Officer (CHRO) at Publicis Groupe Hungary and serves also as Talent Transformation Partner for CEE region. In 2024 she was recognized as the 2024 European Diversity Champion of the Year in London. She has led initiatives like the “Working with Cancer” program, LGBTQ+ women’s health support schemes, enhancing workplace inclusivity. Her leadership has contributed Publicis Groupe Hungary’s recognition as a Great Place to Work and being awarded with several Diversity awards. She emphasizes authenticity and self-advocacy, drawing from her experience overcoming age and gender bias early in her career.

HUB Communications & Engagement Partner

Sanofi

Eszter has specialized in shaping strategic narratives into communications that drive stakeholder engagement, public relations, public affairs, brand reputation and organizational growth. With over 20 years of experience in corporate communications she has participated and led teams to execute multi-channel campaigns that enhanced brand visibility and improved employee engagement. She joined Sanofi as of 1 st March 2025 and her passion is building communities through common values.

Senior Game Producer

Anita started to make her own games 10 years ago. She made a game all by herself, and since then, making video games became her passion and daytime job. Currently she is working as a game producer - managing a team and leading a production for a new mobile game project. She is also one of the founders of the Hungarian Game Developer Association, helping the Hungarian game development community by organizing events, helping education, and creating opportunities for knowledge sharing.

Marketing Director

Diageo Eastern Europe

I’m Juliana Ballarin, a Brazilian mother of three, currently living in the beautiful city of Budapest. As the Marketing Director for Diageo Eastern Europe, I often say that marketing was love at second sight after my background in architecture. I’m passionate about feminism and believe we've made strides in gender equality, but there's still work to be done.

CEO

espell

Miklos has been in the language industry for twenty years. Founder of Hungary’s leading multilingual comms company espell, chairman of the board of US-based global MLV Milengo Inc., Founder, chairman of Hungary’s national LSP association Proford, former Vice President of the European Union of Associations of Translation Companies, co-founder of Meet Central Europe Conference and former Chairman of EULOGIA. Outside the language industry Miklos is also involved in a highly successful social enterprise: in 2014 teaming up with Prezi and Google his company espell founded WeAreOpen, a social initiative, which promotes diversity at the workplace. In the past five years over 1,000 companies, organisations and communities joined WaO.

Experience Designer, Disability Advocate

Works.

Eszter is a user experience designer specializing in accessibility and inclusive design. With a deep interest in cognitive accessibility, she brings both professional insight and personal passion to her work—especially as a parent of two autistic teenagers. She is a strong advocate for neuroinclusion in the workplace and is currently enrolled in the pilot Autism Counselor course at Pázmány Péter Catholic University (PPKE), further deepening her expertise in the field.

Actress

Junior Prima Award-winning actress, puppeteer, and performer

Actor

Róbert Fekete is a versatile actor with a strong background in both classical and contemporary theatre and screen acting. He has performed in productions across Hungary, Romania, and Germany. His roles range from classic plays like Waiting for Godot and Oresteia to contemporary performances such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Bros, directed by the world-renowned Romeo Castellucci. Róbert holds an MA degree in acting from the University of Arts in Târgu Mureș and a BA from the Faculty of Theatre and Television in Cluj-Napoca. In addition to acting, he is skilled in singing (tenor), piano, and accordion.

Managing Director

MSCI

Rozalia Miklos is the Global Head of Financial Engineering and Head of the Budapest Office at MSCI – a leading provider of mission-critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community. Prior to her current role, she held various leadership positions at MSCI, including leading the Client Solutions team for EMEA and overseeing the Analytical Quality Assurance team in Budapest. She began her career as a credit risk modeler at K&H Bank following her studies in Economic Analysis and Quantitative Finance at Corvinus University of Budapest.

University Lecturer

Lecturer at Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), teaching information technology and computer science at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics (VIK). Focusing on software development using the latest technologies on both client-side and server-side including AI assisted coding, architecture design, reliable systems and game development.

Teaching the next generation of software engineers offers a unique opportunity to inspire them and steer their thinking towards a positive and constructive mindset. This makes the learning experience better and produces open-minded and adaptable workforce for the future.

Music Producer, Songwriter

I've been fascinated by the world of art since childhood, which is why I chose a career in music. What has always intrigued me the most is transforming the sounds of the human body into music. My circumstances required me to become not just skilled with one instrument, but to be a multi-talent. That's how I’m able to—and love to—create.

Strategic Operations Manager

VRG Therapeutics

Eszter is a strategic operations and project management professional with a cross-sector background in biotech, social impact, and financial consulting. She currently serves as Strategic Operations Manager at VRG Therapeutics, where she supports innovation in pharmaceutical R&D. Previously she advised startups and corporates at EY. Her international experience includes building sports development programs in Rwanda and consulting for medtech firms. Eszter authored "Hire and Higher: A Toolkit to Advance Inclusive Hiring" in 2024, reflecting her commitment to equitable and scalable organizational practices.