Zeljka Jovanovic

Zeljka Jovanovic is the founder of Apeiron Skills, a company dedicated to helping individuals and organisations embrace diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing. With over 17 years of experience in community service and education sectors, Zeljka has become a trusted leader, mentor, and advocate for diversity and inclusion.

Through mentoring, consulting, and creative workshops, Zeljka’s work focuses on empowering individuals to build understanding, reduce stigma, prevent discrimination, and improve service delivery outcomes while emphasizing the importance of staff retention. She collaborates with clients to tailor solutions that create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive, particularly emphasising cultural responsiveness and diverse needs. Her work extends to supporting those from multicultural backgrounds, helping them unlock their potential and achieve success in both their personal and professional lives.

Throughout her career, Zeljka has made a meaningful difference in the lives of over 2000 refugees, guiding them through the challenges of settling in the Illawarra region. As a refugee herself, she deeply understands the resilience needed to start over and uses her own journey to inspire and empower others to thrive.

Her motivation for joining Stars of Wollongong Dance for Cancer is deeply personal, inspired by her own health challenges and the strength of those she loves. Having been touched by cancer through family and friends, she’s determined to raise funds for local cancer support services. Zeljka is dancing in honour of her best friend, a true hero in her life, and the incredible community that surrounds her.

Zeljka's love for skiing started at just seven years old in her hometown of Bosnia, and she's been hitting the slopes every year in Australia ever since! She brings that same balance and energy to the dance floor, even though she’s never had formal training. Whether it’s a night out with friends or a big celebration, Zeljka’s infectious enthusiasm and vibrant energy light up every party!