Monika on Responsible AI, Women in Tech and the Balkans

By Aleksandra Todorovikj · Aug 4, 2026

The Women in Tech leader speaks with AI Balkans about leadership, responsible artificial intelligence, regional collaboration and the importance of keeping people at the centre of technological progress. Artificial intelligence is transforming how people work, learn and build organizations, but its development also raises deeper questions about responsibility, trust and the role of human connection. Monika has dedicated much of her professional journey to empowering women, building communities and supporting the practical adoption of artificial intelligence. Her work brings together technology, leadership, mentorship and a belief that progress should ultimately improve people’s lives. In this interview with AI Balkans, she reflects on the lessons that shaped her career, the people who inspire her and the barriers women continue to face in technology. She also discusses the opportunities artificial intelligence creates for the Balkans, the importance of AI literacy and why organizations must begin with real problems rather than simply adopting the latest tools. Looking back, what would you tell the younger Monika who was just starting her career in technology? Is there one piece of advice you wish someone had given you earlier? Looking back, I would tell the younger Monika to stop waiting until she felt ready. Confidence comes after action, not before. Early in my career, I believed I needed another certificate, another degree, success or many years of experience before speaking up. Today, I know that opportunities belong to people who raise their hand, who are willing to take action, experiment, and seize the moment when it appears. I would also tell her to build a strong personal board of advisors. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, support you, and inspire you to think bigger. The people you spend the most time with shape your mindset and your future. Relationships matter as much as professional success. Your network is your net worth. A strong reputation, genuine curiosity, and a willingness to help others will open more doors than any job title or diploma ever will. You spend a lot of your time empowering other women. But who empowers you? Who has been the person, or the moment, that changed your own life the most? I am inspired by people who choose action over excuses. Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to meet mentors, founders, and community leaders from around the world who challenged me to think bigger. Becoming a mother changed me the most. My children completely shifted my perspective on leadership, success, and impact. They remind me every day why I want to build a future where technology serves people, not the other way around. Beyond technology and leadership, what keeps you grounded? What do you do when you need to disconnect, reflect, or simply remind yourself why you started this journey? My family keeps me grounded. Spending time with my children reminds me that the most meaningful impact starts at home. I also enjoy traveling, long conversations with inspiring people, painting, reading about innovation, and spending time by the sea. Some of my best ideas come when I step away from my laptop and give myself space to think. AI Balkans was recently launched as the first regional AI hub dedicated to artificial intelligence in the Western Balkans. How important is it for the region to finally have a platform that tells its own AI story instead of relying only on global narratives? I believe this is an important milestone for our region. Our Balkan has talented researchers, entrepreneurs, startups, educators, and engineers. What we have often lacked is visibility and collaboration. AI Balkans creates a platform where knowledge, success stories, and innovation from our region become visible to the world. Instead of asking how to copy Silicon Valley, we should ask how to solve Balkan challenges with AI. Our healthcare systems, public administration, education, agriculture, and SMEs have unique needs. Regional collaboration gives us a stronger voice and creates opportunities that no single country would achieve alone. Artificial intelligence is advancing faster than regulation and public understanding. In your opinion, what is the biggest ethical challenge we should be discussing today, not five years from now, but right now? The biggest challenge is not whether AI becomes more intelligent. The biggest challenge is whether humans remain responsible for the decisions AI influences. We need transparency. People deserve to know when AI is making recommendations, how data is used, and who is accountable when something goes wrong. We also need to invest in AI literacy because people cannot question systems they do not understand. Technology moves fast. Trust takes much longer to build. Many organizations are rushing to adopt AI simply because it is trendy. Do you think we are using AI strategically in the Balkans, or are we still scratching the surface of what it can truly achieve? We are still scratching the surface. Many organizations start with AI tools instead of business problems. They ask, "Which AI platform should we buy?" instead of asking, "Which process wastes the most time?" The organizations that succeed treat AI as a business transformation initiative, not an IT project. The greatest opportunity for the Balkans is helping SMEs become more productive, competitive, and innovative through practical AI adoption. And this is what I am focussed on in this last year with Davleo Consulting as an AI transformation advisor. Despite decades of progress, many women still encounter invisible barriers in leadership. In your experience, has it become easier for women to build careers in technology, or have the obstacles simply become more subtle? There are more opportunities today than ever before, but many barriers still exist. Women are often expected to prove their expertise repeatedly, while confidence is rewarded differently. Women continue to carry a larg…