Committee

The Mladi Hrvati Folkloric Group Committee is proud to be made up of members of the community who work hard and passionately to promote the Mladi Hrvati Folkloric Group and the appreciation of Croatian folkloric dance and traditional music. This includes raising funds, managing finances, maintaining our beautiful traditional costumes, organising events, and supporting our dancers and singers. All Committee members participate on a voluntary basis and are elected by members of Mladi Hrvati at its Annual General Meeting. 

Here's a little introduction to our wonderful Committee.

President - Rose Smolić

Rose Smolić is the newly elected President of F.G Mladi Hrvati in 2023. Rose manages and oversees the overall running of the group and is responsible for welcoming new members, liaising with national and international folkloric groups, and acts as the  representative for the group at events that Mladi Hrvati host and attend. She is a devoted mother to her four children, three of whom are members of Mladi Hrvati. Rose has been a committed committee member and supporter of MH for over a decade. Her passion lies in preserving our rich Croatian traditions, connecting our community through folkloric dance and inspiring our youth to become active members of the Croatian community.

Vice President - Kata Markov

As Vice-President, Kata supports the President in establishing relationships with local and international folkloric organisations and has a key role in finding sponsors and applying for funding. Kata is passionate about keeping Croatian traditions alive and ensuring our cultural identity remains strong for future generations to enjoy. She is inspired by folkloric music and dance and the beauty of the intricate and embellished traditional costumes. Her son has been a member of Mladi Hrvati since 2016.

Secretary - Angela Tutek

Angela Tutek is the dedicated Secretary of Mladi Hrvati, always ready to provide unwavering support at MH events and ensure that the needs of its members are met. With her exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail, Angela plays a vital role in the smooth functioning of the organisation. Her commitment to excellence and passion for the community make her an invaluable asset to Mladi Hrvati. Angela's children joined Mladi Hrvati in 2016 and are members of the Junior group.

Vice Secretary - Bella Perić

Bella supports the Secretary with administrative duties and is our social media extraordinaire. We are proud to have Bella on board as she has been dancing with Mladi Hrvati since she was 6 years old and is currently a member of the Seniors group. A seasoned professional, Bella's passion for folkloric dance shines through in her commitment to signing up as an assistant teacher in 2023.

Treasurer - Steve Jakičić

Steve manages the groups finances including all incoming funds and outgoing expenses as well as providing an extra pair of hands whenever needed. Steve has a longstanding connection to Mladi Hrvati via his two children who are both members of the Senior group.

Vice Treasurer - Barbara Luketic

Barbara supports the treasurer in the financial supervision of the group.  Barbara has a long history with Mladi Hrvati. Her three children were members of Mladi Hrvati in 1987 until 1998. She and her husband Joe, who is also a valued member of the group, have danced with us since 2009.  

Fundraising Coordinator - Elena Muse

Elena works closely with our Secretary and Vice Secretary to create events and opportunities to fundraise for Mladi Hrvati.  Her daughters joined the Junior and Intermediate Groups in 2015. 

Dance and Music Coordinator - Maya Juka

In addition to teaching and creating choreographies for the Junior, Intermediate and Adult Groups, and playing in our tamburica orchestra, Maya provides direction for and oversees all three dance groups and tamburica orchestra, to ensure that performance goals are met. She is continually liaising with local and international folkloric dance groups and musicians to source music and dance instruction for the group.