Ivanka Luetić Boban

Ivanka Luetić Boban is a highly accomplished professional dedicated to preserving and promoting the culinary heritage of the Split-Dalmatia region. Before her tenure as Regional Coordinator for the Culinary Heritage Europe network in Split-Dalmatia County, Ivanka had already demonstrated her passion for integrating the region into international networks focused on celebrating and safeguarding local culinary traditions. Her efforts in this role laid the groundwork for significant partnerships and growth in the culinary tourism sector.

Her commitment to the culinary arts is further exemplified by her authorship of the acclaimed cookbook Croatian Way of Preparing Dishes, which highlights the region's rich gastronomic culture.

Ivanka is also a graduate in music and enjoyed a long and successful career as a pop singer, releasing several albums and performing on five continents. She spent five years singing with the opera choir, hosted numerous festivals and events, and worked as a journalist. One of her proudest achievements was organizing Andrea Bocelli’s concert in Međugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, she interviewed the renowned tenor in his hometown during her tenure as a journalist for international television and various newspapers.

Beyond her cultural contributions, Ivanka has been active in Croatian political life since the country’s transition to democracy. She is a founding member of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), the nation’s strongest political party, and served as the founder and national vice-president of the HDZ Women’s Association. Ivanka was a member of city and county parliaments, chaired the Committee for International Relations, and received three medals from the President of Croatia in recognition of her contributions. Her dedication to social issues is further reflected in her three terms as president of the Commission for Gender Equality in Split-Dalmatia County, as well as a Personal Recognition Award from the County for her humanitarian efforts.

Among her many talents, Ivanka also ventured into jewelry design, creating a unique bracelet that she patented as intellectual property.

As a Certification Inspector, Ivanka focuses on strengthening the Croatian market while leveraging her extensive connections in Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. She aims to establish a robust network of certified businesses across these regions, ensuring the preservation and promotion of local culinary traditions.

With her diverse expertise in culinary arts, music, and public service, Ivanka is uniquely positioned to lead impactful initiatives that celebrate and affirm the rich culinary heritage of West Balkan countries.