Hello Local Guides!
Today, I’m excited to introduce you to @renata1 (Renata Novko) from Varaždin, Croatia 
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Renata is a Level 7 Local Guide with a strong passion for photography, especially capturing the beauty of nature. By profession, she is a chemical and footwear technician, but her true joy comes from exploring the world through her camera lens.
Renata’s love for sports began in her school days, when she played handball in both primary and secondary school. This experience sparked a lifelong appreciation for physical activity and team spirit.
She continues to share her love for the outdoors and sports through her photos, capturing moments that inspire others to explore and stay active.
When and how did you become a Local Guide?
I became a Local Guide quite by chance. In 2019, I received an email from Google asking if I wanted to join Connect. I checked it out, really liked the community right away, and decided to accept the invitation. That’s how my journey as a Local Guide began!
What inspires you to contribute to Local Guides Connect?
Connect is a wonderful community filled with amazing Local Guides from all over the world. I’m inspired by their stories, their beautiful photos, and the energy they bring. They motivate me to stay active and give the best of myself in everything I share.
What is your favourite type of contribution? Why?
My favourite contributions are definitely photos especially of nature. I also love sharing photos of my hometown Varaždin and my beautiful country, Croatia. Photography allows me to capture and preserve special moments, and I enjoy showing others the places I love.
How do you define leadership, and what does it mean to you?
I wouldn’t describe myself as a leader. I see myself more as a small part of a bigger picture a tiny gear in a big machine. But as I said, I always give the best of myself. If I can help even one person in any way, that makes me happy.
In what ways do you lead or make an impact outside of Local Guides Connect?
I always stay informed about what’s happening in my neighbourhood, city, and county. I’ve helped many elderly people over the years and volunteered when I was younger and healthier. Giving back to the community has always been important to me.
What keeps you motivated to lead and contribute?
My main motivation on Connect is to showcase my town and my country in the best possible light through my stories and photos. I want Local Guides from around the world to discover the beauty and charm of Croatia. My ultimate goal is to inspire someone maybe just one Local Guide to visit my homeland.
I do feel sad, though, that I’m currently the only active Local Guide from Croatia in this amazing community…
Who inspires you the most, and why?
I’m most inspired by the incredible Local Guides and kind-hearted people I’ve connected with here. The ones I communicate with the most, who have supported me since my very first day on Connect. Some are no longer active, but they’ve left a lasting impression.
I’d like to especially mention my closest friend Katja Ljubenova, the wonderful Mr. @TravellerG and the kind Patricia.
How do you think we can inspire more women to be a part of our community?
Honestly, I’m not sure. But I do think it’s wonderful that Connect highlights women-owned small businesses and supports them. I’ve also seen that there are meet-ups organized just for women here, like the one happening in India that’s a great step forward!
Have you faced any challenges? How did you overcome them?
Life is full of both beautiful and difficult moments. Everyone faces challenges, and I’m no different. Recently, I’ve had many family issues and health problems, and after 36 years of work, I lost my job. My biggest support is my husband. Sometimes, my friends as well. Their presence means a lot.
What barriers do you face to contribute in the community as a woman, and how do you overcome them?
I live in Croatia, and here, I’d say women live fairly equal lives compared to men. Thankfully, we don’t face serious or extreme barriers. I feel fortunate for that.
What message would you like to share with women around the world?
I know that around the world, many women still face discrimination, oppression, and inequality. Some endure incredibly hard lives, pain, injustice, and violence. That makes me deeply sad, and I hope those situations will change for the better because no woman deserves that.
To all women:
Be strong. Be brave. Stand together because together, you are stronger. This world without women would be one big NOTHING.
Renata’s story is a beautiful reminder that even the smallest contributions can make a big difference. Her passion for photography, her love for her community, and her desire to uplift others truly embody the spirit of the Local Guides program. We’re so grateful to have her as part of our global family, and we hope her journey inspires more people especially women to share their voice, their culture, and their corner of the world.
Discover more empowering journeys from women around the world in the She Leads series 
Introducing She Leads: Celebrating the Remarkable Women Who Enrich Our Community
