Berlin, Germany
May 24–27, 2026
From May 24 to 27, the 4th Annual LOLA Europe Leadership Retreat brought together 19 women leaders in Berlin, Germany, for four days of connection, learning, and leadership development.
Hosted at the MOA Berlin Hotel, the retreat welcomed LOLA President Nena Whitfield, chapter leaders, national leaders, regional leaders, and staff. Participants represented Portugal, Ukraine, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, reflecting the diversity and growing reach of LOLA’s European network.
The retreat brought together some of the region’s most active chapter, national, and regional leaders, creating a unique space for collaboration, mentorship, and the exchange of ideas. Europe has been the birthplace of many of the ideas and movements that shaped the modern understanding of liberty. Today, LOLA’s European leaders continue to build on that legacy by empowering women to become advocates, educators, and leaders in the liberty movement.
Throughout the program, participants strengthened their leadership skills through workshops, discussions, and collaborative experiences while gaining practical tools to help their chapters grow and thrive.
Day 1 – May 24 | Welcome Reception
The retreat opened in Berlin with a warm welcome hosted by Mariana Gomes, a LOLA Europe Regional Leader and host of this year’s retreat.
Nena Whitfield, President of LOLA, shared the story behind the organization’s founding and mission before participants took part in the signature “How I Found Liberty” session. Through personal stories and diverse experiences, participants explored the values that brought them to the liberty movement and to LOLA, creating an immediate sense of connection and community.
The evening continued with a welcome dinner and networking reception, followed by a karaoke social that set a fun and relaxed tone for the days ahead.
Day 2 – May 25 | Leadership, Collaboration, and Pitch Night
Day 2 focused on leadership development, regional collaboration, and one of the most anticipated moments of the retreat: the Elevator Pitch Contest.
Participants reflected on the growth of LOLA Europe over the past two years, celebrating important milestones and the continued expansion of the network across the region. The program also included a Chapter Cultural Exchange, where leaders shared traditional items, sweets, and cultural gifts from their countries.
Key sessions included:
- LOLA Europe: Highlights and Achievements — Liza Przybylska
- LOLA Stances — Izabela Patriota
- Radical Candor: Leading with Clear, Constructive Feedback — Alex Forni & Bridget Jordan (Atlas Network)
- LOLA Structure and Leadership — Nena Whitfield
A standout moment of the day was Radical Candor, which challenged participants to embrace honest communication, constructive feedback, and accountability as essential leadership skills for building strong teams and successful chapters.
In the evening, participants gathered for Pitch Night, joined by local guests from Berlin who served as judges and audience members.
During the Elevator Pitch Contest, participants answered the question “What is LOLA?” in a one-minute pitch designed to strengthen their public speaking and communication skills. The competition showcased participants’ ability to communicate LOLA’s mission with clarity, confidence, and authenticity while inspiring others to become part of the movement.
🏆 Martyna Łukasiak (Poland) was awarded first place, followed by Agnieszka Płonka (Poland, Kraków Chapter Leader) in second place and Tijana Gvozdić (Serbia, National Leader) in third place.
The evening concluded with networking drinks that brought together retreat participants, local guests, and members of Berlin’s liberty community.
Day 3 – May 26 | Leadership, Recognition, and Closing Celebration
Day 3 focused on leadership development, chapter growth, and celebrating the achievements of LOLA Europe.
The day began with professional individual and group photos, followed by “Telling Liberty: How to Turn Liberal Ideas into Stories People Remember,” led by Jenny Joy Schumann. The session challenged participants to think beyond facts and policy arguments, exploring how storytelling can make the principles of liberty more relatable, memorable, and persuasive.
Key sessions included:
- Leadership Roundtable: Learning Across LOLA Chapters — Liza Przybylska
- Practical Workshop: Writing Letters to Donors — Izabela Patriota
Throughout the day, participants exchanged best practices, discussed challenges facing their chapters, and explored strategies to increase their impact within their local communities.
The afternoon transitioned into the Awards Ceremony, recognizing outstanding achievements across the region.
🏆 Mariana Gomes was recognized as LOLA of the Month.
🏆 LOLA Serbia received recognition for its success in the Social Media Contest.
🏆 LOLA Warsaw, Poland was awarded Europe Chapter of the Year, recognizing its exceptional leadership, growth, and impact throughout the region.
The retreat concluded with closing remarks from Nena Whitfield and Liza Przybylska, followed by the presentation of certificates to all participants.
The evening continued with a Mixer Night, bringing together participants, local guests, and members of Berlin’s liberty community for a final opportunity to connect, celebrate, and conclude the retreat on a high note.
Day 4 – May 27 | Berlin Cultural Experience
The final day of the retreat offered participants an opportunity to explore Berlin’s rich history through a guided walking tour.
Participants visited iconic landmarks including the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, and Checkpoint Charlie while learning about the city’s transformation through the eras of Prussia, Nazism, the Cold War, and German reunification.
The experience provided a meaningful conclusion to the retreat. As a city shaped by division, authoritarianism, and ultimately reunification, Berlin offered a powerful backdrop for reflecting on the importance of freedom, democracy, and civic engagement.
Closing & Acknowledgments
The LOLA Europe Leadership Retreat 2026 brought together women leaders from across the continent for four days of learning, collaboration, and leadership development.
Bringing together leaders from countries with different political realities and experiences, the retreat demonstrated the strength of LOLA’s European network and the shared commitment that unites its members. Participants returned home with new skills, stronger connections, and renewed motivation to grow their chapters and advance liberty in their communities. Hosted in Berlin, a city whose history reflects both the consequences of authoritarianism and the resilience of free societies, the retreat provided a fitting setting for conversations about leadership, civic engagement, and liberty.
The retreat also celebrated the achievements of chapters and leaders whose work continues to expand LOLA’s presence and impact across Europe.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our partner and sponsor, Atlas Network, as well as the speakers, volunteers, and members of LOLA’s Europe Regional Team whose dedication made this retreat possible.
Together, they are strengthening a vibrant network of women leaders committed to advancing liberty throughout Europe.
