About Us

My name is Eva Staronova and I am a Slovak American. I earned my master's degrees in Business Administration from Columbia University, New York, as well as Comenius University of Bratislava majoring in marketing management and international business. After completing my studies I was inspired to give back to the communities that helped to support and shape me throughout my life. This is what prompted me to establish the Plus421 Fondation, Inc. with offices in both Manhattan, NY and Bratislava, Slovakia. I extend a special thank you to our founding member, the late William Simmons.

My initial vision for the organization’s mission centered on the combination of philanthropy and culture. I aspired to connect cultures through the enhancement of relationships between the American and Slovak people. The goal was to showcase the cultural richness of Slovakia through the works of Slovak artists and share them within the art, design, and cultural communities of the US. The continued goal is to create opportunities for mutually beneficial interaction among Slovak and American interests in the cultural sphere and beyond.

One of our most successful projects continues to be our annual Slovak Fashion Night which takes place during New York City's Fashion Week. Thanks to our eclectic and diversified event rosters over the years we are able to proudly support a myriad of young artists, fashion designers, visual artists, singers and musicians, writers, dancers and performers. This specific event, amongst others, has solidified the Plus421 Foundation's core commitment to the development and connection of Slovak and American culture. 

Once my initial vision of creating opportunities for artistic and cultural development started to materialize, we began to establish, align, and layer in our philanthropic goals. Through our cultural events we generate funds and raise awareness for people in need. I am thrilled to share that we have been able to help support the YAI New York and its network for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Maventy Health International and the child malnutrition program, Nezabudka (Forget-me-not) Center for people with special needs, autism and cerebral palsy centers, just to name a few.