Alžběta Belánová

Originally from Prague, Liz spent her formative years in the UK, Canada and finally the U.S., where she earned her degree from Rutgers University. She was also awarded the Schaeffer Fellowship in Literary Translation at the University of California, Irvine.

After returning to the Czech Republic, Liz built a career spanning translation, education and operations management. She worked as a localization manager at Arbes Technologies and later served as manager of the Kids&Us Modřany language school, where she gained extensive experience in educational leadership and team coordination.

At AAU, Liz oversees Student Experience and Engagement, as well as the Career Center and Alumni Relations Office. Her role includes welcoming and onboarding new students, fostering a vibrant and supportive campus community and managing the Academic Tutoring Center and Student Mentor Program. She is passionate about helping students make the most of their time at AAU—academically and personally—and works to create opportunities, connections and experiences that will stay with them long after graduation. 

Having raised two wonderful children of her own, Liz has a deep appreciation for the exciting but also challenging journey into adulthood. Combined with her professional experience, this gives her a genuine understanding of the questions, opportunities and uncertainties many students face. She is always happy to listen, offer guidance or simply have a chat.

In her free time, Liz continues to pursue translation to promote Czech literature abroad. Her translations of works by leading Czech authors such as Alena Mornštajnová, Simona Bohatá and Lidmila Kábrtová have been published by Seagull Books and Comma Press.