Biography

Ana Ilić is a distinguished Serbian poet, prose writer, and philosopher whose life and work represent an extraordinary fusion of literary reflexivity, philosophical depth, and relentless social activism. Her poetry, featured in numerous national and international anthologies, explores universal human questions and the search for meaning in the modern world.

Literary Career and International Presence With five published poetry collections, Ana has established herself as a recognizable voice in contemporary Serbian lyrics. Her latest work, “Recovering from Hegel” (2025), published by Prometej, premiered at the 2025 Belgrade Book Fair. Her creative reach extends far beyond borders, with her work presented to audiences in Los Angeles, Toronto, Prague, Sarajevo, and the Frankfurt Book Fair. In 2023, she was honored as one of only 38 poets worldwide included in the international anthology Woman Scream. With the 2024 publication of her autobiographical story “Bratz Doll,” Ana is currently developing her first novel, expanding her artistic expression into prose.

Education and Professional Versatility
Ana holds a degree in Philosophy (2019) from the University of Niš. She is also a graduate of the International IT Academy (Web Design), blending her intellectual pursuits with professional expertise in digital media and generative AI. Her commitment to personal growth is reflected in her continuous training in creative writing and modern leadership.

Social Impact and Global Recognition
A prominent advocate for rare disease awareness, Ana is the recipient of the prestigious European “Black Pearl Award” from EURORDIS for her contribution to written media. She was selected as part of the first generation of Rare Disease Day Young Ambassadors 2024 and actively participates in high-level policy discussions regarding therapy accessibility and inclusive social policies. In April 2023, Ana achieved a historic milestone as the first woman from Serbia to complete the Belgrade Marathon in a wheelchair, earning the title “Hero of the 36th Belgrade Marathon”.

The Spirit of Resilience
Despite living with Friedreich’s Ataxia—a rare and progressive condition that involves life on insulin, cardiomyopathy, and spinal deformities—Ana continues to amaze the public with her indomitable spirit and love for art. She lives and creates in Niš, dedicated to the mission of connecting artistic expression with social responsibility.