For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 6, 2008 - The Founders and Board of Directors of the United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) are pleased to announce the opening of UMD's first office -- in the historic Evening Star Building on Pennsylvania Avenue, in the heart of Washington, D.C.  Located blocks away from the White House and Congress, in the city's main business district, UMD's office will serve the needs and interests of all Macedonians and Macedonian communities throughout the world.
 
In the fall of 2007, UMD held an online drive to raise the necessary funds to open this long-awaited office.  Without the generous support of UMD's members, supporters, and friends, this achievement would not have been possible.  Special gratitude goes to each and everyone who has contributed towards building UMD since it was founded in 2004.
 
UMD's new contact information is as follows; please make a note of this change:
 
United Macedonian Diaspora
1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, 6th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20004
 
Phone: (202) 756-2244
Fax: (202) 756-7323
 
In addition to this great news, the United Macedonian Diaspora is launching the UMD Fellowship Program, which is designed to develop future leaders in the areas of international and domestic politics, diplomacy, public relations, and management.  This competitive Fellowship will give students the unique opportunity to work in Washington, D.C.  UMD is delighted to announce that, beginning May 20, 2008, our first Fellow -- Gorgi Popstefanov - will come on board.  Gorgi will be focusing on international policy and diplomacy.
 
Gorgi was born in Skopje, Macedonia.  At the age of two, his family immigrated to Garfield, New Jersey, where he grew up and spent the majority of his youth.  Throughout his childhood, he retained his Macedonian culture and language via his close relationship with his grandmother Dragica, and yearly trips to the homeland.
 
Currently, Gorgi is finishing his junior year at The George Washington University, where he majors in International Affairs with a concentration in Development Studies.  He is a member of the University's Varsity Rowing team, and also helps with student-run productions on campus.  Gorgi plans to take the LSAT in September, as one of his goals is to attend law school.  He is fluent in Macedonian and proficient in Spanish.   
 
His range of interests are cycling, snowboarding, playing the guitar, songwriting, and exploring Washington, D.C.  In his spare time, Gorgi volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and his University's Athletic Center.  Gorgi's most influential figures are his sisters, Diana and Alexandra, who inspire him daily.
 
Gorgi will be a strong asset to UMD's important work of being the leading non-governmental voice for deepening the U.S.-Macedonia, U.N.-Macedonia, Australia-Macedonia, Canada-Macedonia and Euro-Atlantic-Macedonia relationships.  As such, Gorgi will help UMD continue to be in the forefront of a comprehensive, non-partisan, Diaspora wide effort to irrevocably secure Macedonia's freedom, democracy, security, and prosperity.

Gorgi can be reached by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at (202) 756-2244 starting May 20, 2008.
 
UMD welcomes Gorgi!

Founded in 2004, United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) is an international non-governmental organization addressing the interests and needs of Macedonians and Macedonian communities throughout the world.

# # #

--------------- 

SHOP Macedonian on Amazon and help United Macedonian Diaspora by clicking HERE . 

---------------

DONATE or BECOME A MEMBER TODAY in support of UMD's important work by clicking HERE .