United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) – a non-partisan Washington, D.C.-based organization serving the global Macedonian community – has named Deana Janceski as its first-ever Michigan Chair.
Estimated at over 100,000, Michigan is home to a growing and the largest community of Macedonian-Americans in the United States. Janceski will build upon her existing relations with Macedonian community, faith-based, and student organizations, media outlets, and spearhead educational and advocacy programming.
“It has become even more essential to expand UMD efforts in Michigan – Deana is committed, thoughtful, passionate, and will be a great asset in promoting our shared Macedonian values,” said UMD’s U.S. Director Trajko Papuckoski.
“Getting involved in UMD’s around-the-clock work for Macedonia has been inspirational, keeps you going, and fits perfectly with the principles I was raised with – the same ones I am trying to pass on to my daughter. Being Macedonian symbolizes strength, pride, determination, and motivation,” said Janceski.
“Deana joins UMD at an important time, with our upcoming Macedonian Tribute Ball in Detroit, which will recognize Macedonia’s President, Members of Congress, and Community Leaders – she has put together an exceptional host committee and I have enjoyed closely working with her over the past few weeks,” said Michigan-based UMD Board Member George Peters.
Click HERE to learn more about the UMD Macedonian Tribute Ball in Detroit on Saturday, September 22, 2018.
Deana Janceski, who was listed in UMD’s 2017 40 Under 40, is first-generation Macedonian-American. She lived most of her life in Michigan until she moved to New York to study. Janceski earned a degree in Fashion Design and was awarded the opportunity to work behind the scenes at Fashion Week in New York.
Upon earning her degree she moved back to Michigan and used her fashion skills to create her own clothing line with numerous collections and showcased them at her own fashion shows throughout Michigan.
She continues to create and design in her spare time. Healthcare has also be something she was interested in, as helping others is a passion of hers. As a result, for the last 7 years she has been a Field Account Manager for the largest health insurance carrier in the United States.
She currently resides in Macomb, Michigan with her husband, Dean and 3-year-old daughter, Stasia.