The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) is pleased to introduce our current International Policy and Diplomacy Fellows working from the UMD office in Washington, D.C. this summer: Ananija Ananievski, Veronica Bishop, Ana Donevska, Maria Elenski, and Milka Trajkova.
The UMD Fellowship Program is designed for undergraduate and graduate students interested in current affairs regarding Macedonia and Southeast Europe. The Fellowship serves as an effective means to introduce and advance a future career in foreign policy, journalism, public relations, human rights, advocacy, government, or the nonprofit sector.
“UMD’s Fellows are some of our strongest assets, and without them we would not be able to carry on the important work of our mission to address the interests and needs of Macedonians in Washington, D.C. and throughout the world,” said UMD President Metodija A. Koloski. “These young individuals are the future leaders of our communities and UMD is investing in their professional development.”
Ananija Ananievski, age 20, was born in East Melbourne, Australia to a Macedonian migrant family. In high school, he was awarded the titles of School Prefect and School House Vice-Captain, and he won the 2009 Trinity Prize for Excellence. In addition, Ananija also attended the Victorian School of Languages, graduating in the Macedonian language. He currently is a third-year undergraduate student studying Biomedical Science and International Relations at the University of Melbourne. While at UMD, Ananija is learning more about international affairs and diplomacy, and is getting hands-on experience regarding U.S.-Macedonia bilateral relations.
Veronica Bishop, age 20, was born in Plano, Texas. She spent her childhood in Arizona, attended middle and high school in Colorado, and is now pursuing a B.A. in English with a minor in Political Science at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year, she will also be spending a year abroad at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland studying Irish literature and European Politics. Last summer, Veronica worked at a camp in Colorado that was a hub for international activity. There, she met and discussed current affairs with many young Macedonians, which is how she developed an interest in issues surrounding the country. She is extremely grateful for the opportunity to intern with UMD and has really enjoyed working with the other interns from around the world.
Ana Donevska, age 24, was born in Shtip, Macedonia. After the first two years of high school in Shtip, Ana completed her last two years of high school in Spring Lake, Michigan. Upon graduation, she enrolled at the New York College of Thessaloniki/ Empire State College where she graduated as valedictorian for the class of 2010, majoring in International Relations. A few months later, Ana moved to the Netherlands to accept a full scholarship for the European Studies Master’s Program at the University of Twente. After completing her Master’s degree, Ana moved to the U.S., where she is now a UMD Fellow. Working at the UMD allows her to incorporate the knowledge she acquired during her formal education with the passion she has for her homeland Macedonia.
Maria Elenski, age 19, was born in and currently resides in Paris, France. She attended private school for her secondary education, and is now studying English and Spanish at Sorbonne Nouvelle Paris 3. She is delighted to have the opportunity to come to the United States and intern with UMD. This fellowship has allowed her to learn about the issues surrounding Macedonia and to explore her ethnic heritage. She is excited to be a part of UMD’s mission by helping to extend Macedonia’s culture to France, the U.S., and the rest of the world.
Milka Trajkova, age 18, was born Skopje, Macedonia. She spent her elementary, middle, and high school education in Olney, Maryland. Milka is currently a second year student studying Information Systems and Management at the South East European University in Skopje. She is also dancing with the Macedonian Opera and Ballet. Passionate about making a difference, she was intrigued by UMD’s everlasting determination and persevering nature to give Macedonia a voice outside its borders. She is honored to have the opportunity to work with such a positive and energetic team taking on and learning about the issues that surround Macedonia.
To apply for the Fellowship, please click HERE.
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