The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) is proud to welcome three new additions to the UMD team. Dr. Luben Todorovski will serve on the UMD Advisory Council and Dr. Aleksandra Fortier and Zaklina Zulumovska will serve as Dallas, Texas Chair and New Jersey Chair, respectively.
Dr. Luben Todorovski, a Macedonian native, works in geotechnical, structural, and mechanical engineering. He has worked for Holtec International, Stone & Webster, Bechtel National, and URS in various lead engineering positions before taking on his current role as Principal Engineer/Technologist with GE Hitachi. He completed both his B.Sc. in Structural Civil Engineering and M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering at St. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Macedonia. He earned his Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering from Texas A&M University.
Dr. Todorovski welcomed his appointment with excitement: “I am eager to serve UMD in my new capacity and look forward to working for a very worthwhile cause to my heart.”
Dr. Aleksandra Fortier is the Intellectual Property Scientific Advisor within the Law Offices of Haynes and Boone LLP in Richardson, Texas. Dr. Fortier was born and raised in Skopje, Macedonia and arrived in the US to pursue her college studies. She obtained a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, as well as an additional Master’s in engineering management from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
Dr. Fortier technical background spans the area of reliability and life-cycle performance of electronics, with focus on device health management, and processing, and design of novel engineering materials. Her research work has been published in over 40 peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and technical presentations and she holds 3 US patents applications.
With regards to her new position as the first-ever Dallas Chair, Dr. Fortier affirmed her desire to raise awareness about Macedonian culture, traditions, and values: “As the new Dallas, Texas Chair, I hope to use my position to bring attention to Macedonia’s right to its own language, independence, autonomy, and its tremendous potential for growth.”
Zaklina Zulumovska was born and raised in Skopje, Macedonia where she lived as a child. At 14, Zulumovska immigrated to the United States with her family and has since resided in New Jersey. She earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Ramapo College of New Jersey and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Kean University, where she graduated with distinction and was a member of the Social Work Honor Society. She currently works for Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Zulumovska cited her extensive social work background and passion for helping others as a source of motivation in her new position as UMD’s New Jersey Chair: “I can’t wait to use my social work background and skillset at UMD to assist the Macedonian community in becoming stronger, more integrated, and more empowered.”
UMD thanks Ana Dukoska who previously served in this role, and currently, chairs UMD’s Women in Leadership program, and is director of Ajvar 5K.
With regards to the three new appointments, UMD Vice President and Advisory Council Chair Aleksandar Mitreski is optimistic and energized: “With these valuable new additions and perspectives, UMD can continue to expand its reach and improve our advocacy and diplomacy efforts.”
U.S. Director Trajko Papuckoski shared Mitreski’s enthusiasm: “Our new appointments will only advance and improve our operations across the United States, strengthening our role as the leading global voice for Macedonians and Macedonian-Americans.”
To get involved in UMD’s work and take a leadership role in your community, please e-mail a letter of intent and CV to UMD Chairman Stojan Nikolov at snikolov@umdiaspora.org.