The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) – the leading non-governmental, non-partisan, non-political educational advocacy organization promoting the interests of Macedonians and Macedonian communities worldwide – today announced the appointment of Deana Janceski and Katerina Trajkova to the global UMD Board of Directors. With this, UMD’s Board numbers 16 with full gender balance.
Deana Janceski, who has served as UMD Michigan Chair for the past three years, replaces Trajko Papuckoski as U.S. Director.
Katerina Trajkova, who has been part of the UMD DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) Steering Committee, replaces Lidija Stojkoska as Treasurer.
Papuckoski and Stojkoska served in these roles on the UMD Board for nine years.
“Lidija and Trajko played a vital role in UMD’s progress for nearly the past decade; Lidija competently oversaw the stewardship of UMD’s finances ensuring full accountability and transparency to UMD’s donors and members, and under Trajko’s leadership, UMD expanded to traditional and non-traditional Macedonian communities and in major metropolitan cities throughout the U.S.,” said UMD Chairman Stojan Nikolov.
“We, at UMD, will be forever grateful for their outstanding service and passing the torch to Deana and Katerina who I am positive will excel as U.S. Director and Treasurer.”
Deana Janceski said, “Filling Trajko’s shoes will not be easy, but I rise up to the challenge to represent UMD in the best possible light and work with all UMD Chairs to strengthen UMD’s pillars: advocacy, charitable efforts, human rights, promotion of our Macedonian heritage, and youth leadership development – I very much look forward to what awaits UMD and the Macedonian-American community.”
“I grew up with UMD, interned at the UMD office back in 2012, remained active in the DMV-area, and for the past year tremendously learned from Lidija as assistant treasurer – COVID-19 impacted UMD and significantly decreased its operational funds – we have been diligent, cut costs, and with the help of the UMD Board, and everyone involved in UMD, I look forward to increasing our resources so we can do even more for Macedonians throughout the world,” said Katerina Trajkova.
“I have closely worked with Deana and Katerina – they are capable and hardworking with a strong passion for the Macedonian cause – I cannot wait to continue our collaboration furthering the UMD brand, family, and vision for Macedonia – United, We Can,” highlighted UMD President Meto Koloski. “A huge thank you to Lidija and Trajko – one cannot appreciate what goes into serving in these roles until you witness it firsthand.”
Biographies
Deana Janceski is a first-generation Macedonian-American. Since her involvement with UMD as the Michigan Chair, Deana announced in September 2020 that Michigan Governor, Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed September 8th as Macedonian American Day in the state of Michigan and collaborated with several local businesses to receive a copy of the proclamation. Assisted in launching the Muabet so Meto series. Organized and planned the successful 2018 UMD Macedonian Tribute Ball in Detroit and other Michigan affairs for President Ivanov. Attended and was on the women’s leadership discussion panel for the 5th Macedonian-American Leadership Conference in Miami. Organized the Michigan premiere of Mocking of Christ in 2019, a summer soiree event in 2019, and was a 40 under 40 recipient during the 15th anniversary celebration, for which she served on the planning committee for.
Earning a degree in New York for Fashion Design, Deana was awarded the opportunity to work behind the scenes at Fashion Week in New York.
Deana’s involvement with UMD comes from a genuine love and interest in Macedonia. It stems from her passion for unity in the Diaspora. Thus, making it a priority for Deana and her husband, Dean to continuously educate their 5-year-old daughter, Stasia about her Macedonian roots, the culture, language, and being proud of her birthright.
Katerina Trajkova was born in Skopje, Macedonia. She moved to the US with her family when she was 8 years old. Frequently going back to visit family during the summers, she and her family moved back for a short period of time while she was in High School. When the rest of her family moved back to the US, she decided to stay in Macedonia and finish High School and graduate from Ss. Cyril and Methodius University with a Bachelor in Science in Economics and Marketing. Because of her experience living in Macedonia, she formed a strong bond with the people and developed a huge appreciation and love for Macedonia and the culture. After earning her BS, she continued her studies and earned her MS in Marketing at the American University in Washington, D.C. where she was a recipient of the William and Renay Regardie Scholarship.
Katerina has experience in digital marketing strategies with a focus on data analytics and understanding consumer behavior. In her current role as a Digital Analytics Manager, she leverages technologies to improve data integrity and leads digital reporting and analytics efforts to provide visibility and measurement of digital marketing efforts to uncover insights and opportunities utilizing data. Katerina is very active in UMD initiatives and organizes events in the D.C. metro area. She currently residents in Silver Spring, Maryland.
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