The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) proudly announces that Emily Abramczyk, former Summer 2022 International Policy and Diplomacy Fellow, has been appointed our new UMD Senior Global Policy and Advocacy Officer through the end of 2024, with the possibility of extension through June 2025 pending UMD’s annual giving fundraising campaign.
Her role will be instrumental in advancing Macedonian causes on the global stage, strengthening UMD’s advocacy efforts, and building more grassroots support for Macedonian advocacy.
“I am pleased to welcome Emily back to the UMD team. Her passion and dedication to the Macedonian cause have already made a significant impact, and I’m confident her leadership will take our global advocacy efforts to new heights. The role of Senior Global Policy and Advocacy Officer is critical for advancing our work. I’m grateful for the generous support of UMD’s members and donors in making Emily’s position possible,” stated Argie N. Bellio, UMD Chairman.
“I’m thrilled to be back with UMD during my break between college and law school! I love the work UMD is doing and am excited to contribute in any way I can. My internship with UMD greatly impacted my final years in college, and I look forward to continuing to enhance my skills through this role. I’m eager to hone my knowledge about current events in Macedonia and the Balkans, advocate for Macedonian diaspora priorities, and connect with UMD supporters around the globe,” said Abramczyk.
Emily, who voluntarily conducted Macedonian advocacy training for incoming UMD interns over the past two years, has hit the ground running since re-joining UMD’s team on August 15th, by visiting Macedonian communities in Detroit, New Jersey, and New York City. In mid-September, she completed a two-day advocacy visit to Washington, D.C., as part of her ongoing efforts to further UMD’s mission, together with UMD Macedonia and Europe Director Gordan Jordanov, and our UMD Fall 2024 Fellow Moustafa Tahoun. Click here to read more about that advocacy visit.
With the help of Macedonians globally, UMD hopes to maintain a full-time staff in Washington, D.C., and Skopje, Macedonia, and expand the team given the growing needs of the global Macedonian diaspora community.
Biography of Emily Abramczyk
Emily Abramczyk, born in Melbourne, Australia, and raised in Rochester Hills, Michigan, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Albion College, where she graduated summa cum laude and with Honors from the Prentiss M. Brown Honors College. She also completed a concentration in Leadership in Public Policy and Service from the Gerald R. Ford Institute at Albion.
During the summer of 2022, Emily interned with UMD as an International Policy and Diplomacy Fellow, gaining insight into Macedonian culture, history, and politics, as well as Macedonian American contributions in the United States, particularly in Michigan. She is thrilled to return to UMD, and eager to advance its mission of advocating for Macedonian interests globally.
Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Emily is passionate about her research on sports diplomacy and its intersection with international relations, particularly sportswashing. An avid golfer, she played Division 3 golf for Albion College.
About the United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD):
Founded in 2004, UMD is a leading international non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting the rights, heritage, and cultural identity of Macedonian communities around the globe. UMD actively advocates for stronger ties between Macedonia and the diaspora while representing the needs and interests of Macedonians worldwide.
For more information or to connect with UMD’s advocacy efforts, please reach out to Emily Abramczyk at eabramczyk@umdiaspora.org.
