Author: Ana Dajovska 

At the invitation of the American Embassy in Chisinau, Moldova, the President of MAAA, Ms. Zorica Trajkova Strezovska, and the Exchanges and Alumni Coordinator of the American Embassy in Skopje, Mr. Gazmend Ilazi, participated in the Alumni Congress of Moldova on March 16th. They presented the successful work of the Macedonian American Alumni Association and highlighted its strong communication with the Public Affairs Office at the American Embassy as a positive and inspiring example for the Moldovan alumni who are in the process of reestablishing and revitalizing their own Moldovan Alumni Association.

The congress program consisted of three main parts: presenting the efforts and the work of the alumni associations in Europe and worldwide; alumni cooperation; and successful stories of alumni impact on society. The Congress began with opening remarks by Ambassador Kent Logsdon of the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau, Moldova. This was followed by remarks from distinguished guests from the diplomatic corps of Moldova, all of whom are U.S. exchange program alumni.

The first part of the main program for the congress titled ”Creating synergies beyond borders” was filled with inspiring stories related to alumni work around the world. The program began with a presentation by Cezara Nanu, a UK-based serial entrepreneur and founder of numerous startups. Following her inspiring presentation, Viktor Luteco shared his experience working as a senior coordinator and director of IOM’s sub-office in Nigeria.

The second part of the congress was titled ”Promoting alumni cooperation: alumni united for a better community”. During this segment, representatives from alumni associations and the U.S. Embassy shared their experience working with the community and emphasized the social impact created by U.S. exchange program alumni upon returning to their home countries. The President of MAAA, Ms. Zorica Trajkova Strezovska, and the Exchanges and Alumni Coordinator of the American Embassy in Skopje, Mr. Gazmend Ilazi were part of this panel. They shared the the success story of our large alumni organization in North Macedonia, its impact on society and the support MAAA receives from the U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia. MAAA and its various inspiring activities were recognized by the attendees as an example worth following. 

The third part of the congress was  also very inspiring due to the sharing of the outstanding success stories by U.S. Alumni in Moldova. The topics and projects presented in this segment addressed some of the most important challenges faced today. The main areas of work for the alumni projects presented during this panel included human rights, the education of young women leaders, and the inclusion of citizens in political decisions in Moldova.

The congress concluded with final remarks from Ms. Sherry Kenesson-Hall, Director of the EUR Press and Public Diplomacy Office. She emphasized the importance of such events and the significant contributions of U.S. alumni to society. Ms. Kenesson-Hall encouraged all congress attendees to continue working towards creating a better future for their country through impactful alumni projects and activities.