Author: Mila Parizova

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OPEN CALL FOR SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ZAFIROVSKI EXECUTIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM 2025

Call for applications closed on: October 16th, 2024

Macedonia2025 announces the 2025 Open Call for the Zafirovski Executive Education Program, which provides scholarships to the globally renowned Kellogg School of Management.

Since 2017, the Zafirovski Executive Education Program of Macedonia2025 has provided scholarships for Macedonian business leaders to the globally renowned Kellogg Executive Development Program. The program aims to enhance the competencies and performance of Macedonian business leaders and contribute to further developing the Macedonian economy and society.

Our partner in this Program is the Kellogg School of Management, since 1908, has been pioneering the transformation of business education. With a global reach, Kellogg boasts a vibrant community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni who influence business practices worldwide.  Kellogg brings a blend of theory and practice to its rigorous academic experience, creating a dynamic learning environment. Learn more about the Kellogg School of Management experience HERE 

The Robin and Mike Zafirovski Foundation, in partnership with the Kellogg School of Management, plays a vital role in supporting the Zafirovski Executive Education Program. Our organization, together with the Macedonian business community, is profoundly grateful for their steadfast commitment to advancing the development of Macedonia’s next generation of 100 business leaders. By nurturing their growth, we aspire to empower these leaders to become driving forces for progress, contributing to the strengthening and prosperity of our nation.

The Zafirovski Executive Education Program offers scholarships for Kellogg’s Executive Development Program (EDP) (available scholarships for both sessions)

Kellogg’s Executive Development Program (EDP) trains high-performing managers to become successful leaders. They can learn what it takes to guide organizations through uncertainty and disruption, from general management fundamentals to topics at the forefront of modern strategy. It’s how to anticipate what’s ahead and respond with confidence. To meet the highest expectations, in their next role and everyone after. To be a lasting leader. Kellogg EDP provides the most comprehensive general management overview. It’s a unique balance of business school essentials and emerging topics – from digital transformation to design thinking. The curriculum extends beyond the fundamentals to prepare future leaders for the challenges ahead. This intensive program focuses on a highly immersive and supportive learning environment that emphasizes the foundational business skills needed by general managers to understand and lead the workforce. in which business operates, the key functional areas of management, the development, and implementation of corporate and business strategy, and the promotion of organizational learning. With a finger on the pulse of business, Kellogg ensures the curriculum keeps pace with the ever-evolving challenges and complexity of executive leadership.

Program details:

  • The program comprises blended or in-person sessions of the Kellogg Executive Development Program (EDP), delivered by the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, USA;
  • Each participant is required to prepare and present an individual capstone project addressing a specific business challenge in Macedonia, as well as contribute to a group capstone project – facilitating elevation in Macedonia2025 work;
  • Participants contribute a fee of USD 10,000, covering lodging and most meals (due to potential changes in the program fee, there may be adjustments to this amount);
  • Total program value of approximately USD 33,550 or 37,350 per participant;
  • Additionally, participants are responsible for covering their transportation and visa expenses.

The program offers comprehensive Leadership Accelerator Opportunities, including mentoring, networking, experiential learning, recognition, and benefits through Kellogg Alumni Status, along with ongoing support.

Macedonia2025 requirement:

Each participant should: i) prepare and present an individual capstone project for a specific business/challenge in Macedonia and ii) actively contribute to the preparation and presentation of a group capstone project for the betterment of the Macedonia2025 program/activity of choice.

Target participants: 

  • Who is currently a high-performing mid-level or a senior management executive, a functional senior leader on a path to becoming a general manager;
  • At least 10 years of professional experience;
  • Functional senior leaders who must interface with other functional areas outside of their expertise;
  • Principals of small and medium-sized firms, and entrepreneurs or owners of small companies with growth potential;
  • Who understands that merely focusing on a skills-based change does not lead to sustained professional growth
  • Who appreciates and values diverse business perspectives and discussions.

Additional requirements:

  • Candidates must have full support from their current employer;
  • Strong English reading, listening, and speaking skills are essential;
  • Written recommendations from Zafirovski Fellows are highly encouraged and will be considered. Please see a list of our Zafirovski Fellows HERE;
  • Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Optional Item: Leadership Coaching Package (priced at $ 3,000)

This package offers one-on-one leadership coaching with a Kellogg leadership coach to maximize impact as a leader. Participants work with the coach to set personal goals and explore situation-specific leadership strategies, with coaching sessions available on-site during early mornings, lunchtimes, or evenings.

The 2025 Executive Education Program Sessions
Blended Session
April 7 – May 18, 2025
Start: April 7 at 8:30 AM
End: May 18 at 12:00 PM 

Live Virtual Zoom Half-Days
April 7-11: Faculty Sessions (Required) at 8:30 AM CT
April 21-25: Faculty Sessions (Required) at 8:30 AM CT 

In-Person Full Days
May 8: Welcome Dinner Reception (Optional) at 6:30 PM CT
May 9-18: Faculty Sessions (Required) at 8:30 AM CT
In-Person fee includes lodging and most meal		In-person Session
October 12 – 31, 2025
Start: October 12 at 5:00 PM
End: October 31 at 11:45 AM 

Format: In-Person at Global Hub on Evanston Campus
In-Person fee includes lodging and most meal

Please visit the EDP’s official website HERE or the program’s brochure HERE for more information.

The number of scholarships available for 2025 will be determined upon receiving applications.

How to apply?

To apply, you must fill in the APPLICATION ASSESSMENT FORM, and attach the required documents. At the end of the process, you should have submitted:

     • Completed Application Assessment Form;

     • EDP Kellogg Application Form HERE

     • CV in English (Europass or similar format);

     • High-resolution Photo;

     • Recommendation by Zafirovski Fellow (optional)

Check testimonials from Zafirovski Fellows, down bottom HERE.

Selection Process

     • Macedonia2025 does administrative pre-selection of the applications;

     • During the review process, candidates may be asked to submit additional documents;

     • Pre-selection of potential candidates is done by an expert Selection commission by mid-November 2024;

     • Final selection will follow after a personal interview with Mike Zafirovski;

     • Notifying all selected candidates by the end of December 2024.

Important Note

The call is exclusively open to Macedonian executives and managers of companies based in Macedonia, who are committed to advancing their professional careers within the country and contributing to its economic development.

Scholarship recipients of Macedonia2025 education programs in the previous three years are not qualified to apply. Please note that applicants from companies whose employees have not been previous scholarship recipients of this program will be prioritized.

The Open Call for Kellogg EDP closes on October 16th, 2024.

Looking forward to YOUR application!

Apply now!
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Introducing the “Talents Today – Leaders Tomorrow” Scholarship Recipients for 2024/2025!

We proudly welcome our outstanding 10 high school students into the Macedonia2025 family as part of our Support Fund for Talented Students. These young visionaries have the potential to shape the future of our society, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to support their journey!
Congratulations to the newest generation of scholarship recipients! Together, we are committed to fostering a brighter, more prosperous Macedonia.
A heartfelt thank you to all our generous donors and supporters for investing in the leaders of tomorrow. Stay tuned for updates as they embark on their inspiring paths to success!
Learn more about our scholarship recipients here: https://macedonia2025.com/scholarship-recipients/

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Михаил Стојкоски – позитивна “Атанас Близнакоф„ приказна

Ни преставува чест да ја споделиме со вас позитивната “Атанас Близнакоф„ приказна на нашиот стипендист од Атанас Близнакоф програмата за студентска извонредност – Михаил Стојкоски, студент на Медицински факултет при Универзитет “Св. Кирил и Методиј„ Скопје.

“Искрено ја изразувам мојата благодарност до Фондацијата “Атанас Близнакоф„, која ми претставува огромна поддршка во справувањето со финансиските предизвици што ги носи студирањето. Благодарение на оваа стипендија, мојата академска патека стана многу полесна, овозможувајќи ми да постигнам врвни резултати. Со голема чест ја прифаќам и улогата како дел од High Achievers заедницата. Нивната верба во мојот потенцијал ме мотивира да продолжам да се стремам кон уште поголеми успеси.
Запознавањето на стипендистите меѓу себе носи многубројни нови пријателства, создавајќи простор за размена на идеи, знаење и искуства меѓу луѓе со слични амбиции и цели. Дополнително, оваа заедница на млади луѓе служи како извор на мотивација за натамошни успеси, бидејќи секој стипендист добива можност да учи од достигнувањата на другите и да добие поддршка во предизвиците со кои се соочува.”

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Менче Салилоска – позитивна “Атанас Близнакоф„ приказна

Ни преставува чест да ја споделиме со вас позитивна “Атанас Близнакоф„ приказна на нашата стипендистка од Атанас Близнакоф програмата за студентска извонредност  Менче Салилоска, редовна студентка на студиската програма Општа медицина при Медицинскиот факултет во Скопје, Универзитет “Св. Кирил и Методиј„ Скопје.

“Стипендијата „Атанас Близнакоф“ значително придонесе во мојот образовен процес, овозможувајќи ми како студент да бидам самостојна и независна. Таа ми отвори многу можности за учество на образовни семинари, работилници, конгреси, и други настани. Стипендијата ја зголеми мојата кохерентност, импулс, мотивираност и елан за постигнување повеќе, а можеби најважно – ми внесе чувство на сигурност во себе.

Би им препорачала на идните стипендисти да бидат неуморно жедни за успех и знаење, и стипендијата да ја користат за добри цели, во активности кои ќе придонесат за нивните достигнувања во текот на образованието.„

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Инженери од Џонсон Мети – Промотивна кампања “Наука за иднината„ 

Ајде да инспирираме повеќе ученици да ја засакаат НАУКАТА!

Науката е срцето на иновациите и откритијата кои го менуваат нашиот свет. Нашата кампања „Наука за иднината“ има за цел да ги мотивира и поттикне учениците од основното образование да ја засакаат науката и да го следат патот на научните истражувања. Веруваме дека секое дете има потенцијал да стане идниот голем научник, и ние сме тука да ги инспирираме и поддржиме во тој пат.

Во рамките на нашата кампања, со особено задоволство ви ја претставуваме серијата мотивациски пораки од врвните инженери за контрола на процесот од Џонсон Мети, Македонија. Овие инспиративни професионалци споделија свои совети и мотивации, со цел да ги поттикнат младите умови да ја следат својата страст кон науката.

Ана Таневска Зафировски, ни порачува дека љубопитноста и желбата за знаење се клучот за големите откритија.

Вангел Михајлов, ни ја пренесува важноста на континуираното учење и проширување на нашите хоризонти.

Марко Белакапоски, нѐ потсетува дека со знаење и образование можеме да го трансформираме светот околу нас.

Тијана Лазова, нѐ инспирира со својата порака за упорност и храброст на патот до успехот.

Кампањата „Наука за иднината“ е имплементирана во рамки на Johnson Matthey Програмата за влијание на заедницата „Науката и јас“. Со оваа иницијатива, сакаме да ги поттикнеме учениците да изберат кариера и образование поврзано со наука, и да ја изградат својата иднина како идни лидери и иноватори.

Придружете ни се во ова патување и помогнете ни да инспирираме генерации на млади научници кои ќе го обликуваат светот на утрешницата https://macedonia2025.com/%d0%bf%d1%80%d0%be%d0%bc%d0%be%d1%82%d0%b8%d0%b2%d0%bd%d0%b0-%d0%ba%d0%b0%d0%bc%d0%bf%d0%b0%d1%9a%d0%b0-%d0%bd%d0%b0%d1%83%d0%ba%d0%b0-%d0%b7%d0%b0-%d0%b8%d0%b4%d0%bd%d0%b8%d0%bd%d0%b0%d1%82/

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Vojdan Jordanov – The Executive Education Experience at Northwestern Kellogg School of Management

I attended the Executive Development Program at Kellogg in June 2024. Prior to my arrival there, my only expectation was to be surprised by it. And surprised I was.

EDP has helped me simultaneously focus and expand my thinking. Sounds counterintuitive, however during the program you internalize looking at challenges from a wider perspective and addressing them thoroughly from multiple angles. You are trained to zoom out, understand, zoom in bit by bit and apply specific technical knowledge and skills to problem-solving. 

The program is heavily condensed and squeezed into 3 weeks. It is well structured and follows a very logical flow of subjects and topics. You get to grasp the practical applications and logic of the latest business concepts and use them on real-life examples, all in a matter of hours per topic (marketing, strategy, operations…).

I appreciated the concise and straight forward teaching and well managed discussions. Lectures were quite interactive and while I learned a lot from our professors, I learned at least an equal amount from my peers. 

The skills and knowledge gained are widely applicable in businesses, but also in other organizations, in society and in life. This makes the program really engaging and empowering. It encourages you to think about a wider array of challenges that could be solved in your environment.

I am especially thankful for the new people I got to meet and study with. The group was very diverse geographically and professionally, and I was really eager to learn from each and every other participant in the group. The group breathes together throughout the program. We studied, hanged out, partied, solved problems and discovered a lot about each other’s cultures. We’ve made lifelong bonds and friendships.

The Northwestern University Campus in Evanston wraps up this wonderful learning experience in a cosy and historical atmosphere with all amenities a person would need during their stay.

The program is aimed at building better leaders, and it is for my environment to judge whether I have become a better leader. However, I do feel much more confident and prepared in that role after going through those unforgettable 3 weeks.

In the end, I must emphasize the gratitude I feel towards the team at Macedonia2025 for selecting and supporting us along the way, and making this experience really seamless. At the same time, I would also point out the exceptional organization and support by the EDP program team at Kellogg, who have made sure that our experience is focused on learning and developing.

Coaching 

I opted for the coaching sessions alongside EDP. The program assigns a coach for the duration of the program and several sessions prior and after that. The coach had very relevant experience in the business world and has coached many leaders before. He took a couple of sessions to understand my environment and my positioning, and afterwards guided me in the process of planning how to apply the newly gained skills in my environment. I really appreciated the sessions after the ending of the EDP program, because they’ve helped me maintain my direction even after coming back to everyday work and life.

My message to future scholars

Prepare to be surprised by this world-class experience and learning journey. Kellogg will help you simultaneously focus and expand your thinking. It will improve your problem-solving skills and give you confidence to take on bigger and more meaningful challenges. You get to learn from globally renowned practitioners and scholars about current business issues and movements.

Regardless of your current role, prepare to be propelled to the leader version of you. 

Participant: Vojdan Jordanov

Company: Executive director and Executive member of Board of Directors in Triglav Osiguruvanje AD, Skopje (Triglav Insurance JSC, Skopje)

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Milena Malinovska – positive “Atanas Bliznakoff” story

We are honoured to share with you the positive “Atanas Bliznakoff” story of our scholarship recipient from the Atanas Bliznakoff program for student excellence –  Milena Malinovska from Kumanovo, I study at the Faculty of Philosophy, Institute of Pedagogy in Skopje at University “St. Cyril and Methodius” Skopje. 

This is her experience as a scholarship beneficiary of Atanas Bliznakoff scholarship program for students excellence. 

“We are all aware of the difficult and crisis situations today. Not everyone can afford to continue their education, causing many wishes and dreams to die out, and leaving our intellectual capacities unfulfilled. As a beneficiary of the ‘Atanas Bliznakoff’ scholarship, I can attest that if you’re eager to pursue further education without financial constraints, this scholarship is an excellent option. It provides robust financial support throughout your academic journey, all you need to do is apply. I encourage all aspiring students to consider applying for the ‘Atanas Bliznakoff’ scholarship. It offers invaluable support for continuing your education and fulfilling your academic dreams.”

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Елена Марковска – позитивна “Атанас Близнакоф„ приказна

Ни преставува чест да ја споделиме со вас позитивната “Атанас Близнакоф„ приказна на нашата стипендистка од Атанас Близнакоф програмата за студентска извонредност – Елена Марковска, студентка на Медицинскиот факултет во Скопје при Универзитет “Св. Кирил и Методиј„ Скопје.

“Стипендијата за студентска извонредност “Атанас Близнакоф„ значително ми го олесни студирањето на медицинскиот факултет, особено затоа што доаѓам од финансиски необезбедена позадина. Благодарение на оваа поддршка, можев да ги набавам сите потребни учебници, материјали за учење и други помагала кои се неопходни за успешно совладување на наставата. Ова ми овозможи целосно да се посветам на студирањето и да ги постигнам најдобрите можни резултати.

Имајќи ја оваа стипендија, добив дополнителна мотивација и сигурност дека можам да го следам својот сон и да станам доктор. Поддршката што ја добив преку стипендијата не само што ми помогна финансиски, туку ми даде и чувство на вреднување и признание за мојот труд и посветеност. За ова сум неизмерно благодарна и се надевам дека во иднина ќе можам да ја вратам оваа добрина преку мојата работа и посветеност на здравјето на луѓето.„

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Анамарија Стојкоска – позитивна “Атанас Близнакоф„ приказна

Ни преставува чест да ја споделиме со вас позитивната “Атанас Близнакоф„ приказна на нашата стипендистка од Атанас Близнакоф програмата за студентска извонредност – Анамарија Стојкоска, студентка на Градежниот факултет во Скопје при Универзитет “Св. Кирил и Методиј„ Скопје.

“Јас сум Анамарија Стојкоска, студентка на градежниот факултет при Универзитетот „Св. Кирил и Методиј“ во Скопје и стипендист на фондацијата „Атанас Близнаков“. Стипендиската програма на оваа фондација ми отвори многу врати и ми овозможи да ги реализирам моите академски и лични амбиции и да се развијам како личност. Финансиската поддршка ми овозможи да се фокусирам на студиите и да постигнам одлични резултати, без да се грижам за трошоците.

Оваа стипендија не ми даде само финансиска стабилност, туку и мотивација да продолжам да се стремам кон академска извонредност. Научив како да бидам финансиски одговорна и самостојна, што ќе ми биде од голема корист во иднина. Се чувствувам гордо што сум дел од оваа заедница и се надевам дека мојата приказна ќе ги инспирира и другите студенти да аплицираат за оваа стипендистка програма.„

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Anamarija Mitkovska – positive “Atanas Bliznakoff” story

We are honoured to share with you the positive “Atanas Bliznakoff” story of our scholarship recipient from the Atanas Bliznakoff program for student excellence –  Anamaria Mitkovska, student at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, majoring in Molecular Biology with Genetics in Skopje, University “St. Cyril and Methodius” Skopjе.

“Studying  in these hard economic  times is a big challenge.  The “Atanas Bliznakoff” scholarship was the best thing that happened in my life, because without the scholarship my studies would have been more difficult. First academic year is difficult and brings challenges and difficulties to which we all have to adapt, but “Atanas Bliznakoff” scholarship motivated me to successfully overcome all  the obstacles on my road. I am endlessly grateful.

To new scholars I wish successful application for the scholarship, and I encourage them to don’t give up on the new challenges they will face, but to  overcome them because hard work always pays off.”