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Recognition for diaspora Contribution 2023, Stanley (Nace) Thomas

Recognition for Diaspora Contribution 2023

is awarded to

Stanley (Nace) Thomas

for his outstanding contributions to the Macedonian community in the area of Humanitarian Work.

Stanley (Nace) Thomas has been awarded the Macedonia2025 Recognition for Diaspora Contribution in acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to the advancement of Macedonia and its citizens. His unwavering commitment to humanitarian work, and strong dedicated humanitarian efforts, including disaster relief, refugee support, and social justice initiatives, has significantly impacted both the Republic of Macedonia and those in need.

Stanley Thomas, whose Macedonian roots were affected by historical events, became an influential figure. His father’s surname, Bozinov, became Bozinis when he immigrated to Canada in 1930 and then anglicized to Thomas. After a long separation due to Depression and World War II, Boris, Stan’s father, was finally reunited with his family in Windsor. Stan, a York University MBA graduate, didn’t forget his heritage. He led efforts to send $4 million worth of pharmaceutical supplies to Macedonia during the Kosovo crisis in 1999.

Stan has been involved with the Canadian Macedonian Senior Citizen’s Centre since 1978 and served as its president from 1990 to 1993. He transformed the Macedonian Open Golf Tournament into a fundraiser for Canadian Macedonian Place, raising over $1.2 million for charitable causes. The tournament continues as a 36-hole shotgun start event at Station Creek Golf Club.
Likewise, it is our pleasure to share a short video highlighting Mr. Thomas’ acknowledgment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXImgN2733s

Mr. Thomas received the Recognition for Diaspora Contribution 2023 during the Macedonia2025 Fundraising Gala held in Chicago on September 23, 2023. Accepting the recognition on his behalf was our co-founder, Mr. John Bitov Jr. The Recognition was awarded by the President Stevo Pendarovski.
We are delighted to present a brief pre-recorded video expressing gratitude for receiving the Recognition for Diaspora Contribution by Stanley (Stan) Thomas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJh_Cy1gyic
The Macedonia2025 organization is proud to recognize Mr. Thomas for his remarkable contributions and aspires to see his example inspire others to create a positive impact within their respective communities.

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Recognition for Diaspora Contribution 2023, Vlatko Andonovski

Recognition for Diaspora Contribution 2023

is awarded to

Vlatko Andonovski

for his outstanding contributions to the Macedonian community in the area of Leadership and Advocacy

Vlatko Andonovski has been awarded the Macedonia2025 Recognition for Diaspora Contribution in acknowledgment of his steadfast commitment in the domain of Leadership and Advocacy, where he is showcasing exceptional leadership skills or advocating for Macedonian interests. Moreover, through his professional success, he exerts a positive influence on the global promotion and affirmation of his homeland, contributing to increased awareness and understanding of Macedonia and its people on an international scale.

Vlatko Andonovski, originally from Skopje, became a U.S. citizen in 2015. He graduated from Park University in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in business administration/management and obtained a Master’s in Soccer Coaching Education from Ohio University in 2017. Residing in Kansas City, Missouri, he lives with his wife Biljana and their three children, Dragana, Luka, and Daria.

Andonovski played as a center-back in Europe with clubs like FK Rabotnički, Makedonija GP, and FK Vardar. He shifted to the U.S. for professional indoor soccer and played for various teams, earning accolades including Defender of the Year and being named MVP.

In his coaching journey, he led the professional indoor team Kansas City Comets to a MISL title in 2014-2015. He also served as an assistant coach for the Comets and eventually became the head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2019. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, he won his first 11 games as head coach, establishing a record for the best start in USWNT history. However, he stepped down from the head coach position of the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2023.
Likewise, it is our pleasure to share a short video highlighting Mr. Andonovski’ professional acknowledgment:

President Pendarovski personally awarded Mr. Andonovski with the 2023 Recognition for Diaspora Contribution on the Macedonia2025 Fundraising Gala held in Chicago on September 23, 2023.

The Macedonia2025 organization is proud to recognize Mr. Andonovski for his remarkable contributions and aspires to see their example inspire others to create a positive impact within their respective communities.

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Day 6 Recap: Unforgettable Moments and Celebrating Success at Ohrid HiTech Excellence Camp!

What an incredible day it has been at the Ohrid High-Tech Excellence Camp! Our participants delved even deeper into the world of robotics, engaging in enriching sessions by Robotic Innovation Academy. Their critical thinking and project management skills were on full display as they embraced challenges and honed their technical expertise. The excitement reached its peak as students experienced their first Lego league simulation competition – a truly thrilling moment for all!

As the camp neared its end, friendships blossomed, and bonds grew stronger. The participants shared moments of joy and camaraderie that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

The pinnacle of the day was the certificate awarding ceremony, held in the beautiful Villa Biljana in Ohrid. It was an honor to have the esteemed presence of President Stevo Pendarovski, whose inspiring words and encouragement motivated the young leaders. Macedonia2025 Chair of the Board of Directors, Michael Chklamovski shared his personal story of immense motivation towards his parent’s homeland, fueling the participants’ determination to contribute to society, give back and use their knowledge for the betterment of Macedonia. 

Check the ambient during the Certificate Award Ceremony on the following link: Со годинашните учесници на „Охрид камп за високо-технолошка…

Congratulations to all the participants on their well-deserved certificates of achievement!

As we conclude this extraordinary journey, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to President Stevo Pendarovski for his invaluable support and vision. Together, we will continue fostering an environment that celebrates young talent and leads to a brighter and technologically advanced future for Macedonia.

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Day 5 Recap – Adventure and Learning at Ohrid High-Tech Excellence Camp!

Day 5 brought a wave of excitement to the Ohrid High-Tech Excellence Camp! Our participants started their day with a refreshing boat trip to St. Kaneo, setting the tone for an adventurous day ahead.

Next up, they engaged in captivating robotics sessions with Robotic Academy. Through these sessions, students delved into the basic principles of robotics, mastering construction and programming techniques. An exciting challenge awaited our participants as they had the opportunity to build their own robots and program them for a competition. The thrill of completing missions within a given time frame added a competitive edge to their learning experience.

Amidst all the learning, the participants had a blast at the beach and swimming pool, making the most of the hot summer weather. These moments provided valuable networking opportunities and a chance to unwind and have summer fun together.

To round off the day, a special session on cybersecurity raised awareness about using technologies safely and responsibly. This informative session’s key focus was enhancing their consciousness and understanding of the importance of cybersecurity for children.

Today, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Bar and Breakfast (ForestBar), Fruktal, and Vincinni, who kept us sweet and flavored throughout the day.

Be sure to check out the breathtaking pictures from today’s activities, capturing the joy and enthusiasm of our participants at the #OhridHighTechCamp! Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to make unforgettable memories on this remarkable journey of learning and exploration. 

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Day 4 Recap – Creativity, Innovation, and Fun Sightseeing at Ohrid High-Tech Excellence Camp!

Day 4 at the Ohrid High-Tech Excellence Camp kicked off with an exciting opportunity for some of our participants to speak about the camp on Macedonian national TV. It was a fantastic way to start the day, and the energy only escalated from there!

Throughout the day, our participants immersed themselves in a whirlwind of creativity, innovation, and excitement. The sessions with Young Engineers and Brainster proved to be nothing short of exhilarating, as they delved deeper into the captivating worlds of programming, robotics and design thinking. With boundless enthusiasm, they embraced the challenge of creating incredible projects, using Fable or WE DO 2.0 technology to solve problems related to renewables and sustainable energy. These hands-on experiences left them inspired and passionate about future endeavors in engineering and technology.

Amidst the intensive sessions, our participants had the chance to embark on a picturesque sightseeing tour of the stunning Ohrid. Exploring the rich history and cultural heritage of this enchanting city added a special touch to their camp experience. It warmed our hearts to witness them cherishing their parents’ homeland and forming a deeper connection with their roots during this educational and unforgettable journey.

The perfect blend of learning, fun, and cultural exploration made Day 4 a truly remarkable and cherished moment for everyone involved!

Today, we express our deepest gratitude to four of our corporate partners, Alkaloid, Triglav osiguruvanje, and ItLabs, whose invaluable support has allowed us to focus on ensuring an enriching and safe environment for our bright minds.

As always, we invite you to take a glimpse at the fantastic pictures from today’s activities, showcasing the incredible energy and achievements of our participants at the #OhridHighTechCamp. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators! 

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Day 3 Recap: Ohrid High-Tech Excellence Camp Continues to Thrive!

Day 3 at the Ohrid High-Tech Excellence Camp proved to be yet another productive and enriching experience for our participants! One of the highlights was the visit to factory Kostal Macedonia, where they gained invaluable insights into the automotive industry. Witnessing how robots are utilized in production was an eye-opening and educational experience. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Kostal for providing this enlightening opportunity.

The day continued with more engaging sessions, including a fun-filled one with Young Engineers. Participants had a blast creating parking systems and windmill turbines, exploring the world of robotics in an interactive manner. Furthermore, we were delighted to introduce our new program partner, Brainster, who conducted a session focused on creativity and basic programming using FABLE components.

Amidst all the learning and innovation, the participants also enjoyed some fun beach activities, adding a touch of relaxation to their busy day. And to top it off, we had a delightful early evening session crafting the famous Macedonian earrings, celebrating our local culture and traditions.

We invite you to check out the pictures that capture the highlights of this incredible day at the #OhridHighTechCamp! Stay tuned for more exciting updates and experiences as the camp continues to unfold.

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Day 2 Recap: Ohrid High-Tech Excellence Camp – A Day of Learning and Innovation!

The Ohrid High-Tech Excellence Camp continued to be a hub of learning and creativity on Day 2! Our participants immersed themselves in three captivating robotics sessions, led by the talented team from Young Engineers. Through these sessions, they honed their skills and unleashed their creativity, all while delving into the fascinating world of robotics.

Working in teams with LEGO® robotic sets, they explored the concepts of Light Bricks, Functions, and Parameters. The challenges set by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) added a meaningful dimension to the activities. By collaborating on these challenges, our participants not only developed their problem-solving abilities but also learned the value of perseverance and teamwork. One SDG that held particular significance during these sessions was Goal 7, focusing on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. As the next generation of leaders and innovators, our participants are being empowered to tackle the world’s most pressing issues.

The afternoon brought even more excitement, with team-building exercises, beach activities, and a movie screening to keep the energy high.

A heartfelt expression of gratitude goes out to the US Embassy in Skopje for their unwavering support and collaboration. Together, we are leaving a lasting impact on these brilliant young minds, empowering them to shape a promising future.

Stay tuned for some captivating pictures, showcasing the enthusiasm and achievements of our participants at the #OhridHighTechCamp!

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Day 1 Recap: Ohrid High-Tech Excellence Camp Unleashes a Spectacular Start!

The third Ohrid High-Tech Excellence Camp kicked off with a bang! Our journey began in Skopje and led us to the stunning Hotel Aqualina in Ohrid. Welcoming the 25 participants hailing from the US, Slovenia, Croatia, Cyprus, and our homeland was Nena Manchev, the Leadership and Education Program Manager of Macedonia2025.

As the day unfolded, the participants delved into engaging sessions, delivered by one of our programs partners iSource Ltd, which allowed them to get to know each other and build connections with one another. It set the perfect tone for what was to come.

Adding to the excitement, the participants enjoyed thrilling beach activities, making the day even more memorable. And to culminate this fantastic start, we were treated to an amazing concert at the St. Sofia Church, a part of the Ohrid Summer Festival. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Ohrid Summer Festival for delivering an absolutely amazing performance!

With energy and enthusiasm at an all-time high, we can’t wait for the incredible experiences that await us during the rest of the #OhridHighTechCamp! Stay tuned for more updates!

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Recognition for Diaspora Contribution 2023

Recognition for Diaspora Contribution 2023

is awarded to

Mitre and Sophie Kutanovski

for their outstanding contributions to the Macedonian community in area of Philanthropy and Social Impact.

Mitre and Sophie Kutanovski have been awarded the Macedonia2025 Recognition for Diaspora Contribution for their outstanding contributions to the advancement of Macedonia and its people, particularly through their philanthropic and socio-economic development work in their hometown of Radozda and region.

Mitre’s leadership and dedication to economic development in Radozda have resulted in significant increases in economic activity, job creation, and improved quality of life for community members. Additionally, as a co-founder and former chairman of Macedonia2025, Mitre helped to establish the organization’s second office and launch various business and professional networking opportunities for the diaspora.

Sophie’s unwavering support of Mitre’s work and their joint commitment to philanthropy has had a profound impact on the lives of many students in Macedonia. Together, they have upheld Dedo Atanas Bliznakoff’s legacy of providing scholarships to socially vulnerable students at the University St. Cyril and Methodius. In 2021 alone, their efforts enabled 135 deserving students to receive the highest scholarship amount, and the Atanas Biznakoff Foundation was recognized as one of the Top 50 donors for all Western Balkan countries and as the Top 50 diaspora donors. Their dedication to philanthropy has helped countless students access the education they deserve and pursue their dreams.

Mitre and Sophie’s selfless dedication to the betterment of their community and the advancement of Macedonia and its people are truly inspiring. Their legacy of supporting economic development and education will undoubtedly continue to have a lasting impact on the country and its people.

The Macedonia2025 organization is proud to recognize them for their exceptional contributions and hopes that their example will inspire others to make a difference in their communities as well.

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MACEDONIA2025 SIGNED A MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION WITH “ARNO”

Macedonia2025 signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with “ARNO” for the competition “GREEN IDEAS 2021”, through its participation in the jury, as well as awards for the winners of the competition.

On April 7, 2021, was held the promotional event for the competition “GREEN IDEAS 2021”, organized by the association for social innovation “ARNO”. Nikica M. addressed the event. Blazevski, Chief Executive Officer of Macedonia 2025, as a representative of the partner organization of the competition.

We look forward to great cooperation!