The closure of the weekend in Ohrid marked the conclusion of the 2023 School for Politics, featuring the fifth module titled “Constructing Social Resistance to Diverse Forms of Disinformation.”
As an active and engaged collaborating partner aligned with the esteemed Presidential Center for Political Education, Macedonia2025 takes great pride in extending its heartfelt best wishes to all the participants who dedicated their time and effort to the 2023 School for Politics.
Dear participants, as you embark on your future journeys, we hope you continue to demonstrate the same level of passion, dedication, and resilience that you have exhibited throughout this program. We wish you all the best as you apply the knowledge and skills acquired from this experience to create positive change and make substantial contributions in your respective spheres of influence. Your dedication to enhancing your understanding of political dynamics and fostering critical thinking in combating disinformation is truly commendable. Please accept our warmest regards and sincerest wishes for success in all your future endeavors.
The School of Politics is made possible through collaborative efforts with the offices of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Skopje, the International Republican Institute (IRI), the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Skopje, the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, the Foundation “MK2025,” and the Regional Youth Cooperation Office – RYCO. We extend our gratitude to all these valued partners for their support and contributions to the success of The School of Politics
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.
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 RabotniΔki, 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.
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude and enthusiasm for my experience attending the Kellogg Executive Education Program at Northwestern Kellogg. This program has been nothing short of transformative, both professionally and personally. The instant I set foot on the Northwestern Kellogg campus, I sensed that I was embarking on a unique journey. The quality of the faculty, the depth of expertise, and the degree of involvement surpassed even my most optimistic projections. The program’s syllabus had been meticulously crafted, providing a perfect blend of cutting-edge theory and hands-on application. One of the most remarkable aspects of the program was the diversity of the cohort. Interacting with professionals from various industries and backgrounds provided a rich and dynamic learning environment. The collaborative spirit that permeated our group discussions and team projects was truly inspiring. The faculty at Kellogg are not only renowned experts in their fields but also exceptional educators. They fostered an environment where questions were encouraged, and dialogue was open and enlightening. The real-world insights and case studies they shared were invaluable, and I left each session with a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Beyond the classroom, the Kellogg Executive Education Program offers unparalleled networking opportunities. I had the privilege of connecting with accomplished individuals from around the world, building lasting relationships that I believe will continue to benefit me both personally and professionally. As I reflect on my time at Kellogg, I am filled with a sense of empowerment and renewed ambition. The knowledge and skills I acquired have had a direct and positive impact on my work, allowing me to approach challenges with greater confidence and creativity. I feel better equipped to lead, innovate, and drive meaningful change within my organization. In conclusion, attending the Kellogg Executive Education Program was a defining moment in my career journey. It has sharpened my strategic thinking, broadened my perspective, and elevated my leadership abilities. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone seeking to take their career to the next level and look forward to the opportunity to return for further learning in the future. Thank you to the entire Kellogg community and special gratitude to Macedonia2025 and Mike Zafirovski for this life-changing experience. Participants: Toni Jankovski Company: Product Development & Innovation at Diners Club Macedonia
I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Executive Development Program at Kellogg School of Management through your generous scholarship. My participation took place in May and June 2023, and I wanted to share my thoughts on the program and its impact on my personal and professional journey.
Program Review The campus at Northwestern University was nothing short of remarkableβstate-of-the-art facilities, meticulous attention to detail, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that fostered learning and camaraderie. The caliber of the teaching staff exceeded my expectations. Lectures that stood out included Sergio Rebelo’s ‘Mega Trends in International Economics, βDan Kraemer’s ‘Design Your Next Disruptor Workshopβ, and Loran Nordgren’s courses on βLeading and Managing Innovationβ and βInfluence Without Authority.β The learning approach was hands-on and facilitative, encouraging rich discussions among participants. That said, the group size was slightly smaller than expected, yet it contributed to a more intimate and engaging learning experience. The diversity and spirit of the group were absolutely amazing. I do believe the in-person lectures significantly surpassed online interactions in terms of engagement and depth.
Suggestions for Improvement Expectations and Participant Feedback: Given the program’s intensity, it might be beneficial to gauge the expectations and wishes of the participants. Fewer, more focused lectures could allow for deeper engagement.
Personal and Professional Impact This program has had a monumental impact on my personality and work habits. It has broadened my perspective, improved my leadership abilities, and equipped me with tools to navigate the complex business landscape.
Campus Experience The facilities and resources at Kellogg are world-class, and I found the environment to be intellectually invigorating. The friendships and networks one can build during this period can prove invaluable.
Final Thoughts I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Macedonia2025 for this life-changing experience. The logistical and organizational aspects from both MK2025 and Kellogg were well-executed, ensuring a smooth experience throughout.
To those considering this training, the experience you will gain is unparalleled. You will not just be learning; you will be evolving, in an environment that encourages you to find out what it takes and learn to be the best version of yourself, not only in the professional aspects of life.
Thank you and looking forward to a continued engagement with Macedonia2025.
Participants: Zarko Dimistrioski Company: Managing Partner & Creative Director at BD GRUPA DOOEL (BDG Agency)
