Author: WeBalkans

Country: North Macedonia Interests: Education and Sports

Teodora is a project manager, educator, dance teacher, and youth advocate from North Macedonia. She holds an MBA from London Metropolitan University and a Master’s degree in Monetary Economics, Finance and Banking from Ss. Cyril and Methodius University. Despite her academic background in finance, she has dedicated her career to creating inclusive opportunities for children and young people, using education, culture, and creativity as tools for empowerment. With over 22 years of experience in dance, Teodora leads Eureka Dance Company and Eureka Cultural Center, working with more than 400 children, including those with disabilities, and has represented North Macedonia in international programs.

Passionate about learning and making a positive impact, she continues to grow and lead initiatives that foster inclusion and youth engagement. As a Young European Ambassador, Teodora is driven by the belief that meaningful change begins with empowering children and youth to find their voices and shape a better future.

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Country: North Macedonia Interests: International Relations

Katarina Marinković is a Master’s student in European Politics and Society, enrolled in a joint program that has allowed her to live and study in Prague, Krakow, and Barcelona. She holds a double major in Political Science and International Affairs from George Washington University in Washington DC, where she was a scholar-athlete on the tennis team and a member of the Leadership Academy.

Katarina’s academic and professional interests focus on EU integration and enlargement to the Western Balkans, peacebuilding, and human rights advocacy. She has participated in numerous traineeships, workshops, and political conferences, including Erasmus+ training programs. As a research assistant at the Eurasia Center in Washington DC, she authored the article “The Impact of Chinese Investment in Serbia,” which was published on the organization’s website.

During her Master’s studies, Katarina served as an official student visitor to the European Commission and the Council of the European Union. She engaged in meaningful discussions with senior experts on topics related to the EU, particularly enlargement to the Western Balkans.

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Country: North Macedonia Interests: Health and Sustainability

Bojan Ristovski is an experienced activist with over 11 years of dedication to youth empowerment. He was recognized with the “13th of November Award” for his work improving the lives of young cancer survivors in North Macedonia.

Professionally, Bojan is a social media manager and content creator with more than a decade of experience in building engaged communities and driving positive change. Passionate about connecting and empowering young people across the Western Balkans, he thrives in environments where he can make a visible impact.

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Country: North Macedonia

Interests: Business and Entrepreneurship

Sedef Kjamili is a motivated master’s student in computer engineering at Istanbul Technical University, with a strong interest in artificial intelligence and data-driven research. She combines technology, social entrepreneurship, and activism to drive positive change. She currently works in a university lab, focusing on AI applications. She is a two-time winner of the NASA Space Apps Challenge and leads initiatives connecting refugees with local communities as CEO of Migport. She completed an AI internship in Barcelona through Erasmus+ and has participated in international hackathons, including EUvsVirus. Sedef is also passionate about empowering youth through coding and technology education.

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Country: North Macedonia Interests: Sustainability, charity and creativity.

Mila Anastasova is a psychologist and neuromarketing specialist from Skopje, driven by a passion for understanding human behavior and infusing creativity into all aspects of her life. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Neuromarketing. Mila has dedicated several years to exploring the complexities of decision-making and motivational drives, combining scientific research with innovative approaches.

Creativity is central to Mila’s identity. Whether designing unique jewelry or developing impactful research projects, she excels at transforming ideas into meaningful outcomes. Outside of her professional work, Mila is deeply connected to nature, finding joy in skiing and the mountains as well as the sea. She also cherishes time with her family, who remain her greatest source of strength and inspiration.

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Country: North Macedonia Interests: Infrastructure and Architecture

Antonio Grujevski is an architect from Skopje, North Macedonia, currently living and working in Zagreb, Croatia. He holds a Master of Engineering in Architecture and Urban Planning from the University of Zagreb.

During his studies, Antonio contributed to MARH, a Macedonian architecture web platform focused on environmental awareness. He also interned at the Department of Architectural Heritage in Zagreb, working on conservation projects throughout Croatia and mentoring students as a faculty demonstrator.

Professionally, Antonio has collaborated with multiple architecture firms, specializing in sustainable and green design. He has won several competitions, including first prize in the Europe House Skopje architecture competition “Skopje of the New Generation” for his project “Lotus for Her: A Sustainable Oasis in Skopje’s City Park.” Antonio also partners with NGOs across the Balkans on cross-border initiatives aimed at enhancing youth capacity within the European Green Deal framework.

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Country: North Macedonia Interests: Human Rights

Emilija Panovska is a dedicated youth worker from North Macedonia who passionately advocates for Roma rights and human rights education. With extensive experience empowering young people, especially from marginalized communities, she focuses on fostering active citizenship and positive role modeling.

Emilija’s work highlights raising awareness about the Roma community’s history, including the Roma genocide and ongoing issues such as antigypsyism. Through non-formal education, workshops, and creative campaigns, she promotes deeper understanding of human rights and encourages youth involvement in policy-making.

As a Young European Ambassador, Emilija aims to expand these efforts by connecting with young leaders across Europe to build a more inclusive and respectful society.

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Country: North Macedonia Interests: Climate and Environment

Zlatka Kuvendjieska is a people-centered Human Resources professional from Struga. Often spotted riding her orange bike along the riverbank, Zlatka believes everyone has a unique place under the sun. This philosophy guides her passion for helping others find their paths.

Living near Lake Ohrid, she enjoys water sports such as swimming and paddleboarding. An avid traveler and cultural explorer, Zlatka loves discovering new cuisines and exchanging postcards with people worldwide to share her country’s culture.

From an early age, Zlatka has been actively involved in her local community through cultural initiatives, youth advocacy, and civic engagement. These experiences have shaped her both professionally and personally.

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Country: North Macedonia Interests: Human Rights, International Relations

Jana holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Relations, Diplomacy and European Integration at the Faculty of Law “Iustinianus Primus” in Skopje. Her academic path has been complemented by continuous involvement in projects and extracurricular activities related to European integration, human rights, democratic development, regional cooperation and reconciliation. She has taken part in programmes implemented in partnership with UN Women, UNDP, UNHCR, and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. Additionally, she completed a Volunteer Programme at the Assembly of North Macedonia within the Foreign Policy and European Affairs Department. Jana’s work bridges youth advocacy, strategic communication, and grassroots leadership, with a strong commitment to making European integration more accessible and meaningful for young people across the Western Balkans.

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