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Boston University College of Communication journalism student Viktoria Popovska, a first-generation Macedonian-American with roots from Skopje, and Piperevo, Strumica, has just completed a Fall (September-December) internship in the office of Congresswoman Debbie Dingell of Michigan as the inaugural Acevska Congressional Fellow.
The Acevska Congressional Internship Program was established last year by the United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) – our nation’s leading voice of half a million Americans of Macedonian heritage – and named after the first female diplomat in Macedonian history and Macedonia’s first Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Ljubica Z. Acevska.
Congresswoman Dingell, Co-Chair of the Congressional Macedonian Caucus, said:
“It has been an honor having Viktoria, the first Acevska Congressional Fellow, in my office this fall. Viktoria is a hard worker and an intelligent young woman. As the first female Macedonian diplomat, Ambassador Acevska is an incredible trailblazer whose influence will empower women like Viktoria for generations to come. Our entire team is confident Viktoria will continue to lead and serve her community, and we wish her the best of luck on her future endeavors.”
Viktoria Popovska, who participated in UMD’s Summer 2023 Birthright Macedonia program and interned for the Macedonian Archives, said:
“I am very grateful I had the opportunity to intern at Representative Debbie Dingell’s office as the inaugural Acevska Congressional Fellow. My time in the Congresswoman’s office provided me with an incredible insight into the work of congressional staffers and an experience I will never forget. I am very thankful to Ambassador Acevska for supporting the fellowship and for Representative Dingell and her staff for the time I spent learning from them.”
Ambassador Acevska, Honorary Member of UMD’s Advisory Council, said:
“Viktoria, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in Washington, D.C., personifies a future leader. I am thrilled she interned in Congresswoman Dingell’s office. Congresswoman Dingell represents the ideal member of Congress, someone who truly represents her constituents, and pursues what is best for the country. Great opportunity for Viktoria to emulate such a leader.”
“I am deeply honored to partner with UMD, an organization I have supported since day one, in giving young Macedonian-Americans the opportunity to learn about our nation’s legislative processes by interning for a Member of Congress. For the past 19 years, UMD has been a major force in inspiring, empowering, and uniting Macedonians, especially our youth.”
The Acevska Congressional Internship Program runs annually with the goal of attracting Macedonian-American students and recent graduates and providing them an opportunity to learn about the legislative process by interning in Washington, D.C. with a Member of Congress.
ACIP aims to create a more civically engaged community by providing a rewarding experience that helps participants learn about the importance of being active in the American civic process. ACIP participants receive a stipend during their internship and engage in mentorship opportunities and leadership training programs run by UMD.
UMD will announce its Spring 2024 Acevska Congressional Fellow in March and is now accepting applicants for the Summer 2024 and Fall 2024 programs. To learn more, and to apply, click HERE.
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