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Building Global Leaders: UNO Hosts BOLD Fellows from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Young civic leaders from Bosnia and Herzegovina completed a month-long residency at UNO through the BOLD Civic Engagement Fellowship, gaining hands-on experience in leadership, global exchange, and community collaboration.

USA – Omaha, Nebraska – The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) proudly hosted the BOLD (Balkanski Omladinski Lideri – Balkan Youth Leaders) Civic Engagement Fellowship Program for the sixth consecutive year, welcoming the 2025 cohort of emerging leaders from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This flagship initiative, funded by the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina and administered by UNO, provides cultural exchange, civic leadership training, and collaboration opportunities between young BOLD Fellows and the Omaha community.

A Platform for Changemakers

The BOLD Civic Engagement Fellowship is designed to nurture a new generation of civic leaders in the Balkans while strengthening ties between their country and the United States. Each year, Fellows aged 18–25 participate in leadership development, project management training, and hands-on civic engagement activities.

The Fellowship took place from August 17 to September 19, 2025, beginning with a four-week academic residency at UNO, which included interactive workshops, faculty-led seminars, and immersive community projects. Following this, the Fellows participated in a week-long tour of New York City and Washington, D.C., gaining firsthand insight into American history, culture, and civic institutions.

Faculty Leadership and Support

The program is directed by Dr. Lana Obradovic, Associate Professor of Political Science and the Goldstein Family Community Chair in Human Rights.

“By nurturing a new generation of civic leaders in the Balkans, the BOLD Fellowship strengthens democratic values and international cooperation. These exchanges not only empower young leaders abroad, but also reinforce America’s own security and prosperity by fostering global partnerships, reducing instability in the region, and building trust between communities at home and abroad.”

 Dr. Lana Obradovic

Dr. Obradovic is supported by an interdisciplinary UNO team, including faculty from Political Science, Communication Studies, and Public Administration, alongside leaders from the Omaha community. The fellowship is also administered in collaboration with UNO International Programs staff, including Assistant Director for Global Grants, Julie Jimenez, and long-time Community Liaison and Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, Val McPherson.

Building Global Connections in Omaha

During their residency, Fellows engaged with UNO faculty, city leaders, and nonprofit organizations to explore best practices in civic engagement and community-building. In return, Nebraskans benefited from fresh international perspectives on youth civic engagement, policy challenges, and grassroots leadership.

For many Fellows, the experience proved transformative:

“This experience has changed me in many ways. I feel more confident in my ability to lead and collaborate, thanks to the team-building exercises, leadership workshops, and Action Plan sessions. I’ve also become more open-minded, learning to listen, respect diverse perspectives, and adapt my ideas to new contexts.”

“Beyond skills, BOLD gave me a stronger sense of purpose and motivation to take action at home. I now see myself not just as a student, but as someone capable of creating positive change in my community.”

“Not only do I feel more knowledgeable, but I am more confident, inspired, and committed to making meaningful contributions. We adapted to new environments, overcame challenges, and grew into better versions of ourselves.”

Lasting Impact

Past BOLD Fellows have launched significant civic projects in their home country, often continuing partnerships with UNO faculty and Omaha organizations. The 2025 cohort is expected to carry this legacy forward, with projects addressing issues such as youth voter engagement, cybersecurity, and STEM education.

UNO’s Global Mission

The BOLD program reflects UNO’s mission to advance global engagement, foster student success, and build strong community partnerships. As a Metropolitan University, UNO connects Omaha to international communities while preparing students to lead in a rapidly changing world.

For more information on the BOLD Civic Engagement Fellowship Program, visit our website and contact the BOLD Principal Director, Dr. Lana Obradovic at lobradovic@unomaha.edu.

📸 Photo caption: BOLD 2025 fellows present their civic engagement projects during a workshop at UNO. Photo: UNO Office of International Studies and Programs

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