From Exchange to Action: The Birth of MAAS
From the Balkan Alumni Summit to a new platform for Montenegro’s U.S. exchange alumni
The story of MAAS began with a simple but powerful idea: that U.S. exchange alumni in Montenegro need a stronger, more visible, and more connected platform to continue building on the values, knowledge, and relationships gained through their exchange experiences.
That idea took shape during the Balkan Alumni Summit, held from 27 to 29 May 2025 in Skopje, North Macedonia. Organized by the Macedonian-American Alumni Association, with the support of the U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia, the Summit brought together alumni representatives and young leaders from across the region, including Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, and Bulgaria. The three-day program focused on regional cooperation, democratic values, EU integration, innovation, economic growth, security, and shared prosperity.
For the Montenegrin team, the Summit became much more than a regional gathering. It was a moment of inspiration, connection, and clarity. Through policy discussions, peer exchange, networking, and project development sessions, the team recognized the immense potential of bringing Montenegro’s U.S. exchange alumni together under one dynamic and purpose-driven network.
What began as a project idea generously supported via grant by MAAA and U.S. Embassy ibn North Macedonia, quickly grew into a shared vision: to create a platform that would connect alumni across generations, sectors, and exchange programs, while encouraging them to contribute more actively to Montenegro’s democratic, civic, professional, and social development.
That vision became MAAS.
MAAS was born from the belief that alumni networks are not only about staying connected. They are about turning experience into action. They are about building bridges between people, institutions, and communities. They are about creating space for collaboration, mentorship, leadership, and public service.
Through MAAS, Montenegro’s U.S. exchange alumni will have a platform to share knowledge, develop initiatives, support one another, and contribute to a more secure, democratic, resilient, and prosperous society. The network will also serve as a bridge for regional cooperation, connecting Montenegro’s alumni community with partners and peers across the Balkans.
The Balkan Alumni Summit showed the power of bringing people together around a shared purpose. It reminded us that regional cooperation is built not only through institutions, but also through people, trust, dialogue, and long-term relationships.
MAAS carries that spirit forward.
Born from exchange, strengthened through regional cooperation, and rooted in a commitment to public good, MAAS is ready to grow into a vibrant community of alumni who continue to learn, connect, and lead.
This is how MAAS was born. And this is only the beginning.