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Nov 08

Our Mission

Bosana Foundation is a respected international advocacy organization dedicated to empowering and improving the economic and social well being of marginalized population through the delivery of targeted education, scholarships and livelihood development programs.

Bosana is an old Indo-European word meaning water and it is believed that the name Bosnia comes from this word, since the country is home to many beautiful rivers. Because water is so crucial to the development and growth of nearly everything, we chose the name Bosana to signify the foundation’s purpose of aiding in the healthy growth and development of the Bosnian people, who have survived such tumultuous times in the recent past.

We believe that through our various projects, we are empowering and educating the youth so that history does not repeat itself and that Bosnia and Herzegovina can once again be a country which boasts peaceful multi-ethnic and multi-cultural traditions.

We are also proud to report that from 2010-12 thanks to our generous sponsors, we were able to allocate 100% of all funds raised towards programs.  Starting in 2012, due to rising operational costs as we expanded our programs, we will allocate only 10% from each donation towards our operational and fundraising costs.


Staff

Senita Slipac - President

Senita is the Founder and President of Bosana Foundation. Since 2003 she has worked with different international NGOs in the capacity of project manager and coordinator. Her experience includes strengthening development strategies of emergency relief programs and supervision of projects’ implementation. She has worked on projects focused on peace education, human rights, microfinance, community development and women empowerment. Senita holds a Masters Degree in Conflict Resolution and Diplomacy and a Bachelors Degree in International Relations from University of California, Santa Barbara.

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Ajlana Osmanagic - Director

Ajlana is a Program Director of Bosana Foundation. Ajlana holds two Bachelor degrees, one in English Language and Literature from University of Bihac, BiH and one in Anthropology from University of Vermont, USA. She has substantial experience working with children and young adults, including teaching experience gained at non-government organization and the local high school in her hometown.  Seeing how the war changed the lives of children and the lasting consequences that are still interfering with their daily lives, she focused on the orphanage project. In doing so, she is hoping to help the orphans of Bosnia and Herzegovina who do not have the financial support to pursue their dreams of higher education.

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Amra Silajdzic - Ambassador

Amra’s modeling career started in 2000 in her home country of Bosnia and Herzegovina where at age 15 she was crowned the Metropolitan Top Model and a winner of the Press Prize, an international competition in China.  These two distinctive wins launched her international career.  Amra was able to move to Paris to pursue her childhood dream of living and working in the fashion capital of the world, where she also quickly earned her own distinguished success. Traveling the world also introduced Amra to many fascinating people, places and stories that helped shape the person she is today and her passion to help the less fortunate, especially those in her home country. In 2011, she became the first Ambassador for Bosana Foundation driven to promote the cause and make a real difference.

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Lana Brkic - Development Director

Lana Brkic holds a B.A. degree in Spanish and Finance. Lana is originally from Sarajevo, Bosnia but she spent most of her teenage years in Valencia, Spain. During the last two years she has dedicated her time to helping children’s charities in the Los Angeles area by organizing monthly events, social hours and concerts but now she looks forward to utilizing those skills to help Bosana Foundation expand its fundraising efforts.   She bring creativity, organizational skills, and commitment to making a positive difference.

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Board members

Leah C. Wells - Communications and Media Outreach

Leah C. Wells brings to the Bosana Foundation board an extensive history of working on issues of domestic and international human rights and peacebuilding through writing and teaching. She is currently pursuing her PhD in political science.

Sejla Holland

Sejla Holland brings to the Bosana Foundation commitment emerged from her memories as a child growing up in the beautiful city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Walking the silk stones of the historical Stari Most bridge in Mostar with her childhood friends and watching those same friends and families torn, like her country, into needless and devastating anguish has only increased her love for humanity allowing her to move from despair to hope to action for all children mercilessly touched by the war.  Being a refugee forever shaped her values and beliefs as well as a gratitude for new life in America. Sejla’s successful business career adds a dimension that will focus on securing substantial pledges and continuous support for the children supported by Bosana Foundation.

Advisory board

Ina Soltani

Amneris Mulabecirovic

Semir Mehmedovic

Suki Medencevic

Sladjana Gusic Saldic

Suzana Giffin