Project Updates

On May 20 – 23, over 150 Edmund S. Muskie fellows gathered for the second annual Commencement Retreat at the Rocky Gap Lodge and Resort in Cumberland, MD. With beautiful views of the lake and mountains, participants enjoyed the opportunity for networking and professional development, as well as to reflect upon the challenges and the achievements of the past one or two years and prepare for their return home.

On August 31, the Kyrgyz Club of New York City celebrated Kyrgyz Republic Independence Day. Muskie fellows Tolkunbek Abdygulov (2006) and Aisulu Sulaimanova (2007) were highly involved with the planning and implementation of this event. The day’s activities included a show of traditional Kyrgyz dress, performances of Kyrgyz music and song, a Kyrgyz language competition, and a fundraiser for the Nurmeisa orphanage in Kyrgyzstan. More than 70 participants from several different nations were in attendance.

Alisa Moldavanova, a 2007 fellow from Ukraine, is studying Public Administration at the University of Kansas. As part of her community service, Ms. Moldavanova recently gave a presentation about Ukraine to the members of the National Association for Retired Federal Employees. During the presentation participants discussed background information about Ukraine, (recent history, geography, regional diversity and culture), Ukrainian political and public management systems, and governmental policies on health, education, and retirement. Through question-and-answer with the participants, Ms.

In September, Ms. Keti Darakhvelidze, a 2007 fellow from Georgia studying Education at Columbia University, participated in the World Leaders Forum, an annual university-wide initiative at Columbia that serves as a center for public discussion and debate on the large economic, political, social, and cultural questions of our time. Two Columbia University alumni, Mr.

Natalia Evdokimova, a 2007 law fellow from Russia, recently participated in a trip to New Orleans organized by the Washington University School of Law in St. Louis. Together with other volunteers, college students, and New Orleans' residents, the team participated in the Mapping Project led by Lower 9th Ward NENA (Neighborhood Empowerment Network Association). The Lower 9th Ward neighborhood was greatly devastated by hurricane Katrina flood waters. Housing conditions there are still incomplete or outdated. Walking through the neighborhood, Ms.

Elena Khodunova, a 2008 Business fellow from Russia studying at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, took part in the eighth annual CRE (Center for Retailing Excellence) Conference, an event meant to incorporate academics and the retail industry. The conference was divided into three sessions: the macroeconomic view of global and U.S. markets, sustainable issues, and private labels in the retailing industry and merchandising, operations and marketing integration. Ms.

Seda Murtazalieva, a 2008 fellow from Russia studying Public Administration at Eastern Washington University, secured a volunteer opportunity with Spokane Refugee and Immigration Services. Providing Russian language translation, Ms. Murtazaliyeva worked to bridge the language gap so the organization could administer assistance to families in need. She has expressed an interest in introducing comparable services in her native Chechnya.

Mavzuna Burkhanova from Tajikistan and Nelli Darbinyan from Armenia are both 2008 Public Health fellows at the University of South Florida. In October, they attended the American Public Health Association’s 136th Annual Meeting and Exposition in San Diego. Both fellows participated in the conference and also represented their university at a conference booth. They gained knowledge about current research in public health, current projects, initiatives, and work in the field taking place at other universities, as well as opportunities to apply for internships for the coming summer.

Farid Gardashbayov, a 2007 fellow from Azerbaijan, is studying Public Administration at Indiana University. Farid is one of the founders of UNHQ Intern Development Fund. Every year 4,500 graduate students apply to be an intern at the United Nations and only 270 make it. Some of those finalists could not accept such a competitive internship because they lack the means to come to New York City. Some did not even apply.

On December 13th, 2008 IREX Georgia organized a Holiday Reception honoring the Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program alumni of Georgia. Around 150 muskie program alumni and representatives of the US Embassy to Georgia and various educational organizations attended the event. In his remarks, US Ambassador Tefft stressed the importance of the program and the valuable contributions that Muskie alumni have made to Georgia. He hopes to see great things from the newly formed Muskie Alumni Association.