WBAA Regional Board candidates for Bosnia & Herzegovina – get to know them now!
We are pleased to announce that we have received two applications for the open position of board member of the Bosnia & Herzegovina chapter.
Here you can find more information about the candidates and their motivation to become board member for the Bosnia & Herzegovina chapter.
Tihomir Latinovic
WBAA member since: 14.03.2019
Member of which WBAA team: Higher education reform & Equal access to Higher education
My engagement with WBAA so far:
WBAA 1st General Assembly ( March 15-16, 2019, MAK Hotel, Tirana, Albania, live)
WBAA Team Meeting (June 28–30, 2019, Skopje, North Macedonia, live),
WBAA Project, member, Learning and encouraging students of technical sciences to participate in European exchange programs (October 3-5, 2019, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, live)
WBAA Project, coordinator, Making A Regnet (November 22–23, 2019, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, live)
ICAS 2021 conference (May 12–14, 2021, Hunedoara, Romania, Online)
ICAS 2022 conference ( May 25–28, 2022, Banjaluka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Combined)
What is your motivation for applying for this position to become a board member for one of the relevant chapters?
My motivation for applying to be a board member for Higher Education Reform and Equal Access to Higher Education is that I want to help influence higher education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and hence in WBAA. I have extensive experience in higher education and have participated in many WBAA, CEEPUS, and ERASMUS projects.
What are your plans as a board member (what is your plan of action for the period you are elected)?
My plan is to create the Western Balkan Alumni Association Academy of Arts and Sciences as an umbrella institution for the development of education within the WB, with the WBAA and its member professors as the backbone, and to enroll new members of the academic community, as well as distinguished journalists, artists, young enthusiasts, and all those who belong to such an academic environment.
What skills and qualities do you bring to this position?
I worked in higher education for 27 years, from a young assistant to a professor. Knowledge of higher education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including its advantages and disadvantages. As an Evaluator of Doctoral Studies for the European Union, I am also well-versed in European Union politics and framework legislation. As a professor of Intelligent Systems, Information Technologies, and EU initiatives, I believe I can assist young people in focusing on quality and international education.
Describe yourself in three words:
Work hard, Never give up, Be positive
Semir Sikira
WBAA member since: 19.08.2022
Member of which WBAA team: Transition from Higher education to labour market and professional life
My engagement with WBAA so far:
I was co-organizer of WBAA2022011 project and I was project coordinator for WBAA2022027 project.
What is your motivation for applying for this position to become a board member for one of the relevant chapters?
I'm enthusiastic to apply as the National Representative for the Bosnia & Herzegovinian Chapter on the WBAA Regional Board. My motivation is driven by a strong commitment to enhance higher education in our region, backed by international experience and organizational skills. My experiences in an Erasmus+ exchange in Poland and a master's degree from Frankfurt, Germany, have provided insights into global higher education best practices, which I aim to apply to raise educational standards in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Collaborating with a team of 12 dedicated National Representatives who share a passion for educational development is an exciting opportunity. My previous roles as a project co-organizer and coordinator have equipped me with organizational and teamwork skills, making me an asset to the Regional Board.
Building a network of contacts within WBAA and with regional stakeholders is a top priority. These connections will facilitate collaboration within the WBAA network and benefit my future career growth. I'm fully committed to democratic decision-making and accountability, as outlined in the WBAA Statute. I'm dedicated to effectively representing WBAA, managing strategic activities, and providing logistical support.
What are your plans as a board member (what is your plan of action for the period you are elected)?
As a board member, I have a clear plan of action to make a meaningful impact during my term. My primary focus will be on advancing the goals of the WBAA and contributing to the development of higher education in our region. Here is a summary of my plans:
- Advocating for Educational Improvement: I will actively advocate for policies and initiatives aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of higher education in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Engagement in Regional Networking: I plan to be actively engaged in the regional network, fostering cooperation and understanding within the WB6 countries.
- Team Collaboration: I am committed to working effectively with the team of 12 National Representatives on the Regional Board.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Building relationships with stakeholders in the region, including educational institutions, government bodies, and industry partners, will be a priority. These connections will facilitate partnerships and support for educational initiatives.
- Project and Team Support: Leveraging my experience as a project co-organizer and coordinator, I will provide support to WBAA-Teams and delegate special tasks as needed. I will also work with the team to determine which WBAA-Teams or tasks should receive specific support etc.
What skills and qualities do you bring to this position?
Educational Excellence: My academic background, including a master's degree in Money and Finance and participation in an honors degree program focused on AI and Entrepreneurship, demonstrates my commitment to learning.
Research and Analytical Skills: My experience as a university research and teaching assistant and my role in data analytics at Deloitte underscore my proficiency in conducting research, data analysis, and financial modeling.Multilingual Skills: My proficiency in English, German, and my native Bosnian language enhances my ability to engage with diverse stakeholders. Extracurricular Interests: My interests in basketball and piano demonstrate my well-rounded personality and the ability to balance academic pursuits with personal passions. In summary, I possess a diverse skill set, educational achievements, research experience, technical proficiency, and multilingual abilities that make me a well-rounded and highly qualified candidate for this position.
Describe yourself in three words:
Open minded, hard working, curious.
The promotion of the candidates will run until September 19 and the elections will take place from September 20 to September 26 in the Online Community. Please note that you must be a member of the Bosnia & Herzegovina chapter to cast your vote in the election.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact service@western-balkans-alumni.eu.
We are looking forward to the elections and the new WBAA Board member!