Marshal Legacy Institute Executive Director, Ms. Elise Becker and her team, collaborate with Co-Founders of Maryland Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council to Foster a Partnership Between the Two Organizations

On March 7th, 2024, Ms. Elise Becker, Executive Director of the Marshal Legacy Institute (MLI), Ms. Anne Wooleyhand, MLI’s Educational Programs Director, and Ms. Eden Slater, MLI’s Development & Communications Manager joined forces with Co-Founders of the Maryland Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council (MBHEC) – Dr. Emir Nurkic Kacapor and Mr. Adnan Hadrovic – for a productive virtual meeting. The purpose of the collaboration was to fortify the partnership between the two organizations.

Central to the discussion was the recent trip of the MBHEC team to Bosnia and Herzegovina, where they successfully garnered substantial support and collaboration from state-level authorities, marking a significant milestone in the Council’s initiatives.

The MBHEC team presented a comprehensive overview of their progress, emphasizing significant advancements in various strategic program areas. These encompassed collaborative initiatives in energy and environmental efforts, economic and trade partnerships, educational and cultural exchanges, technology and innovation collaborations, as well as civil defense and security cooperation.

Ms. Elise Becker commended the Council for its diligent efforts and expressed a firm commitment to fostering even closer collaboration to strengthen the bonds between Maryland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Since 2004, MLI has been driving the Children Against Mines Program (CHAMPS), an educational, virtual exchange initiative connecting young people in the U.S. and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the humanitarian impacts of landmines in BiH.

In line with their expansion goals, MLI aims to engage more schools in Maryland, enhancing the CHAMPS program and resources, while fostering closer cooperation between Maryland and BiH, particularly within the education sector.

The meeting delved into the details of MLI and MBHEC’s vision for organizational collaboration, partnership, and the prospect of MLI officially becoming a member of the Council in 2024.

Rico Crosby is one of MLI’s demining dogs that served in Bosnia and Herzegovina, ensuring the safety of communities by detecting landmines and unexploded ordnance. The dedication of Rico and his companions, along with their handlers, is crucial in post-conflict regions, aiding in the clearance of hazardous areas and the prevention of civilian casualties.