Nada Rochevska
ABOUT US
The idea
The founders of the Association for Sport and Volunteering, inspired by their passion for sports and volunteering, founded the organization with the idea that sports can serve as a powerful tool and active citizenship to build a stronger, more connected society.
Through the power of sports and volunteerism, we empower communities, inspire youth, and promote inclusion, personal growth, and active citizenship to build a stronger, more connected society.
Nada Rochevska
President of Association for Sport & Volunteering
Nada Rochevska is a respected leader in sports event management and volunteer leadership, bringing her expertise as founder of NR Sports Volunteer Solutions, a German-based consultancy specializing in volunteer management for sports events. As the President of the NGO Association for Sport and Volunteering in North Macedonia, Nada channels her lifelong passion for sports into empowering volunteer-driven initiatives around the world.
With a foundational career as a national basketball player, she learned invaluable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and resilience. These values have shaped her dynamic career in volunteer management for global sports events, where she has consistently demonstrated a strategic, people-centered approach.
Nada holds a Master of Science in Sport Management, specializing in volunteer management at mega-events, and is currently completing a master’s degree in Olympic studies at the German Sport University Cologne, focusing her research on Olympic volunteering.
Her professional portfolio includes managing volunteer programs for major events such as the CEV EuroVolley 2023 in North Macedonia, the European Mountain Running Championship in Skopje, and the UEFA Super Cup in Skopje. Additionally, Nada has contributed her expertise as a guest lecturer and speaker on volunteer engagement, intercultural communication, and sports event operations at conferences and universities across the USA, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand.
EU Project Engagement
Nada’s extensive expertise extends to her involvement in various EU-funded projects, including key roles such as:
– External Project Manager for the Macedonian Paralympic Committee on the project Volunteering for Inclusion and Empowerment with Sports (VIEWS).
– Project Manager for the NR Sports Volunteer Solutions (NR SVS) project Upskilling Volunteer Managers in Sport.
– External Volunteer Management Expert Associate with NR SVS on the ENGSO project CHANGE – Cooperation for Change Management and Innovation in Sports.
She has also held numerous positions as a member of expert focus groups, contributed to the revalidation of final results for EU-funded projects, and collaborated on initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion and empowerment through sports.
Through NR Sports Volunteer Solutions, Nada provides innovative strategies for volunteer recruitment, training, motivation, and retention, with a strong commitment to fostering values-based volunteer engagement. Her legal background, extensive sports experience, and dedication to integrating minority groups into society through sports volunteering make her a trusted and influential expert in volunteer management and sports operations.
Lusija Knalijan Janeva
Lawyer, Head of Legal Deparment
Lusija Knalijan Janeva is a seasoned lawyer with over a decade of experience, having been in active legal practice since 2009. She graduated from the Justinian First Law Faculty at the University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, specializing in international law. Her studies provided her with a strong foundation in international legal principles, further enriched by hands-on experience during her time volunteering with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). There, she worked on practical cases in international humanitarian law, organized Moot Court Competitions, and participated in various projects that deepened her expertise in this field.
Before launching her legal career, Lusija gained valuable insight into international relations through her volunteer work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, specifically in the Diplomatic Academy and the Department for Bilateral Relations with Non-European Countries. This experience broadened her understanding of diplomacy and international collaboration, which continues to inform her work today.
After passing the bar exam in 2009, Lusija obtained her law license and has since built a successful practice focused on civil law, commercial law, and cases with international elements. Over the years, she has developed a reputation for delivering expert legal solutions, working closely with individuals, small businesses, and well-established firms.
Lusija is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of legal professionals. Her law office has provided training and mentorship to numerous apprentices, offering them invaluable hands-on experience and guidance. She shares her knowledge generously, aiming to equip young lawyers with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their chosen fields.
With a career spanning many years and marked by dedication, expertise, and a commitment to mentorship, Lusija continues to contribute to the legal profession with professionalism and passion.
Lusija Knalijan Janeva
Angel Stamenkovski
Angel Stamenkovski
Head of Financing & Budgeting Department
Angel is responsible for project and financial management within the Association for Sports and Volunteering. He holds a law degree with a specialization in International Law and Diplomacy and has over 20 years of professional experience in international organizations, focusing on project and financial management.
His extensive experience working with various marginalized groups in society, providing assistance and supporting their aspirations for social inclusion, has taught him that the most challenging moments often precede success. Angel has attended numerous training programs focused on working with vulnerable groups and has participated in several conferences addressing the economic and social rights of refugees, as well as exploring long-term solutions to their challenges.
He also has professional experience with the International Red Cross, where he contributed to the organization’s mission by actively participating in the integration of the Exploring Humanitarian Law module into primary school curricula. Additionally, he played a significant role in the establishment and operations of the Youth Club of the Red Cross in Skopje, under the Macedonian Red Cross.
Angel was also part of the Center for Integration of Refugees, supported by the UNHCR Mission in Skopje, where he was responsible for project finance and budgeting, as well as direct engagement and activities with refugees. During the onset of the migrant crisis in 2015, he served on the management team at the Reception Camp in Gevgelija, overseeing the coordination and management of support activities within the camp.
Petar Shimlesha
Journalist, Media & PR Manager
Petar Shimlesha is a distinguished Macedonian journalist and producer with extensive experience in sports journalism and film production. Throughout his career, he has reported from over 12 World and European Handball Championships and covered 10 EHF Champions League Final Four tournaments, showcasing his dedication to sports journalism.
Shimlesha’s versatility extends to advertising, where he worked as a copywriter for Minimal Collective’s “Don’t Bet on Your Life” campaign, demonstrating his ability to craft compelling narratives across various media platforms.
His diverse experiences in journalism, film production, and advertising highlight his multifaceted talents and commitment to excellence in the media industry.
Petar Shimlesha
Anastasija Isijanovska
Anastasija Isijanovska
Project Assistant
A professional volleyball player and a dedicated student at the Faculty of Law in Skopje. Anastasia Isijanovska brings her passion for sport, volunteering, and youth engagement to her role as a Project Officer. With extensive experience in volunteering at high-profile events like the European Men’s Volleyball Championship and active participation in Erasmus+ programs, Anastasia is perfectly positioned to lead initiatives that empower young people and foster community connections.
In her role, Anastasia will focus on training and recruiting volunteers, ensuring they are well-prepared and motivated to contribute meaningfully. Her profound interest in youth development and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life make her an invaluable bridge to the youth world.
With a vibrant energy and a commitment to creating positive change, Anastasia is dedicated to building strong, inclusive teams that reflect the spirit of collaboration and growth. Her leadership will help drive the organization’s mission forward, inspiring the next generation to thrive through sport and volunteering.
Marin Rochevski
Project Assistant
I am a thoughtful and detail-oriented professional with experience across diverse industries, including telecommunications, logistics, hospitality, and manufacturing. As a deep thinker, I take time to analyze situations carefully, ensuring well-informed decisions. I excel at planning, organizing, and executing tasks, always communicating effectively with those around me. Researching is one of my key strengths, allowing me to gather insights and make strategic contributions. I thrive in team environments, offering consistent support and collaboration to achieve common goals. My background has honed my ability to adapt, connect with others, and contribute meaningfully to project and volunteer management efforts
Marin Rochevski