BHFF BoD: Shaping the Future of Young Leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina

At the recent BH Futures Foundation board meeting, leaders, mentors, and scholars gathered to discuss the organization’s mission, future strategies, and the collective role of each member in building a brighter Bosnia and Herzegovina. The discussion centered around personal reflections on the Foundation's impact, strategic goals for growth, and how to best support and engage the next generation of innovators.

Celebrating the Spirit of Giving Back

Alma, a long-standing member of the Foundation, highlighted the personal rewards of volunteering. Having been involved with BHFF for over seven years, she shared how mentoring has been mutually beneficial, allowing her to both teach and learn from students. Azra, another board member, emphasized the significance of giving back, not only to Bosnia but also to the broader community. “You are the future of Bosnia and our leaders,” she told the young scholars, underlining the Foundation's commitment to empowering the next generation.

Building Careers, Building Bosnia

Nihad Ferhatovic, an alumnus of BHFF, reflected on his own journey, which began seven years ago as a Foundation scholar. Today, he works on cutting-edge software solutions in the automotive industry, but his heart remains with BHFF. He believes the Foundation helped shape his career and is inspired by the new cohort of scholars who are eager to contribute to both their careers and the future of Bosnia. “We all have the same mission: a better future and a better Bosnia,” he remarked, underscoring the shared purpose that unites everyone in the Foundation.

Fostering Innovation and Collaboration

Executive Director Selma Begovic shared that BHFF aligns with her personal ambition to nurture young talent and accelerate their educational and professional journeys. The Foundation offers unique learning experiences from dedicated professionals, both locally and globally, which she views as unparalleled opportunities for growth. “BHFF is something special—you have opportunities here that you won’t find elsewhere,” she emphasized, showcasing the value of such a community.

Engaging the Next Generation

In an effort to better understand and connect with the youth, Azra highlighted the importance of the meeting itself, describing it as the first of many interactions aimed at reducing the generational gap and fostering collaboration. “We hope this meeting will make it easier for us to connect,” she said, expressing a desire for more in-person engagements to bridge the digital divide that remote work can sometimes create.

The meeting also welcomed alumni, like Vladimir, who shared his motivation for joining BHFF: to make a difference by learning and growing alongside like-minded individuals from across Bosnia and Herzegovina. His journey began in his early university years when he searched for an organization that would support his academic growth and found BHFF. Today, he credits the Foundation for introducing him to brilliant minds and encouraging him to pursue positive change in society.

Strengthening Bonds within the Diaspora

Questions from the young scholars touched on the role of the Foundation in connecting young people outside of Bosnia. Alma and Azra explained that, while the Foundation focuses on those within Bosnia, it also actively engages with members of the Bosnian diaspora, who support scholars through mentoring, internships, and funding opportunities. This global network allows scholars to benefit from a variety of resources and helps them gain perspectives from both local and international experts.

A Strategic Vision for Growth

Looking to the future, the board discussed strategic goals for the Foundation, including developing new donor engagement initiatives and raising awareness. Selma introduced a new initiative that includes a “task force” focused on engaging donors who may not contribute financially but support the Foundation’s mission in other ways. Miralem, a long-time mentor and board member from California, emphasized the importance of broadening BHFF’s network, noting that even a small contribution can significantly impact the Foundation’s ability to support scholars.

Encouraging Active Participation

Throughout the meeting, a central theme was the idea of giving back and active engagement. The board encouraged the scholars to contribute to the Foundation’s goals, share their experiences, and participate in volunteer opportunities. “You get as much as you give,” remarked Selma, underscoring the importance of connecting with others, sharing knowledge, and being open to new experiences.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from both the board and scholars to continue working together toward a shared vision of a prosperous and innovative Bosnia and Herzegovina. With each member contributing their unique perspectives and skills, BHFF is not only shaping the careers of young professionals but also paving the way for future leaders who will drive positive change in the country.