FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Romanian-American National Heritage Awards Celebrates 8th Annual Event, Honoring Leadership and Cultural Excellence

Washington, D.C. – September 14, 2024 – The 8th edition of the prestigious Romanian-American National Heritage Awards (RANHA) took place at the residence of H.E. Andrei Muraru, Ambassador of Romania to the United States. This extraordinary event recognized the remarkable achievements of Romanian-American youth, celebrating their leadership, community service, and deep commitment to preserving their cultural roots.

The event, chaired by Adriana Trandafirescu, a member of Romanian United Foundation’s (RUF) Board of Advisors and leader of RUF's Youth and Education Board, honored 50 exceptional Romanian-American students with 30 national and 20 regional awards, recognizing their outstanding contributions both in academics and to the Romanian-American community. The evening also highlighted the importance of leadership in youth, with a focus on empowering the next generation of Romanian-Americans.

Award Winners Recognized for Their Leadership and Impact

This year’s top honorees included the recipients of the Platinum National Awards:

• Emma Dram
• Ayden Pana
• Maxim Cupsa
• Oliver Liebhaber
• Alexandra Lehene
• Alexandru Dragoi
• Sarah Emily Spiridon
• Michael Stoica

Andrei Muraru, Ambassador of Romania to the United States, praised the young adults: “The students we honor today have shown remarkable dedication, not only to their education but also to our shared heritage. Their efforts remind us that our traditions, language, and values are alive and thriving, even far from Romania. They are building bridges between our two nations, ensuring that Romanian identity remains strong for future generations.”

Adriana Trandafirescu added more details about the project and expressed her admiration for the students: "I am thrilled to be part of launching a groundbreaking vision, a platform to connect the youth of the Romanian diaspora, harnessing their dynamism, intelligence, and creativity. This initiative will plug them into a global Romanian network - a visionary platform that is currently being developed by RUF - to provide them with value and opportunities for growth, learning, mentorship, and leadership development. We strive to inspire these youths as the next generation of successful leaders who become catalysts for change in their communities."

Youth-Led Presentations and Artistic Performances

A key part of the evening featured youth-led presentations on important topics such as pre-college applications, research projects, interview tips, and cultural identity. Students, including Theodore Ganea, Liana Moldovanu, and Emily Boldor, led insightful discussions, offering their peers advice on academic and personal development.

Adding to the event's cultural richness, students Michael Stoica and David Osaga provided a beautiful artistic performance, showcasing their talents with a flute and piano duo.

Community Leaders Celebrate Romanian-American Youth

Community leaders from across the U.S. joined to celebrate the accomplishments of the students. Notable speakers included Teodor Stan, President of FORA, and Simona Vasile, Treasurer of RomAmPro. Each speaker highlighted the value of investing in the younger generation and encouraged continued engagement with their Romanian heritage.

Keynote Address by H.E. Andrei Muraru, Ambassador of Romania to the United States

Ambassador Andrei Muraru praised the students’ leadership and dedication during his keynote address, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong cultural connections within the Romanian diaspora. He called on the awardees to continue their community involvement and uphold their Romanian heritage.

Next Steps: Launching "Gașca Mea" and a Global Romanian Youth Board

In an exciting announcement, the Young Leaders shared that they plan to launch an online community platform named “Gașca Mea” (My Crew), designed to connect past, present, and future RANHA awardees. This platform will allow students to collaborate on projects, share ideas, and engage in continuous leadership development within the global Romanian-American community. With RUF's support, this new initiative will further empower young Romanian-Americans to lead in their communities, both in the U.S. and abroad.

Notable Sponsors and Partners
The 2024 Romanian-American National Heritage Awards were generously supported by a wide array of organizations, including:

• RUF (Romanian United Foundation)
• ARCS Project
• RomAmPro
• Together to Help
• Romanul CT
• Romanians of DC
• Hora
• ROCO Chicago
• Alianta
• Immigration Research Forum
  With the strong support of the Embassy of Romania to the U.S. and the Consulate General of Romania to NY.

Looking Forward

As RANHA continues to evolve, its mission remains focused on nurturing leadership and cultural identity in Romanian-American youth. With the upcoming launch of the Gașca Mea platform and the establishment of the Global Romanian Youth Board, the Romanian-American community is poised to see its next generation thrive, both locally and globally.

For more information on the Romanian-American National Heritage Awards or upcoming youth initiatives, please contact:

Press Contact:
Madi Bucheru
Director of Communication & Marketing
[email protected]
https://www.romanianunitedfund.org