FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Olivera Jankovska, a native of Macedonia and a 2009 University of Arkansas graduate, has been named to the United Macedonian Diaspora "40 Under 40" List.

Jankovska earned her bachelor's degree in agricultural business from the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.

The United Macedonian Diaspora accepted nominations from around the world for 40 rising stars of Macedonian heritage in fields of technology, business, real estate, medicine, fitness, finance, teaching, arts, law and government.

Jankovska is a senior market analyst at Calpine Corp., an independent power producer in Houston, Texas. Her duties include quantitative analysis, U.S. market research and business development support for Mexico. She has received Calpine's Impact Award the last two years.

"Every time I introduce myself at social gatherings, my Macedonian origin elicits curiosity from people who may or may not have even heard of this small Balkan country," said Jankovska. "To better explain my heritage, I will start drawing maps, enthusiastically describing the landscape and culture of Macedonia."

Jankovska was born and raised in Kriva Palanka. She earned a scholarship to Perrotis College in Thessaloniki, Greece, before completing her degree at the U of A. She later earned her master's degree in applied and agricultural economics from Virginia Tech University.

"I believe pursuing an international education is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, and so I encourage my fellow Macedonians to seek such a journey," said Jankovska. "No matter how great the obstacles may seem, if one has a strong will, there is always a way to achieve this goal."

Jankovska has assisted other Macedonian students through the university admission process, and helped them earn scholarships and academically succeed at various institutions.

Argie N. Bellio, the Indiana representative for the United Macedonian Diaspora and coordinator of the 40 Under 40 feature, sai: "These individuals are highly driven, productive and talented Macedonians." "It's not only important to recognize them for what they've accomplished but to showcase them as leaders to learn from. UMD also believes this list will provide positive role models for future generations of Macedonians, especially our next generation leaders – Generation M."

About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.