SDI Partners with WorldChicago to Promote Technology Entrepreneurship through Department of State Exchange Program

CHICAGO, IL- May 6, 2016 – Mission-critical systems integrator SDI will host Merana Sadikovic Mandzukic, the CEO/CTO of Bosnia and Herzegovina-based technology services firm EMC, at its Chicago headquarters as part of the United States’ Department of State Professional Fellows Program (PFP). Facilitated by WorldChicago, the month-long exchange program embraces the power of individual citizens to find creative solutions to challenges they face in their home communities.

Headquartered in Sarajevo, EMC (Emerging Markets Consultants Ltd.) was established in 2007 to provide world-class IT security and business solutions and services to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the countries of the Balkans. EMC provides consulting services and system integration services to organizations in the financial, government, telecom, manufacturing and service sectors.

During her month-long fellowship, Mandzukic will be mentored by leaders of different business functions at SDI, ranging from sales through delivery. The SDI team will share its project management methodologies, best practices and how the firm leverages its IT IQ to provide top-level customer support and services.

“SDI is proud to partner with WorldChicago and the Department of State’s Professional Fellows Program,” states SDI Vice President of Client Technology Yilmaz Halac. “Merana brings exceptional knowledge in market-leading infrastructure and application technologies with an overseas perspective. I look forward to having many meaningful discussions with SDI’s diverse team of technical and business professionals, providing a Merana with a first-hand look into our business and likewise hearing more from her international viewpoint.”

“I am grateful to the U.S. government, WorldChicago and SDI for this exceptional hands-on opportunity,” states Mandzukic. “I am excited to learn about US technology applications and SDI’s operations, and apply this knowledge to my business’ strategic direction and operations back home.”

SDI is one of the hundreds of U.S. organizations hosting Professional Fellows from more than 40 countries this spring. At the conclusion of the program, May 31-June 2, all 260+ fellows will gather in Washington, D.C., for the Professional Fellows Congress, a three-day concluding event aimed at preparing fellows to implement follow-on projects upon their return home and network with other colleagues from around the world.  Since 2010, more than 2,300 participants from more than 75 countries have taken part in the PFP in cities across the U.S., with more than 1,000 American hosts have participated in reciprocal exchanges overseas.

About SDI (SDI Solutions LLC)

Mission-critical systems integrator SDI delivers intelligent technology solutions to ensure client safety, security and revenue generation. With a 25-year corporate resume, SDI addresses the higher IT demands of critical environments to deliver zero downtime, enhanced security and risk mitigation strategies. SDI’s portfolio of clients includes some of the nation’s largest airports, commercial real estate portfolios and national banks and financial services organizations. SDI delivers deep technical expertise and impeccable systems performance, with an agile delivery model focused on complete customer satisfaction. Visit us at sdisolutions.com and follow us on LinkedIn: SDI Solutions and Twitter: @SDISolutions.

About World Chicago

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, WorldChicago facilitates professional and personal interactions for international leaders during official visits to Chicago through U.S. Department of State-sponsored exchange programs; enhances respect and communication through international exchanges and alliances; and promotes the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois as important centers of business and culture.

About The US Department of State Professional Fellows Program (PFP)

The Professional Fellows Program brings emerging leaders in the fields of legislative process and governance; civic engagement; NGO management; economic empowerment and entrepreneurship; and journalism from around the world to the United States for intensive fellowships designed to broaden their professional expertise. Participants spend approximately one month in the United States, during which they receive hands-on exposure to national legislative offices, state legislatures, local government offices, businesses, and non-profit organizations through carefully designed full-time fellowships.

Fellowships provide participants the opportunity to examine the relationship between civil society and government in the United States and how respective agencies and organizations work to strengthen citizen participation, transparency, and accountability. The program also establishes structured interaction among American and foreign participants designed to develop enduring professional ties and lasting partnerships. See more at http://exchanges.state.gov/non-us/program/professional-fellows-program#sthash.byhZzXpW.dpuf

For press inquiries please contact:

Dawn Nash Pfeiffer
EVP of Marketing
312.580.7516
dpfeiffer@sdisolutions.com

U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
eca-press@state.gov