Stepan Karamalak is the Head of International Relations Service in the Council of Taraclia District of Moldova. He is responsible for developing relations with neighboring states and fostering integration and ensuring the rights of minority communities. Additionally, he is a Deputy of the World Parliament of Bulgarians to Bulgarians Around the World. Stepan possesses a Master’s in International Relations from the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia and a Doctorate in International Relations and Politology from the University of National and World Economy in Bulgaria. During his Humphrey Fellowship, he plans to study international law in the field of protecting the rights of national minorities, public administration and management. Stepan sees the year as an opportunity to develop his skills in leadership and conflict resolution to prevent conflict on ethnic grounds.