Background & Journey to the U.S.

Aldin Fafulovic came to the U.S. in 2014 to study at college after visiting his best friend in Michigan, who was battling stage 4 cancer in 2013. Though Michigan was the initial landing point, he has grown to love both northern Michigan and southern Ohio, where he has lived since 2022, for their natural beauty and outdoor adventures. He adds that he has no care about the MI OH sports rivalry! 

First Impressions of Dayton

Coming from Europe, Aldin noticed that everything was bigger. Cars? Huge! Streets? Wide! Having adjusted to many cultures before (Aldin spent years in Germany and France after the Balkan War in the 1990s), he has adapted—speaking seven languages, living in four countries, visiting fifteen, and growing in his understanding and deep appreciation for diverse communities.

Feeling Welcome

Assuming he would be the only Bosnian in Dayton, Aldin was pleasantly surprised to discover Dayton’s deep ties to Bosnia. The Dayton Peace Accords, the Bosnian flag flying alongside the American flag at Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke Plaza, and Sarajevo being Dayton's Sister City all made him feel connected. One day, while ordering food at the Azra’s Mediterranean Cuisine at the 2nd Street Market in Dayton, the owner pronounced his name correctly. It turned out she too was from Bosnia. That moment changed everything.

Contributions to Dayton

Aldin currently works as a Mediation Specialist with the Dayton Mediation Center and responds with the Mediation Response Unit, offering a peaceful alternative to police response in non violent situations. Through this work, he helps support relational repair and hope in our community.

The Future of Diversity in Dayton

Aldin sees a bright, vibrant future for diversity in Dayton. He is passionate about fostering inclusion, such as bringing more international businesses to Dayton or creating a free international museum. He adds that “these initiatives can help us embrace the perspectives and talents of all residents, strengthening our community.” Aldin adds that he would love to bring a piece of home to Dayton: a Bosnian coffee shop or bistro, where traditional coffee and pastries offer comfort and culture in a welcoming setting.