Celebrating Dedication and Service: Marcela Băjeanu Receives the 2024 Romanians of Washington, DC Community Award

The 2024 Romanians of Washington, DC Community Award was presented on December 27, 2024 on the stage of one of the organization’s most emblematic events, the Annual Romanian Christmas and New Year Traditions Show, to someone well known in our Romanian-American Community, to Maria “Marcela” Băjeanu. Marcela has been an extraordinary force in our community, tirelessly dedicating herself to various activities that have had a profound impact on the Romanian-American community and beyond.

Maria Marcela Băjeanu receiving the 2024 Romanians of Washington DC Community Award from President Bogdan Banu on the stage of the Romanian Christmas and New Years Traditions event in December 2024.

As President Bogdan Banu noted in his public remarks, the award recognized the multifaceted dedication and service to the local Romanian-American community Marcela has demonstrated over many decades since she moved to the Nation’s Capital.

Maria Marcela Băjeanu pictured here with the Romanians of DC Community Award.

One of Marcela’s most notable contributions was her compassionate caretaking of Sergeant Major Florinel Enache. Sergeant Major Enache, who served in the 282 Mechanized Infantry Battalion that carried out missions in Afghanistan’s Zabul Province as part of the International Security Assistance Force, was grievously wounded by an improvised explosive device on May 4, 2012. Both his legs were amputated from the pelvis area and his left arm from above the elbow. He also suffered a numerous contusions and back injuries which brought him to Walter Reed Medical Center for months long treatment in 2012 and 2013. While at Walter Reed, Sergeant Major Enache was visited twice by then President Barack Obama. Marcela was at his side weekly to provide comfort and solace during a challenging period in Florinel’s life. Her unwavering support and care for Florinel demonstrated not only her kindness and dedication but also her deep commitment to our community and her genuine concern for those in need.

Marcela pictured here alongside Sergeant Major Florinel Enache, during one of her countless visit while he was hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

In addition to her outstanding work with Florinel, Marcela has also been an advocate for children with disabilities, passionately improving the lives of the most vulnerable among us. Her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of the most vulnerable members of our community and her passion for providing care and support to these children is truly commendable.

Working with children with disabilities and helping provide relief and instill confidence, is one of Marcela’s proudest achievements.

Her exceptional culinary talents have brought joy to the Romanian community and the Romanian Embassy in Washington, DC, offering a flavorful link to our shared heritage. Her exquisite dishes have not only delighted our community but have also served as a symbol of culinary diplomacy, being presented to high-ranking American officials, including two U.S. Presidents. Through her cooking, she has built bridges and promoted cultural understanding on a distinguished stage.

Marcela and some of her wonderfully prepared dishes.

Marcela’s unwavering hospitality has also welcomed countless newcomers, from families to visiting artists, helping them feel at home. Marcela’s non-stop advocacy of Romanian food, language, culture, and traditions has been nothing short of inspirational. She tirelessly promotes our heritage to both Romanians and non-Romanians alike, bridging cultural gaps and fostering a deeper understanding of our rich and diverse culture.

Marcela has been a huge fan and supporter of folk groups and musical bands which promote Romania music, dances and traditions. Here she is pictured alongside some of the dancers from the Carpathia Folk Dance Ensemble, a group of mostly Americans who are a constant presence at the Romanian Food Festival as well as other major Romanian events in the Washington, DC area.

Not only is Marcela a caregiver and advocate, but she is also a coach, dedicating her time to teaching gymnastics to children in the area. Her commitment to nurturing young talents and instilling discipline and dedication in the next generation is a testament to her leadership and mentoring abilities.

Teaching gymnastics has been one of Marcela’s passions. She not only instils the love for movement, balance, and tenacity in the many young kids she has worked with over the years, but she is also teaching them about the role Romania played in shaping the world gymnastics movement.

Marcela’s pride and love for Romania are vividly demonstrated by her never being without a Romanian flag. She can be spotted at every Romanian community event and even while driving around the beltway, proudly displaying Romanian flags and a “Romania” license plate. Her dedication to representing our country and culture is awe-inspiring.

Marcela pictured here with her car, proudly displaying a “Romania” license place as well as Romanian and U.S. flags and stickers.

The Award
The Romanians of Washington, DC Community Award was established in November 2019 by the Board of Directors of Romanians of Washington, DC to honor individuals and organizations making significant contributions to the Romanian-American community in the greater Washington, DC area. The Award aims to spotlight the often-overlooked efforts of the most active community members and organizations, recognizing their achievements and inspiring greater involvement in community activities. To learn more about the award and to nominate deserving members of our community please visit www.romaniansofdc.org/projects-community-awards/

The 2024 Romanians of Washington, DC Community Award and the accompanying Certificate presented to Maria Marcela Băjeanu for her dedication and service to the local Romanian-American community.