Mrs. Dhamo is a passionate coach and trainer, with an MBA and graduate studies in Industrial Engineering. Alda is an expert in entrepreneurship, startups, business innovation, SME development and project management with 15+ years of experience in public and private sectors. She has led several EU-funded projects driving SME growth and sustainability (such as EEN-Enterprise Europe Network, ClusterPoliSEE, InnoPlatform). Her contributions extend through ILO and GIZ projects licensed for the SCoRE program, resource efficiency and from CEFE International. In addition to her project work, she serves as a university lecturer and coordinates research projects at the Academy of Sciences of Albania.
Ms. Hoxha is a results-driven B2B Sales Manager with 19+ years of expertise in telecommunications, strategic marketing, and team leadership. She is skilled in driving revenue growth, optimizing performance, and fostering client relationships. As an EMBA graduate, she has a focus on business management and leadership. As a Startup Coach and Mentor for Partners Albania and Startup Albania, Ms. Hoxha is specialized in marketing and sales strategies. She is passionate about AI content creation and utilizing data-driven insights to exceed business objectives.
Mrs. Kaltanji is an experienced Senior Consultant specializing in corporate governance, business development, strategic partnerships, and digital transformation. She helps businesses and organizations enhance growth, profitability, and sustainability. With a strong ability to manage complex projects and collaborate with diverse teams, Mrs. Kaltanji excels in guiding businesses toward long-term success in competitive and regulated markets. Her expertise ensures organizations achieve their goals while navigating evolving market landscapes.
Ms. Semaj is a Human Resources expert with extensive experience in employee benefits at One Albania. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Human Resource Management and teaches Organizational Behavior and Entrepreneurship at the Faculty of Economy, University of Tirana. Ms. Semaj is also a coach and mentor for startups, contributing to the growth of Albania’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Passionate about strategic HR solutions, she actively supports businesses and individuals in achieving growth and resilience.
Mr. Gjeçi, PhD, is a lecturer at the University of New York Tirana and a member of the Commission for the Assurance of Quality Standards. With 7 years of banking experience, he specializes in financial planning and risk management. He has provided consultancy services across various industries and has actively contributed to international conferences and training in banking and finance. He is an experienced Data Scientist, with expertise in ML, AI, and an expert in climate risk, credit rating, and modeling.
Ms. Stringa holds a joint MBA from Lincoln University of Nebraska and the University of Tirana, along with a Computer Science degree from the University of Tirana. With over 20 years of leadership experience in private, public, and non-profit sectors, she has worked with both Albanian and international organizations and taught at the University of Tirana. Specializing in IT project management, her notable experience is in the financial services sector, particularly in pioneering fintech companies. She holds auditor certifications in international standards for quality management and information security and is fluent in English, Italian, and basic German.
Ms. Neli is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Tirana, Faculty of Economics, holding a PhD in Finance. Alongside her academic role, she has contributed to various EU-funded projects and served as a business consultant and trainer for national and international organizations. Her practical experience includes business development services, market research, financial statement auditing, and financial advisory to businesses. She has also been involved in projects focused on Vocational Education, PPP, Blue Economy, and Green Finance.
Ms. Gjolleshi is a seasoned leader with 15+ years of expertise in cybersecurity, governance, and entrepreneurship. She excels in cyber governance, child online safety, and SME innovation. Renowned for her mentorship, Edlira has empowered youth, public administration, and businesses through tailored training. She has collaborated with ITU, UNICEF, and OSCE to advance digital safety, inclusive governance, and cybersecurity policies, contributing to resilient and innovative communities globally.
Ms. Çarçani specializes in value chains and innovative business support as a Business Consultant with an extensive experience spanning multiple years across various business functions and industries. Guided by strategic leadership and customer-centric service, she consistently focuses on enhancing internal processes and capitalizing on market opportunities. Her dedication to excellence drives operational efficiency and effective stakeholder engagement.
Ms. Bezhani is a skilled International Senior Management Professional with 19 years of experience in strategic project management and leading versatile teams. She is an accomplished Interface Expert in governmental affairs, liaising, negotiations, and advocacy. Currently, Ms. Bezhani acts as Knowledge Manager for the Quality Assurance Contractor of the EC Directorate General for Customs and Taxation (Brussels). As a Former Executive Director of AmCham and Senior Governmental Affairs Adviser for TAP, she is also a Member of the UT Administrative. As an Albanian Canadian, she is a Fulbright, Soros, and DAAD Scholar, and has served on Fulbright Boards.
Mr. Aliçkolli is an Albanian entrepreneur and expert in marketing, innovation, and digital transformation. As the co-founder and General Manager of TOK Digital Agency, he has driven successful marketing campaigns for leading brands locally and internationally. He is also the co-founder of Innovation NEST, a pioneering program that empowers startups to scale through strategic support and innovation. With a focus on impactful marketing strategies and cutting-edge digital solutions, Erind continues to shape the future of business and technology in the region.
Prof. Qosja holds a doctorate in management and has 30 years of extensive academic experience. She has made significant contributions to the scholarly community through numerous publications on topics such as entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship education, and innovation. She has initiated several projects connecting universities and businesses, organized business idea competitions, and collaborated with Chambers of Commerce to foster an entrepreneurial culture within the university. Additionally, she has participated in European projects focused on entrepreneurship and innovation.
Ms. Gjata is a Renewable Energy and E-Mobility Expert with experience in international projects, collaborating with NGOs and private organizations on energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives. Her work includes consulting across the Western Balkans, implementing EV infrastructure, and designing photovoltaic systems. She has contributed to impactful projects such as Smart Road Albania, the Sunny Schools Initiative in WB, the PV System on Vau Dejes Dam, and medium- to large-scale renewable energy developments. She is dedicated to adapting innovative solutions for a greener and more sustainable future.
Mr. Dapi has 23 years of experience in Waste Management, Circular Economy, Local Governance, and Environmental Legislation. He possesses strong managerial skills, applied in projects funded by international organizations such as the World Bank, GIZ, Helvetas, and SANE 27, etc. He has received training from SWECO, Ecorys BV, The Hague Academy for Local Governance, and Waste Prevent Alliance. His international project experience includes successful participation in initiatives like Go-Circular (URBACT) and Circular City Lab (GIZ).
Ms. Gribizi is a seasoned business consultant, trainer, coach and PMP with 25+ years of experience in advisory and investment projects for IFC, UN, EBRD, and GIZ. She has expertise in management, business development, corporate governance, environment and strategic planning across various economic sectors. Notable achievements include leading investment climate reforms in Albania, focused on tax simplification, debt resolution, trade facilitation and agribusiness competitiveness. Skilled in public and private sector consultations, Irena excels in leadership and new challenging multitask endeavors.
Assoc. Prof. Shyle has been a full-time lecturer at the Polytechnic University of Tirana since 2009. She is an invited lecturer at several public and private universities. She is an expert in evaluating several study programs in management and marketing at private and public universities in Albania. Her research interests and expertise in different companies include brand equity, personal branding, marketing, management, and consumer behavior. She was a committee and editorial member at several international conferences and journals.
Mr. Gjoka is a Senior consultant, technical advisor, and project manager with over 20 years of expertise in Environmental Engineering, Circular Economy, and Sustainability. He is well renowned for designing and delivering specialized training modules for public and private entities, emphasizing circular economy models, sustainable practices, environmental management systems, and waste management solutions. As a Lecturer and Researcher, Mr. Gjoka is actively engaged in curriculum development and advancing research in waste management, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. He has an extensive portfolio of published works and contributions to national and international conferences.
Ms. Dervishaj is an accomplished businesswoman specializing in food safety, public affairs, marketing, communication, and sustainability. A certified food safety consultant with deep insights into consumer behavior and industry trends, she holds an MA in PR, Advertising, and Marketing. With over a decade of leadership at a culinary institution, she has shaped education and assessment in the food sector, crafting strategies that align market needs and drive startups to success.
Mr. Jubica has over 20 years’ experience in the software industry. He has excelled in roles ranging from Software Developer to IT Manager, Project Manager, and Tech Lead. His expertise spans the financial and educational sectors, where He has led IT operations, managed large-scale projects, and driven transformative outcomes. Passionate about innovation, Ms. Jubica is committed to leveraging technology to exceed expectations, foster team success, and deliver impactful results in the ever-evolving software landscape.
Ms. Çuka, Ph.D., is a renowned expert in AI/ML, IoT, and data science, currently serving as Chair of the Information and Intelligent Systems Department at the University of New York Tirana. Recognized globally for her research, including the NEC C&C Foundation Grant, she connects academia and industry through innovative solutions. As a Google Women Techmakers Ambassador, she advocates for diversity in tech and mentors startups, while also advising international development agencies on incorporating AI-driven analytics into impactful tools.
Mrs. Berdica is an experienced Audit and Advisory Partner at Kreston Albania, bringing over 20 years of expertise in audit, advisory, and financial consultancy. A passionate mentor, she finds great fulfillment in training professionals at all career stages. Her diverse experience includes working across industries, with a focus on donor-funded projects and innovation-driven initiatives such as SIDA’s “EU for Innovation.” As an ACCA member and active contributor to global forums, she champions continuous professional development and quality excellence.
Mr. Qafa is a Cybersecurity Expert with 16+ years of experience across public, private, and NGO sectors. A Ph.D. candidate in cybersecurity, he holds numerous certifications and has led international cyber projects. As a passionate lecturer, he trains young ICT professionals. Mr. Qafa has attended prestigious courses, including the Chevening Western Balkans Cyber Security Fellowship and the Marshall Center, and holds certifications like CISA, CISM, and ISO 27001 Lead Auditor. He is also an author of research papers for international conferences.
Ms. Beqiraj is a legal expert with extensive experience in public administration, including three years as General Director of the GDIP, where she led digital transitions and enhanced IP registration systems. As a member of the Start-ups Council, she advises on integrating IP strategy into business models, helping startups protect innovations and build strong market identities. Specializing in IP rights, she handles trademark, patent, and industrial property registrations, drafts legal contracts, and offers strategic guidance to foster innovation and growth.
Mrs. Dodaj Rrgallina is an ambitious lawyer with over 15 years of experience. Her expertise spans managing project performance, including overseeing human resources, financial control, and quality assurance. She cooperates with upper management and donors to guarantee that projects align with their scope and objectives. She has experience in anti-corruption, integrity issues, criminal justice, rule of law, capacity building, human resources, civil society, risk assessment, and knowledge management and strategic planning, both within the country and across the Balkans.
Ms. Biçaku has gained extensive expertise in finance by developing and implementing roles that support long-term sustainability goals, throughout her career spanning over two decades. Her approach to financial advisory services is rooted in a combination of strong business acumen and extensive experience in corporate governance, internal/external audit, corporate finance, and human resources. Her commitment to sustainability is an added value to my clients in positively influencing the environment in their business and the community.
Ms. Brahimaj has over 30 years of experience as a Senior SME and Startup Expert specializing in entrepreneurship, innovation, and social enterprise development. Holding advanced degrees in Economics and Business Administration, she is a licensed CEFE Trainer, mentor, and coach. As a co-founder of RDA Network and WECA, she collaborates with AFAEMME and regional networks. Ylldise has led projects with EU, EBRD, and USAID, driving economic growth, green business, and social enterprise success in Albania.
