Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) offers a range of executive education programs that are designed to help senior leaders enhance their leadership skills, navigate complex challenges, and drive change in their organizations and communities. These programs leverage HKS’s renowned faculty, research, and global network, offering participants the tools, frameworks, and insights needed to address today’s most pressing leadership and policy issues.
These short programs, provides transformative experiences that equip leaders to make informed, ethical, and forward-thinking decisions in an ever-evolving global landscape.
LEAD Albania program, on behalf of AADF has a collaboration with Harvard Kenedy School since 2015 and to now. These programs provide an intensive environment to explore critical topics such as leadership, public policy, innovation, and strategic management.
This is an intensive program designed to equip leaders with advanced negotiation skills and strategic frameworks essential for high-stakes decision-making. Participants learn from expert faculty and engage in interactive simulations, case studies, and real-world scenarios to build skills in conflict resolution, stakeholder alignment, and influence. This program emphasizes practical, adaptable techniques for managing complex negotiations across sectors, making it ideal for senior leaders looking to drive impactful, sustainable outcomes in challenging environments.
Is designed to accelerate the development of high-potential leaders who are early in their leadership journeys. This program equips participants with foundational skills in leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving, with a focus on public impact and ethical decision-making. Through interactive sessions, case studies, and expert guidance from renowned HKS faculty, participants learn to navigate complex challenges, foster innovation, and build collaborative teams. This transformative program is ideal for aspiring leaders looking to make a meaningful difference in their organizations and communities.
This is an executive program prepared for senior-level leaders in both public and
private sectors who want to advance growth and inclusion. Policymakers struggle to
generate shared prosperity, as economic growth remains elusive or non-inclusive for
too many. Existing development strategies often fail to achieve inclusive growth.
Pathways to prosperity are continuously evolving. Strategies for Inclusive
Growth offers a redesign of economic policy that centers on context-specific
approaches to diagnose economic challenges and to build the capability to
implement economic change.
Mona Xhexhaj has 13+ years of experience in Albania’s civil society sector, leading EU-funded initiatives on enlargement, rule of law, governance, and youth engagement.
She holds a dual BA in Political Science & International Relations (UNYT/Empire State College, USA) and a Postgraduate Diploma in European Politics and Policy (UCL, Chevening Scholar). Since 2018, she has been Executive Director of the Academy of European Integration and Negotiations (AIEN), advancing capacity building on EU accession and fostering a 320+ member expert network.
She has contributed to IPA, Jean Monnet, and Europe for Citizens programs, specializing in research, project management, and stakeholder engagement, while serving in national consultative mechanisms on EU integration.
Kestrina is a financial professional with over 12 years of experience in national and international markets, specializing in financial analysis, strategic planning, and emerging markets.
She has guided institutions, governments, and UN agencies in aligning financial practices with sustainability objectives, promoting entrepreneurship, EU integration, and inclusive growth across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Western Balkans.
Currently, she advises organizations on integrating sustainability and competitiveness into operations and actively mentors young professionals while advocating for women’s economic empowerment.
Erblin Jaku holds a Master of Public Policy from the London School of Economics and degrees in Journalism and Communication and Public Relations from the University of Tirana.
He has over a decade of experience across media, academia, and policy, collaborating with international organisations such as the Council of Europe, the European Union, and UNDP. He previously served as Editor in Chief at Top Channel and currently lectures at the University of Tirana.
His work focuses on media freedom, democracy, governance and public diplomacy, with a particular interest in strengthening democratic institutions in Albania and the wider region.
Dea Llagami is a legal professional specializing in competition law, market regulation, and EU integration, holding advanced degrees from the University of Amsterdam and KU Leuven.
She has served at the Albanian Competition Authority, contributing to legislative reforms, EU alignment, and representing Albania in international forums such as the OECD Global Forum on Competition.
A licensed attorney and assistant lecturer at the University of Tirana, Dea combines legal expertise with policy experience to support institutional reform, rule of law, and Albania’s EU accession process.
Alban Avdulla is a lawyer specializing in the intersection of energy and technology, holding three master’s degrees, including one from Duke University in Intellectual Property and Technology Law.
He has contributed to international initiatives such as the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence and gained early experience interning at the UK House of Commons and lecturing at the European University of Tirana.
Alban provides legal counsel and representation in Commercial, Civil, and Energy Law, notably supporting renewable energy producers managing over 100 hydropower plants, influencing regulatory changes, and promoting sustainable energy development in Albania.
Adi Muja is a lawyer with over five years of experience in private practice and civil society, specializing in legal consulting, contract negotiation, compliance, and legislative analysis.
He has collaborated with the Albanian Parliament on anti-corruption and accountability initiatives and serves as General Director of ECOAST, an NGO for socio-cultural development.
Holding advanced degrees in Private Law and EU Business Law, Adi combines legal expertise with institutional cooperation to promote transparency, good governance, and the rule of law in Albania.
Kej Lili holds Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial engineering from TU Darmstadt, specializing in Electrical Engineering and IT with a focus on alternative energy and energy distribution.
She has conducted research on sustainable innovation and gained professional experience in Germany through projects supporting the EU’s decarbonization goals in project management, process optimization, and renewable energy.
Returning to Albania, Kej aims to contribute to the country’s energy transition and alignment with EU environmental standards, while her passion for travel reflects her curiosity, adaptability, and openness in both life and leadership.
Amanda Terpo is an urban and mobility planner with over 10 years of experience in sustainable development, mobility strategies, and project management.
She works as an independent consultant, designing policies and initiatives that connect planning, people, and sustainability. She has led projects on environmental governance, sustainable mobility, and youth engagement, including contributions to the Western Balkans Green Agenda.
Previously Vice Dean at Polis University, Amanda now lectures on urban mobility and GIS, combining academic expertise with practical applications. As a professional she holds a PhD in Architecture & Urban Planning and an MSc in Urban Planning.
Boralda Minaj is a marketing and PR professional with over 9 years of experience, specialising in communication strategies, digital marketing, and the organisation of international events.
As the Founder and CEO of B Limitless Agency, she has brought global events such as Junction Hackathon and Slush’D to Albania, building bridges between local startups, international investors, and the global innovation ecosystem.
Boralda has experience in the public sector leading national campaigns and high-level communication, and in the private sector developing marketing strategies that drive brand growth and partnerships.
Artenisa Peçulaj holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Environmental Biology from the University of Tirana and has over a decade of experience in biodiversity conservation, protected areas, sustainable fisheries, and environmental policy.
She has worked with institutions such as the National Agency of Protected Areas and WWF Adria, coordinated national projects, engaged stakeholders, and contributed to international networks like the European Rangers Federation.
Currently, she is finalizing the proclamation of Vjosa Valley as a UNESCO Biosphere Region, coordinating grants in protected areas, and pursuing a PhD at the University of Camerino on microplastic pollution and circular economy strategies for marine ecosystem restoration.
