The Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF) is committed to advancing sustainable development in Albania. Established as a non-profit in 2009 with support from USAID and the U.S. government, AADF aims to create opportunities and empower communities by investing in key areas like education, leadership, entrepreneurship, cultural heritage, and eco-tourism.
From revitalizing historic sites to fostering innovation, empowering local professionals, and creating entrepreneurial opportunities, AADF’s work is defined by a deep commitment to Albania’s social and economic growth. Operating exclusively in Albania, AADF is governed by a Board of Trustees.
The LEAD Albania program, a leadership initiative, is one of AADF’s core investments in leadership development, a central pillar of its mission in Albania.
The LEAD Albania program, launched in 2013 in Tirana, has become recognized as the country's premier leadership program over the past 11 years. It has significantly enhanced the capabilities of its participants and strengthened its network. The program is well-known for its rigorous selection process, as well as for the professionalism and integrity it demonstrates. This selection process is thorough and transparent, ensuring fairness and equity among candidates. Due to high demand, the process is highly competitive, attracting top talent and ensuring that only the most qualified candidates are chosen. The process highlights the criteria and multiple stages a candidate must meet, further enhancing the program’s reputation for excellence and thoroughness in selecting participants. Each year, the selection committee faces a formidable challenge and significant responsibility as the pool of candidates continues to grow increasingly competitive and highly qualified.
LEAD Albania is a unique program for developing leadership skills, providing young Albanian professionals with first hand work experience at the highest levels of government in the country.
The LEAD program is designed to empower young, talented Albanian professionals with direct experience and leadership exposure within the Albanian government. In 2018, AADF approved LEAD Albania Program II, also known as the Leadership Experience and Development Program. Modeled after the White House Fellows Program in Washington, D.C., LEAD Albania is designed to make a unique and prestigious contribution to the development of future leadership in Albania, as well as offer participants the opportunity to personally engage in shaping societal leadership through a one-year fellowship. Fellows engage in this one-year fellowship as advisors in the offices of senior government officials, including the President's Office, the Prime Minister, line ministers, the Mayor of Tirana, and justice institutions such as the High Judicial Council, High Prosecutorial Council, Justice Appointment Council, High Justice Inspector, and the Special Anti-Corruption Structure.
Participants also benefit from a continuous educational component, which includes various training sessions offered by local experts. This educational component culminates in the participation of LEAD Fellows in an executive program at Harvard University in the USA. Another important part of the program, tailor-made for the LEAD Fellows, is the Center for Creative Leadership in Brussels. Based on Albania's current situation concerning EU integration, a new training program on EU Integration will be organized at the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium.
During the one-year period, program participants will have the opportunity to meet distinguished figures from national and international diplomacy, as well as various political leaders. They will also take part in meetings at the European Parliament and the European Commission during a one-week study visit to Brussels. The LEAD Albania program aims to train and develop Albania's future leaders.
The year 2024 marks the 11th anniversary of the program, which has so far had around 120 participants.
We are committed to excellence in governance, education and professional development. Lead Albania inspires our Fellows to strive for the highest standards in everything they do.
We believe in the power of leadership that is ethical, visionary and committed to the well-being of the Albanian people.
We foster a culture of continuous learning and personal growth, both for our Fellows and our organization.
We encourage creative thinking and innovative problem-solving to address Albania's current and future challenges.
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.
