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 concept of the program is derived from the White House Fellows Program in the United States…
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.
Juxhina Gjoni is an Albanian security and defence consultant, expert specializing in civil–military cooperation, operational environment analysis, and transatlantic security affairs. She is the founder of Women in International Security Albania and has lectured on NATO Civil–Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Doctrine and the PMESII–ASCOPE framework. Internationally, she led the Youth Atlantic Treaty Association (YATA), representing networks across 32 NATO states, and completed training at NATO Centres of Excellence. In Albania, she is a recognized security analyst, frequently appearing on national television.
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.
Juxhina Gjoni is an Albanian security and defence consultant, expert specializing in civil–military cooperation, operational environment analysis, and transatlantic security affairs. She is the founder of Women in International Security Albania and has lectured on NATO Civil–Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Doctrine and the PMESII–ASCOPE framework. Internationally, she led the Youth Atlantic Treaty Association (YATA), representing networks across 32 NATO states, and completed training at NATO Centres of Excellence. In Albania, she is a recognized security analyst, frequently appearing on national television.
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.
Dafina Peci has an academic background in Political Science, International Relations, and Regional Policy Studies and is currently pursuing doctoral studies at the University of Tirana, with a research focus on human capital, institutional capacities, and national security. Since 2016, she has led the National Youth Congress of Albania, while also serving as a lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tirana, since 2017. Her experience spans strategy development, institutional development, research, and cooperation with public and international stakeholders. Her contribution to leadership, youth empowerment, and regional cooperation has been recognised through international awards and programmes, including “Architect of Tomorrow”, “Youth Ambassador of Peace”, the Austrian Leadership Program, and the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program.
Anxhela Dervishi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geoinformation Engineering and a Master’s degree in Geo-Engineering and Hydrogeology from the Polytechnic University of Tirana. She has seven years of professional experience, including five years in public administration and two years in the mining sector. She has contributed to and coordinated EU-funded projects, including EMODnet, GSEU, and EU4Rivers, where she serves as Technical Coordinator and contributes to the development of the Marine Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Seas in line with the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive. She is co-author of a scientific publication on marine tectonics and has participated in international workshops across Europe on marine science, wind energy, and mineral resources. Outside work, she enjoys sport and travel.
