Application for the next cohort of LEAD Albania will open in January 2027.

Applications

Application for the next cohort of LEAD Albania will open in January 2027.

LEAD Albania

Alumni

Artenisa Peçulaj
Ministry of Environment
Kej Lili
Ministry of State for the Chief Negotiator
Kestrina Ramllari
Ministry of Economy and Innovation
Adi Muja
Parliament of Albania
Erblin Jaku
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Dea Llagami
Ministry of Justice
Alban Avdulla
Prime Minister’s Office
Boralda Minaj
Ministry of Economy and Innovation
Mona Xhexhaj
Ministry of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption
Amanda Terpo
Municipality of Tirana
Alen Bejko
Prime Minister’s Office
Anisa Fagu
Minister of State for Local Government
Borana Kalemi
Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation
Eljon Hila
High Judicial Council
Endis Dragoni
Ministry of Tourism and Environment
Eni Kotini
Prime Minister’s Office
Erilda Hoxha
Prime Minister’s Office
Hekuran Budani
Ministry of Defence
Kristal Hykaj
Ministry for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate
Ladi Hoxha
Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation
Megi Përduka
Ministry of Health and Social Protection
Sabian Hasani
Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation
Anila Shehi
Ministry of State for Chief Negotiator
Arber Minxhozi 
Municipality of Tirana
Ada Shukullari 
Ministry of Education and Sports
Aulon Naci 
Ministry of Culture
Bjorn Kamb
Prime Minister’s Office
Doris Cela 
Ministry of Agriculture
Eni Tresa 
Municipality of Health
Fationa Sinojmeri 
Ministry of Tourism
Flutura Gjana 
Ministry of State for Local Government
Ana Burda
Ministry of State for Chief Negotiator
Amalia Kokoli
Prime Minister’s Office
Bjorni Vasili
Prime Minister’s Office
Armando Bala
Ministry of State for Youth and Children
Jetnor Kasmi
Prime Minister’s Office
Loren Kocollari
The Presidential Office
Inesa Gupe
Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
Ines Stasa
Municipality of Tirana
Junida Tafaj
Ministry of Finance and Economy
Dorina Patuzi
Ministry of Turism
Donjet Gjoka
Prime Minister’s Office
Edlira Osmani
High Inspector of Justice
Eno Muja
High Judicial Council
Entela Celiku
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Erblina Shehu
 Ministry of Finance and Economy
Fatri Morina
Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy
Joana Dhiamandi
Ministry of Culture
Kreshnik Skenderi
Municipality of Tirana
Ornela Bardhi
Ministry of Health and Social Protection
Tedi Dobi
Prime Minister’s Office
Alba Brojka
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Albana Karapanco
Ministry of Finance and Economy
Arnisa Tepelija
Ministry of Justice
Dhurata Milori
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Elirë Mancaj
Ministry of Culture
Moltinë Prebibaj
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Rodon Miraj
Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
Rovena Elmazi
Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth
Teuta Turani
Ministry of Finance and Economy
Amarildo Ceka
Ministry of Health and Social Protection
Anisa Duraj
Ministry of Culture
Anjeza Xhaferaj
Prime Minister’s Office
Bora Ylli
Ministry of Culture
Desara Dushi
Ministry of Justice
Elona Hasko
Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth
Fabjola Arapi
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Haris Vongli
President’s Office
Irena Myzeqari
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Jonid Jorgji
Municipality of Tirana
Rei Nace
Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
Zerina Bruci
Prime Minister’s Office
Oltion Pengu
Prime Minister’s Office
Eltion Meka
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Eugena Topi
Ministry of Finance and Economy
Oerd Bej
Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth
Besnik Maho
Ministry of Justice
Manjola (Stefani) Doko
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Enyal Lani
Ministry of Health and Social Protection
Ermal Telha
Ministry of Tourism and Environment
Irola Andoni
Municipality of Tirana
Valbona Seranaj
Municipality of Tirana
Esmeralda Byberi
Municipality of Tirana
Nita Shala
Ministry of Internal Affairs
Jonida Burba
Ministry of Internal Affairs
Bledar Qalliu
Ministry for Europe and of Foreign Affairs
Doriana Matraku
Ministry of Education and Sport
Elena Pici
Prime Minister’s Office
Elkjana Gjipali
Ministry of Culture
Sidrit Tako
Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
Ardit Cami
Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
Orjola Shahaj
Ministry of Health and Social Protection
Alban Lila
Ministry of Economic Development, Tourism, Trade and Entrepreneurship
Soana Jaupllari
Ministry of Economic Development, Tourism, Trade and Entrepreneurship
Albana Hana
Ministry of Justice
Elfrida Bino/ Brati
Ministry of Energy and Industry
Sabina Juka
Ministry of European Integration
Sonila Turshilla/ Vathi
Ministry of European Integration
Sashenka Lleshaj
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Emiljano Kaziaj
Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth
Enkelejda Hamzaj
Municipality of Tirana
Besarta Vladi
State Minister of Innovation and Public Administration
Dritan Palnikaj
Prime Minister’s Office
Bruxhilda Kito
Ministry of Interior
Klodiana Beshku
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Enton Duro
Ministry of Finance
Lumturi Hoxha
Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure
Ekflodia Leskaj
Ministry of Economic Development, Tourism, Trade and Entrepreneurship
Gerion Dhimo
State Minister for Innovation and Public Administration
Jonila Gabrani
Ministry of Health
Marsida Duli
Ministry of Health
Adanela Musaraj
Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Water Management
Besjona Mehmetaj (Dede)
Ministry of Education and Sport
Edmond Ahmeti
Ministry of Culture
Endri Mykaj
Prime Minister’s Office
Erton Graceni
Prime Minister’s Office
Gilbert Vigani
Municipality of Tirana
Julinda Mansaku
Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure
Sokol Bardhi
Ministry of Interior
Ujvara Ponari
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Admir Malaj
Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth
Ergis Sefa
Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth
Dritan Fino
Ministry of Finance
Eduart Gjokutaj
Ministry of Finance
Elona Bano
President’s Office
Ledio Braho
President’s Office
Krislen Keri
Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure
Qamil Dika
Municipality of Tirana
Sokol Muça
Ministry of Education and Sport
Bledar Dervishaj
Ministry of Justice
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Prime Minister Office

Joani Lekaj

Joani Leka is a lawyer with eight years of experience in private practice, working within multidisciplinary legal and tax teams on matters involving international businesses, organizations and domestic corporations.

His experience spans commercial and tax law, dispute resolution and regulatory matters across a range of sectors, with a particular focus on energy and natural resources. Working across these areas has given him a practical view of the legal and regulatory environment shaping business and investment in Albania.

He has a particular interest in European integration, as well as in the relationship between law, regulation and economic development.

Ministry of Agriculture

Sara Caushi

Sara Caushi is a physics engineer with over seven years of experience in public administration and the private sector, specializing in EU funds management, institutional reporting, and risk management.

Since 2021 she has served at the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development (ARDA), where she has been responsible for IPARD II payment authorization, risk coordination, and currently leads the Reporting Sector, delivering technical and financial reporting on national and EU-funded agricultural schemes to the Ministry of Agriculture and the Prime Minister’s Office.

Holding a Master of Science from the Polytechnic University of Tirana and a certification in energy auditing, Sara is committed to modernizing public administration through digital transformation and data-driven decision-making.

Ministry of Environment

Leonard Proko

Leonard Proko is an environmental and climate change professional with over 12 years of experience across the private sector, international consultancy, and environmental projects in Albania.

He holds an MSc in Environmental Engineering from the University of Strathclyde, completed as a Chevening Scholar, as well as Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Environmental and Energy Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Tirana.

His expertise includes environmental management, climate change, air quality, and industrial environmental compliance, developed through experience in the cement industry and internationally funded projects, including those supported by the EBRD and IFC. 

His professional interests include environmental and climate policy, sustainable development, industrial decarbonisation, and Albania’s alignment with EU environmental standards, with a particular focus on linking technical expertise, evidence-based policymaking, and effective environmental governance.

Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports

Arnold Kapinova

Arnold Kapinova is an archaeologist and cultural heritage professional with nearly a decade of experience in heritage education, community engagement, digital innovation, and cultural tourism.

His work spans Albania and the Western Balkans, including cross-border and educational initiatives with Cultural Heritage without Borders Albania. Through European mobility and entrepreneurship programmes in Spain, he explored how digital tools can improve public access to cultural heritage.

His work focuses on making heritage more accessible, participatory, and meaningful while strengthening connections between communities, culture, and the public.

Ministry of Economy and Innovation

Daena Madhi

Daena Madhi is a photonics scientist with more than a decade of experience in research institutes and industry across Germany, Denmark, Spain and Portugal. Her career bridges advanced scientific research and executive leadership, from developing photonic technologies in Europe’s leading laboratories to running a technology company.

She holds a PhD in optical physics from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and an MSc with Honours in Advanced Optical Technologies from Erlangen-Nürnberg University (FAU). She has held research positions at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light in Germany and CIC nano GUNE in Spain.Since 2021, Daena Madhi has served as Chief Operating Officer of FileRun, a software company based in Portugal.

She now brings her international experience to support innovation and technological transformation in Albania.

Ministry of Interior

Saimir Bakalli

Saimir Bakalli is a senior civil society, governance and social development professional with over 15 years of experience in NGO leadership, EU- and UN-funded programme, social inclusion, and institutional cooperation, with particular expertise in the social reuse of seized and confiscated assets.

As Executive Director of the Joscelyn Foundation, he has led initiatives transforming confiscated assets into community services and social enterprises, creating employment opportunities and supporting vulnerable groups. His work in this field has received support from the OSCE and the European Union Delegation to Albania and has been promoted as a good practice in the Western Balkans.

Saimir holds degrees in Psychology, Social Work, Clinical Psychology and an Executive MBA. As a LEAD Albania Fellow, he focuses on strengthening policies and institutional mechanisms for the social reuse of seized and confiscated assets, contributing to community development, good governance and the rule of law.

President of Republic

Dafina Peci

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.

Ministry of Defence

Juxhina Gjoni

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.

Minister of State for Public Administration and Anticorruption

Mona Xhexhaj

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.

Ministry of Economy and Innovation

Kestrina Ramallari

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.

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Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs

Erblin Jaku

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.

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Ministria e Drejtësisë

Dea Llagami

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.

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Prime Minister’s office

Alban Avdulla

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.

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Parliament of Albania

Adi Muja

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.

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Ministry of State anf Chief Negotiator

Kej Lili

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.

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Municipality of Tirana

Amanda Terpo

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.

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Ministry of Economy and Innovation

Boralda Minaj

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.

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Ministry of Environment

Artenisa Peçulaj

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.
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