Cohort 2024
Blerta Budani
Blerta Budani is a dedicated public health expert with a strong background in epidemiology, global health, and healthcare systems research. With a Master's degree in Public Health from the Braun School of Public Health at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Blerta has honed her expertise in research methods, healthcare management, and policy development. She has participated in various training programs, including a Summer School on Health and Globalization at Ghent University, an International Spring School in Global Health at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, and training in healthcare administration at Collegium Prometrium in Poland.
As a Health Care Management Specialist at the Central Directorate of Health Operations (CDHO) in Tirana, Albania, she helped coordinate health services, ensuring resources were used effectively. Blerta also worked on public health communication to inform communities about prevention measures. Her efforts facilitated collaboration among health departments, improving the overall response. She contributed to better decision-making and patient care during this challenging period by analyzing data and monitoring health trends.
Blerta has also worked as a Teaching Assistant at multiple institutions, including the University of Medicine in Tirana and the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of Elbasan, where she has demonstrated a passion for education and academic leadership. She has developed and delivered engaging, interactive course materials for public health and epidemiology students. Additionally, she has played a key role in shaping the curriculum for the courses she delivered, introducing innovative teaching methods that improved student comprehension and engagement.
In addition to her academic and professional contributions, Blerta has been actively involved in research on pressing public health issues, including smoking cessation during pregnancy and nosocomial infections. Her research has led to publications in peer-reviewed journals, and she continues to explore ways to translate research findings into practical interventions that benefit both local and global health systems.
Host Institution: Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, New York
Enkela Binaj
Enkela Binaj holds a Master of Science in Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning from Sorbonne Paris Nord and a Bachelor’s degree in English Teaching.
Enkela takes pride in being courageous and actively seeking out opportunities that prioritize positive change over financial gain. She is passionate about working with innovative businesses that improve lifestyles and transform mindsets. A polyglot fluent in seven languages, Enkela has embraced travel and cultural exchange throughout her adult life, including completing two Erasmus programs in Spain and Poland, and participating in numerous trainings across Albania Europe, US and Asia, focusing on technology, software development, and financial literacy.
Enkela’s entrepreneurial spirit became more evident when she participated in the BIESS Summer School, organized by the Tirana Municipality. Her project on developing an app to improve public transportation in Albania won a small grant, highlighting her commitment to using technology to solve real-world problems and enhance community services.
Her professional experience has been diverse. She began working as a sales and customer service agent for an airline while still in high school. For several years she worked as Project Manager at SALTO Youth, where she managed international programs aimed at fostering youth collaboration across Europe. Afterward, she worked as an event organizer, a fintech specialist, and a Technical Advisor for Apple, utilizing her technological skills to enhance user experiences with the products. Later, she transitioned to a role as an ERP specialist and developer, helping businesses optimize their systems and operations.
In 2022, Enkela demonstrated her public speaking and analytical skills by winning a national debate tournament in Albania. Additionally, in 2023 she was selected for the Professional Fellows Program in the U.S., where she worked at TFT in Toledo, Ohio, expanding her knowledge of business and technology.
Currently, Enkela is interning at ABB in Raleigh NC, where she is involved in cutting-edge projects related to Generative AI, Machine Learning, and chatbot technology. Her work involves using AI to create innovative solutions that drive efficiency and improve industrial operations.
With her wide-ranging experience, Enkela’s journey is not just about achieving professional goals—she’s deeply committed to making a positive, lasting impact in her community and beyond. Her skills in leadership, project management, and communication allow her to create environments where others can grow and thrive. She believes that personal development is not just about self-improvement but about using that growth to uplift others and make meaningful contributions to society.
Host Institution: ABB Inc., Raleigh NC
Iristina Shalari
Iristina is a passionate data scientist and technology enthusiast, primarily focused on utilizing data to drive business optimization and effective decision-making. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration & IT, followed by a Master of Science in Computer Engineering & IT, specializing in Big Data, both from the Canadian Institute of Technology in Tirana. With experience in the IT and data analytics, she has made meaningful contributions in both the private and public sectors in Albania.
Currently, Iristina works in Raiffeisen Bank Albania, where she’s involved in exciting projects focused on advanced analytics. She develops data science models and AI solutions that enhance processes across various bank areas, while also playing a proactive role in generating new ideas. She’s also actively participating in innovation events, where she loves brainstorming new concepts and promoting positive change. Alongside her banking role, Iristina has served as a lecturer at the European University of Tirana for Business Intelligence course. She enjoys breaking down complex concepts into simple insights, providing hands-on training that reflects her industry experience. Her passion lies in combining technology and business to create impactful solutions.
Iristina is genuinely curious about data science, AI, and innovation, and she’s always eager to explore their impact on business and society. “Being part of the data science network motivates me to grow and adapt in this ever-changing field, and I embrace every new opportunity for improvement and development.”
Host Institution: Aon, Chicago, IL
Klajdi Shyti
Klajdi is a proactive professional with a diverse background in Finance and Information Technology, focusing on Blockchain and Digital Assets. His journey began when he was recognized as one of the finalists in the Canadian Institute of Technology’s “StartUp Competition,” an accomplishment that fueled his curiosity to continually explore and learn about new technologies. Subsequently, a few months later, he was reading the book “Blockchain Revolution” by Don Tapscott.
Klajdi now holds a BSc degree in Business Administration and IT and an MSc degree in Finance and Accounting with a specialization in Auditing, both from the Canadian Institute of Technology. During his academic years, he gained proficiency in information systems, database management, and analytical skills for interpreting complex data. He demonstrated attention to detail by showcasing precision in reviewing financial documents and ensuring accuracy in reporting while upholding ethical practices. Additionally, he exhibited his leadership capabilities when he was elected as the “Student Representative in the Academic Senate” of CIT and later as a member of the” Standing Committee on Student Affairs and Protection of Student Rights”.
For his diploma thesis, Klajdi conducted an extensive analysis of Total Value Locked (TVL) and the regulatory framework of decentralized finance (DeFi) markets, focusing on prominent platforms such as AAVE, Maker, Compound, and Uniswap. His research delved into how Total Value Locked reflects the stability of DeFi protocols and scrutinized the regulatory challenges and implications for these innovative financial technologies.
With more than five years of experience, Klajdi has worked in the private sector as an Account Manager and Senior Database Administrator, as well as in the public sector as an IT Specialist for the Water Regulatory Authority of Albania, fostering innovation and growth while enhancing community development and public service delivery.
His strong work ethic, problem-solving skills, collaborative spirit, approachability, politeness, and positive attitude have been integral to his success thus far.
Currently, Klajdi serves as a Venture Capital Analyst in the Crypto and Digital Assets Vertical at PLUGANDPLAY HQ in Sunnyvale, California.
Host Institution: Plug and Play, Sunnyvale, CA
Megi Gripshi
Megi is an experienced IT professional with a strong background in project management, systems analysis, and data management. After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in informatics from the University of Tirana, she began her career at the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), where she specialized in database management and microdata access, ensuring the secure handling and processing of official statistics. This role provided her with a solid foundation in data systems and project coordination.
Following her time at INSTAT, Megi transitioned to Raiffeisen Bank as a Security Monitoring Officer, where she gained valuable experience in managing information security and incident response. She later moved into IT project management at Atis Systems, where she successfully led a range of projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget.
Megi’s commitment to staying current with advancements in technology has been pivotal to her career growth. She regularly engages with industry trends and innovations, attending tech conferences and continuously seeking new knowledge to further develop her expertise.
Her leadership goes beyond technical proficiency. Over the years, Megi has managed large teams and developed a strong understanding of organizational dynamics. She takes pride in balancing the technical demands of project management with fostering collaboration and teamwork. This blend of technology-driven insights and effective leadership continues to define her professional journey and positively influence the organizations she works with.
Host Institution: By The People Technologies LLC, New York City, NY
Ormira Domnori
Ormira Domnori is a young Engineer with a colorful background. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering and a Master Degree in Environmental Modelling.
She started off her career as an Assistant Project Manager for a development company in Prague, Czech Republic, and was later promoted to Project Manager in that company. During that experience, Ormira worked on Real Estate Research, Project Preparation and Management, and Potential Investment Analysis.
After three years of working abroad in the construction industry, she returned to Albania, to live and work in her hometown, Shkodra, and transitioned her focus to Environmental Protection. She immediately started working for the Public Waste Management Unit, where after a while was promoted to Head of the Unit, managing both planning and daily operations.
Lately, Ormira has returned her focus to the Construction Industry, by working as a Virtual Design and Construction Engineer for Skanska, in New York City, where technology meets construction and traditional practices are shifted to cutting-edge methods. By working in one of the best construction companies in the world, Ormira aims to deepen her technical knowledge for Construction Modelling while helping the company deliver efficient and polished products for the field.
Host Institution: Skanska, New York City, NY
Riges Beqiri
Riges Beqiri is a dedicated leader in civil society and sustainable tourism, with a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to community-driven economic growth in Bulqiza. As the co-founder of Smart Tour Albania, Riges has built a successful national tour operator offering curated cultural and nature experiences across Albania, with the ambition to expand his success into the Balkans. While Bulqiza remains close to his heart, Smart Tour primarily promotes Albania’s well-known attractions, occasionally organizing adventure tours for visitors seeking lesser-known locations like Bulqiza. The company works closely with small local businesses, enhancing their profitability by integrating them into tourism activities, fostering sustainable economic growth at the grassroots level. Riges’s expertise in business management, client relations, and sustainable practices has been crucial in advancing Albania's tourism landscape.
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Riges is a passionate advocate for civic engagement, leading numerous projects that empower local youth and build community resilience. With the support of organizations like the U.S. Embassy, he has inspired initiatives focused on environmental sustainability and social development, creating lasting impact in his local community. His extensive experience in project management, fundraising, and grassroots organizing has earned him recognition as a key figure in both business and civil society.
Riges holds a degree in Business Management from the University of Tirana and a Master’s in Public Administration. His commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in his participation in various international training programs, including the Professional Fellowship Exchange Program in the United States. This global experience has broadened his understanding of sustainable business models and civic leadership, which he continues to apply in his work.
Driven by a passion for his hometown and a commitment to sustainable growth, Riges continues to create opportunities for both local businesses and the wider community through tourism, entrepreneurship, and civic leadership.
Host Institution: Expedition America San Diego, CA
Zhdanova Lleshaj
Zhdanova Lleshaj is a PhD candidate in Sustainable Finance, holding both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the Faculty of Economy, University of Tirana. Currently, she is a consultant at the Center for Innovation, Excellence, and Leadership (IXL Center), where she brings her expertise to high-impact projects for Fortune 1000 companies, startups, and innovation executives. Her work at the IXL Center focuses on building capabilities for breakthrough innovations and driving sustainable growth.
Zhdanova’s professional experience spans consulting, strategic planning, and project management, strongly focusing on the intersections of finance, innovation, sustainability, and the arts. In academia, she empowers students through courses in financial management and supports future entrepreneurs and economics debaters through her involvement with Junior Achievement of Albania. She is also deeply committed to supporting young Albanian artists through her startup, n’Arte, an online marketplace to help emerging artists gain visibility and market access. By merging her finance expertise with her passion for the arts, she fosters growth within creative economies.
At the IXL Center, Zhdanova has led significant projects such as Technovate and contributed to initiatives like the LISC Digital Growth Accelerator, Banking Center of Excellence, Innovation Olympics, AKAIO, and Innova Latam. Her hands-on approach and commitment to creative development allow her to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, delivering transformative solutions that strengthen organizations' capacity for innovation.
Looking ahead, Zhdanova will be actively involved in projects and events hosted by the Global Innovation Management Institute (GIMI), with a focus on democratizing innovation globally and broadening her impact on consultancy, innovation, and leadership. With a unique blend of analytical rigor, creativity, and a commitment to sustainability, she is dedicated to advancing the fields of consultancy, innovation, and the creative economy.
Host Institution: IXL Center, Boston, MA