Endri Avllaj
Endri holds a degree in Urban Planning from the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism at the Polytechnic University of Tirana. His career began in a small studio focused on interior design before transitioning to one of the largest and most prestigious studios in Tirana, Atelier4. During this period, he had the opportunity to work on significant projects with a major impact on Albania. Notable among these were several projects under the EU4Culture program, which focused on the restoration and revitalization of cultural heritage sites damaged by the earthquake in Albania, as well as various projects with residential, cultural, and hospitality functions.
His involvement in these projects facilitated his professional growth and fueled his desire to take on greater responsibilities in the projects he participates in. His passion for learning and exploring new challenges led him to New York, where he currently works for the international construction company SKANSA. He is part of the VDC (Virtual Design and Construction) department, an innovative unit that coordinates and manages construction projects on-site using BIM and other advanced technologies such as VR, drones, and laser scanning.
Outside of work, Endri has a keen interest in photography and enjoys collecting as many pictures as possible during his travels.
Host Institution: Skanska, NYC
Enea Saliaj
Enea Saliaj is a Master’s-level Electrical Engineer with 6+ years of hands-on experience in both technical execution and project management within the electrical and electronical sectors. He started his career at ITE Engineering as an assistant engineer at TKOB Rehabilitation and over the years, he has managed and delivered complex engineering projects, blending deep technical knowledge with a strong focus on practical, results-driven solutions.
Enea has completed advanced training programs with industry leaders such as Legrand, Siemens, and Schneider Electric, gaining specialized expertise in modern electrical systems and smart infrastructure.
Currently Enea is training at ABB R&D center, contributing to the development of new-generation, high-efficiency transformers aimed at improving energy performance , sustainability and CO2 reduction.
Driven by a passion for innovation and engineering, Enea continues to evolve as a professional, and a coleader always seeking ways to push technology forward while delivering high-impact engineering solutions and teamwork.
Host Institution: ABB Inc., Raleigh NC
Ergert Spahillari
Ergert is a GIS expert with nearly a decade of experience, currently working at the State Authority for Geospatial Information of Albania. He holds a Master of Science in Geodetic Engineering and GIS. Over the years, he has developed advanced skills in cartography, data processing and 3D visualization. What really excites him is blending his profession with his passion for programming by finding innovative ways to integrate geospatial data into smart and impactful solutions.
After several years in the professional field, Ergert decided to explore the academic route and expand his knowledge in new areas. He is currently conducting research at DePaul University where his work focuses on the role of GIS in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals and Digital Twin technology. Dedicated to GIS he aims to shape smarter and more sustainable cities believing that maps aren’t just about location, they’re tools for building better communities.
A lifelong learner who is always curious about keeping up with the latest technology, Ergert continues to explore innovative tools and techniques driven by belief that geospatial innovation can shape a more sustainable future. Whether in his day job or his academic pursuit, Ergert is all about using data to drive real world change.
Mapping change, shaping futures.
Host Institution: DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
Jona Lama
Jona is a driven data and project professional with a growing career at the intersection of business intelligence, data analysis, and project management. She is currently part of Riverside Acceleration Capital in New York, where she has deepened her expertise in BI and analytics by contributing to strategic initiatives, collaborating across teams, and helping shape data-driven decision-making in a fast-paced, innovative setting.
She holds a PMP certification, which complements her technical background with a strong foundation in structured project leadership and strategic planning. To further enhance her portfolio, she is also pursuing the CPMAI (Cognitive Project Management for AI) certification—bridging the gap between traditional project management and the integration of AI solutions in business environments. This combination enables her to navigate complex, tech-driven challenges with clarity and impact.
Previously, Jona worked as a Project and Database Manager at Raiffeisen Bank Albania, where she played a key role in supporting digital initiatives and improving internal processes. Her responsibilities included managing data systems, contributing to cross-departmental projects, and helping drive innovation through better use of technology and information. This experience strengthened her ability to lead projects, collaborate across teams, and deliver practical, data-informed solutions in a structured business environment.
Outside of work, she channels her passion for challenge and resilience into outdoor sports—from running half marathons to hiking—as well as reading books and engaging in cultural activities that broaden her perspective and fuel her curiosity. These interests continually inspire her to set new goals, stay balanced, and connect more deeply with the world around her.
With hands-on experience in both local and international environments, Jona brings a thoughtful, adaptable approach to every challenge and is always eager to learn, grow, and drive meaningful impact.
Host Institution: Riverside Company in New York, NY
Judoris Merkaj
Judoris Merkaj is a communications and marketing professional with a diverse career that began in Albania and expanded across the Western Balkans. She developed her expertise within intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, and leading marketing agencies, laying a solid foundation for her regional impact.
As a Communications Officer at the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), Judoris played a pivotal role in shaping and executing communication strategies across the region. She managed internal and external communications, led public relations efforts, curated web content, and engaged diverse audiences through social media—contributing to youth empowerment and cross-border cooperation through several EU-funded initiatives.
An entrepreneur at heart, Judoris founded a startup in the cryptocurrency and Web3 space, leading the brand’s positioning and go-to-market strategy.
She holds a Master’s degree in Business/Managerial Economics from La Sapienza University in Rome and a Bachelor’s degree in International Marketing from Epoka University.
Today, Judoris is recognized as a marketing leader and startup founder, known for her proactive mindset and collaborative spirit. With a knack for crafting clear, strategic marketing briefs and bridging client needs with creative execution, she delivers impactful results that help businesses grow in today’s fast-paced digital world.
Host Institution: Luminary, New York, NY
Kostika Gjekushi
Kostika Gjekushi is a versatile architect with international experience and a strong passion for exploring the full spectrum of architectural practice. Holding a Master of Science in Architecture with honors, he has contributed to small, medium, and large-scale residential and mixed-use projects across the United States, France, Albania, and Saudi Arabia.
Kostika’s career reflects his drive to engage with architecture from multiple angles — from conceptual design to highly detailed technical execution. At Schuco USA, he honed his technical expertise by producing façade shop drawings for high-end clients, including Apple’s new store expansion program.
He later joined Clement Blanchet Architecture, a renowned Paris-based firm with an extensive international portfolio. There, he contributed to schematic design, design development, and sales plans, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality architectural solutions. His adaptability and enthusiasm for complex challenges allowed him to work on a large-scale masterplan in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, involving a mix of typologies such as office spaces, residences, branded apartments, and a five-star hotel.
In parallel with his professional work, Kostika is deeply committed to lifelong learning. He regularly participates in architectural conferences and events and has recently shifted focus toward sustainable and future-forward design. His interests include material selection, net-zero carbon initiatives, and the development of zero-energy buildings.
Currently, Kostika is based in San Francisco, CA, working at Page & Turnbull, an award-winning architecture studio specializing in historic preservation, planning, and conservation. This role allows him to explore a highly specific and meaningful niche within the architectural profession
Host Institution: Page & Turnbull in San Francisco, CA
Ornela Nela
Ornela is an experienced data analyst with several years of professional expertise in the field. She holds a Master of Science degree in Economics from the University of Tirana. Her career began at the Albanian Institute of Statistics, where she developed strong analytical and advanced statistical skills. As part of her role, she contributed in preparing, analyzing, and sharing statistical data, supporting several projects that aimed to improve data quality, particularly in the areas of economic and business statistics. She also completed specialized training programs organized by EUROSTAT, earning certifications that further expanded her knowledge, and participated in working group meetings in Luxembourg, to stay aligned with best international practices.
Beyond her technical skills, Ornela also has a background in project management. During her studies, she has been actively involved with youth non-governmental organizations, gaining valuable management experience by organizing and running projects both in Albania and internationally.
Her host institution is Aon, where she is currently working as a data analyst within the Global Claims division. Dedicated to continuous learning, she is currently pursuing a Data Science course focused on SQL and Tableau offered by Cornell University.
Host Institution: AON, Chicago, Illinois
Skerdi Mullaj
Skerdi is a passionate data engineer and aspiring tech strategist driven by curiosity, creativity, and a deep commitment to impactful problem-solving. With a background in data engineering at Vodafone Albania, Skerdi has worked across various leading initiatives in automation, data quality, and infrastructure optimization.
Currently, he is expanding his global perspective through an internship at Aon in Chicago, where he contributes to the development of robust data infrastructure which supports high speed reporting for the insurance industry.
In parallel, Skerdi is enrolled in the Marketing Analytics and AI executive education program at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, where he is sharpening his strategic mindset and exploring the transformative potential of AI in business.
A believer in lifelong learning and community engagement, Skerdi has organized a data engineering bootcamp, dataTALK forum and leading AI initiatives. Whether he is working on data related project or brainstorming GenAI solutions for executive leadership, he brings a collaborative, thoughtful, and forward-thinking approach to everything he does.
Host Institution: Aon, Chicago, IL
Sonja Alushi
Sonja is a software developer and AI strategist with a love for building things that matter — and sharing what she learns along the way.
She started her journey at Wolf Technologies, diving into the fast-moving world of startups where she learned to build quickly, think creatively, and adapt constantly.
Later, she joined Lufthansa Industry Solutions, where she played a key role in digitalizing the complex flow of aircraft management and repair operations at Lufthansa Technik, turning aviation challenges into smart, scalable systems. Along the way, she picked up first place at a Lufthansa Hackathon with a sustainability-focused solution that proved her ideas could fly beyond the code.
But Sonja isn’t just a builder — she’s a teacher at heart. At SDA Albania by Protik, she’s guided students through their first real experiences with backend development, testing, and project building. From debugging code to delivering final presentations, she’s helped many go from curious beginners to confident developers.
Most recently, Sonja deepened her path in New York as a MIP alum, working at By The People Technologies focusing on AI development, strategy, and project management. There, she worked closely with VC and PE firms, as well as healthcare companies and their portfolio ventures, helping them understand, adapt, and integrate AI into their systems. Whether it was aligning internal teams, designing tailored AI products, or shaping long-term AI roadmaps, her work was all about bridging big ideas with practical implementation.
Outside of work, Sonja is a right-brained creator who loves cats, reading, and crocheting. She believes the best ideas come when creativity and logic work hand-in-hand — and that technology, at its best, should always feel a little bit human.
Host Institution: By The People in New York, NY
Xhejna Topçiu
Xhejna Topçiu is a visionary, licensed civil/structural engineer with over six years of experience in designing residential and commercial buildings, schools, kindergartens, as well as transport and urban infrastructure. She holds a Master of Science in Structural Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Tirana and a certification in Real Estate Evaluation.
While still a student, her curiosity for innovation and sustainability led her to pioneer Albania’s first research on ”Transparent Concrete”, which was featured in OPTIME magazine and fueled her ongoing dedication to sustainable engineering practices and innovative materials.
Throughout her career, Xhejna has contributed to significant national initiatives, including the “Restoration of Cultural Monuments (such as the "Shën Ndoi" Church in the Cape of Rodon),” “The Post-2019 Earthquake Reconstruction” and the “Development of 100 Villages of Albania” project, demonstrating her commitment to community-oriented engineering and sustainable development. Her professional experience also spans major infrastructure projects like: “Elbasan Auto-Moto Park”, “Durrës Yacht Marina”, “Galeria by TEG”, and various educational and cultural structures.
Driven by her passion for technology, she pursued a certification in Java development at SDA by Protik, aligning with her ambition to integrate smart systems and automation into engineering workflows.
Currently, Xhejna serves as a Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) Engineer at Skanska in New York City, where she contributes to major construction projects using cutting-edge digital tools and collaborative workflows.
She is passionate about the future of construction, advocating for the use of BIM, VDC, AR/VR, and drones to enhance design, construction, and maintenance practices. Her long-term vision is to lead the digital transformation of the construction sector in Albania and empower the next generation of engineers with the skills and knowledge needed to innovate and succeed in an evolving industry.
Host Institution: Skanska, New York City, NY