Fellows

Cohort 2024

Indri Dyrmishi


Indri is a professional with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Economics, bringing extensive experience in Project Management. He has a strong background in entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation. Indri served as a Senior Instructor of Strategic Management at the American University of the Middle East, and also coordinated the Entrepreneurship Hub, empowering students to excel in various startup competitions.

His previous experience includes managing the Technology Transfer Office at the University of Tirana and serving as a consultant and trainer on numerous projects. Indri was appointed as a National Trainer for the Pacinno project, an IPA Adriatic initiative co-financed by the European Commission. With deep expertise in entrepreneurship, market analysis, and business plan generation, Indri is a trusted expert in business coaching and product development.

Mario Keputa


Mario Keputa is currently a student in the Master of Public Administration at Cornell University, focusing on financial and economic policies. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and has been deeply involved in youth engagement and policy initiatives throughout his career. With experience in promoting democratic values, community empowerment, and political participation, Mario has contributed to various projects, ranging from managing political campaigns to monitoring elections as a consultant for OSCE-ODIHR.

In his role with OSCE-ODIHR, Mario provided a comprehensive assessment of local elections in Albania, analyzing political climates, electoral processes, and compliance with democratic standards. He engaged with stakeholders across the political spectrum, contributing to reports aimed at improving the integrity of future elections. This work aligns with his dedication to fair democratic practices and active civic engagement.

As the President of the European Democratic Youth Network (EDYN) for 2024, he leads initiatives that support young political and civic activists across Eastern Europe. His work with EDYN includes organizing strategic programs, collaborating with international partners like USAID, IRI, and NDI, and advocating for dialogue between diverse political ideologies to reduce social polarization. Mario also oversees project plans that address the needs of young people, focusing on capacity building, political communication, policy drafting, and leadership training.

Outside of his academic and professional life, Mario enjoys playing chess, exploring new ideas, and staying active. He has competed in national championships, honing his strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Mario is always looking for ways to grow and contribute meaningfully to society.

Eltjana Plaku


Eltjana Plaku is a MIP fellow, currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy with a specialization in Data Analytics at the University of Chicago. She brings extensive experience from both the private and non-profit sectors. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Tirana, she began her career in accounting, working for an Italian consulting firm for five years. She then pursued graduate studies in Italy and France, earning a dual master’s degree in Cooperation, Development, and Innovation from the University of Turin and the University of Paris 7. Her focus on education policy during her master’s led Eltjana to join Swisscontact Albania, where she worked in Monitoring and Evaluation on a project improving vocational education in Albania. During this time, she also invested in her professional development by obtaining further training from international institutions in monitoring and evaluation, data analytics, and project management, earning certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP). Her future ambition is to leverage the advanced analytical skills and expertise gained at the University of Chicago to drive business growth, while striving for positive social impact and a sustainable future.

Fjorjada Plaku


Fjorjada Plaku is an MIP Fellow currently pursuing a STEM MBA with a major in Information Systems and Technology at Bentley University’s McCallum Graduate School of Business in Boston. She holds both a Bachelor’s and Master of Science degree from the University of Tirana, where she specialized in Business Informatics and Business Information Systems. Her academic journey has equipped her with a strong foundation in economics, software engineering, and information systems management.

Fjorjada began her career as a software engineer, where she played a crucial role in developing and implementing scalable solutions across various industries, including Fintech, Healthcare, Logistics, Automotive, and Business Intelligence. Her work spans both private sector international companies and government platforms, reflecting her versatility and technical expertise. Over the years, Fjorjada has also taken on the role of IT consultant, where she has been instrumental in driving innovation and efficiency in the projects she has undertaken.

In addition to her technical roles, Fjorjada is a certified professional in software development and project management. She is known for her commitment to delivering high-quality applications and her leadership in guiding teams and managing complex projects. With a wealth of experience in software engineering and consulting, Fjorjada is now focused on expanding her expertise at the intersection of technology and business.

Fjorjada aims to leverage her unique blend of skills to drive transformative innovation in the tech industry, with a vision to make a lasting impact on the global technology landscape.

Jonida Qira


Jonida is an MIP Fellow currently pursuing a Master of Science in Finance with a concentration in Financial Analytics at Bentley University's McCallum Graduate School of Business in Boston. She earned both her BSc. in Finance and Accounting and her MSc. in Finance from the University of Tirana, graduating with top honors and actively participating in academic conferences, and won several awards.

Jonida began her career as a Loan Analyst at Credins Bank, where she managed a portfolio of SME loans for three years. Then, she started working at General Directorate of Taxation as a Risk Analyst in Risk Management Department, where she performed data-driven analysis and implemented risk mitigation strategies to improve tax compliance.

In addition to her professional experience, Jonida has completed internships and advanced training programs with renowned institutions, including the Joint Vienna Institute, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and Center of Excellence in Finance. Her focus areas include data analytics, risk management, compliance, financial modeling, Govtech, Fintech, and digital transformation She was also a member of Albania's Negotiating Group for European Integration.

Fregis Sala


Fregis Sala is an MIP Fellow currently pursuing a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Southern California’s Viterbi School of Engineering.

Fregis completed her Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering at Istanbul Technical University, where she stood out for her innovative projects that combined technical expertise with practical applications, such as collaboratively developing a model-based secure IoT network using AES encryption, and designing a motion analysis system for medical applications using IMU sensors.

Following her undergraduate studies, Fregis took on the role of Innovation Advisor to the Minister of State for Youth and Children in Albania. Under the Minister's leadership, working closely with an inter-institutional team, the "Coding in Schools" initiative was designed and launched in 2021, which introduced digital skills and game-based learning to first-grade children across Albania. She also played a key role in developing ICT training programs that opened doors for young people to enter the tech sector, all while fostering an environment of life-long learning. These projects reflect her commitment to using education and technology to help create more opportunities for the younger generation in Albania.

At USC, Fregis has chosen to focus on Analog, Mixed-Signal, and Radio-Frequency Integrated Circuits. This specialization builds on her background in electronics and her fascination with advanced circuit design. Looking ahead, she hopes to bring back the knowledge and experience she gains in the U.S. to help drive technological progress in Albania further. She is particularly interested in contributing to initiatives that connect academic research with industry needs, foster innovation, and create opportunities for emerging tech professionals.

Yllka Sela


Yllka Sela is currently an MIP fellow, pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Strategy and Innovation at Brandeis University. She completed her Bachelor's in Economics and furthered her academic education with a Master of Science in Public Administration at the Faculty of Economy, University of Tirana. She was a full scholarship recipient for two consecutive years at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies Summer School, where she earned certifications in ‘Public Value, Politics, and Public Management in the European Union’ and ‘Globalization through Business and Management’. Yllka has extensive professional experience. For eight years, she worked as an advisor for GIZ Albania, designing and implementing projects in fields such as economic development, the environment, and international cooperation. Yllka has been teaching Economic Policies and Microeconomics at a private university for four years, while also providing transferable soft skills training to young professionals in Albania and other Western Balkan countries.