Ana Lena holds a degree in Law from the Faculty of Law, University of Tirana, and has studied Chinese language at Central China Normal University. Her academic background has equipped her with a deep understanding of institutional operations, governance structures, and administrative processes.
Prior to joining RYCO, Ana Lena worked as a Project Assistant at the IOM/UN Migration Agency under the United States Refugee Admission Program. She has also contributed to the communications field through her work with UNOPS Albania, where she assisted in developing content for high-level EU-funded projects. Her previous roles include experience with the British Council Albania, the Child Protection Hub for South East Europe, the Audio-Visual Media Authority, and the Central Election Commission.
Beyond her technical qualifications, Ana thrives in fast-paced and multicultural environments. In her free time, she enjoys reading and traveling.
Ronard Lera is an accomplished finance professional with a diverse academic background and extensive practical experience. With a career spanning various sectors, including construction and tourism, Ronard has demonstrated exceptional adaptability and expertise in managing financial operations across industries. His hands-on experience has enabled him to effectively navigate complex financial landscapes, ensuring sustainable growth and stability for the organizations he has worked with.
Since 2020, Ronard has also been an active participant in civil society, reflecting his dedication to community development and social impact alongside his professional endeavors. His involvement in the community has further strengthened his leadership skills and commitment to positive change.
Ronard holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance Management and a Master’s degree in European Business Law and Tourism Management, both from the University of Tirana’s Faculty of Law and Faculty of Economy. His academic qualifications, combined with his diverse professional background, make him a valuable addition to the Regional Youth Cooperation Office, where he is poised to contribute his expertise to foster regional cooperation and youth empowerment.
Ronard's hobbies include traveling and immersing himself in new cultures, volunteering for community development, and enjoying music and nature.
Jorida Yzeiraj holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and a Master's Degree in Political Theory at the University of Tirana. During her studies, she was offered an Excellence Scholarship from the European University of Tirana and she graduated there in Public Relations and Communication.
She has a long experience in the private sector as a PR, Social Media Marketing, Office Manager, and Marketing Manager. In the last few years, she has worked for an International Education Franchise in which she leads different projects for Kids and Youth, such as “Young Heroes on the Move” and “Be Kind! Pass it on”.
She loves working with and for people, strongly believing that together we can go far!
"Rejoice Always" is her favorite quote that's why you will find her smiling most of the time.
Long walks, deep talking, and traveling around the world are her most favorite things to do in life!
Genta Shabani is a social psychologist and researcher. She holds a master's degree in the Psychology of Global Mobility, Inclusion and Diversity in Society from ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon and the University of Limerick, alongside an Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Social Psychology from ISCTE. Her academic and professional work centers on issues of social identity, migration, interethnic relations, and gender equality principles that underpin her approach to research, monitoring and evaluation, and inclusive program design.
She has contributed her expertise through various roles and consultancies, supporting initiatives in migration policy, peacebuilding, youth empowerment, and women’s political participation across the Western Balkans. Her work combines academic research with practical M&E applications, driving impactful and evidence-based programming.
Mariza Rama holds a Master of Science in Private and Business Law and has been active in civil society since 2016, focusing on youth policies and decision-making. She has worked with various organizations, coordinating projects across the Western Balkans and managing Erasmus+ initiatives on youth capacity building and cultural tourism. Mariza's expertise includes civil law, human rights, and the green agenda, peace building and she is also a trainer in cyberbullying, politics, and vocational training.
Mrs. Alvina Gucaj is an experienced finance - administrative professional with a PhD in Economic Sciences. During the past years she has worked in the healthcare industry and information technology management.
Having served as an office manager in a non-for-profit organization, she’s been able to coordinate the organization's internal resources and third parties for the flawless execution of several projects founded by many donors, for almost nine years. She has also managed the procurement processes regarding medical services and consultancies, ensuring compliance with the procurement manual for a global pharmaceutical company
Mrs. Gucaj is accustomed to the rigors of fast-paced, highly regulated environments requiring sharp attention to detail, consummate accuracy and outstanding communication skills
In RYCO, she holds the position of Finance and Administration Officer for the Head Office.
Erda possesses extensive knowledge and skills in accounting and financial management. She has over 10 years of expertise in financial statement preparation, budgeting, and forecasting. Her work experience on international consultancy firms, also included training and contributing on various business consulting projects, financial analysis and cash flow projections. She is also engaged as an Associate Lecturer of Finance Management in the Faculty of Economy, University of Tirana. In her career, Erda has successfully managed complex portfolios of multinational clients, leaders in telecommunication, retail, technology, distribution, energy, gas and oil, financial services, travel agencies, NGO etc. Additionally, she is knowledgeable in financial risk management, financial software applications, international taxation and financial regulations.
Erda holds a Master of Science degree in Finance Management and a Bachelor degree in Accounting and Finance, both from the Faculty of Economy, University of Tirana. She also possesses a second Bachelor degree in Law from the Faculty of Law. With her combination of extensive financial expertise, analytical and communication skills Erda is a valuable asset of our organization.
Reading, traveling and ice skating are her favorite hobbies.
Arlind possesses a multidisciplinary background in the different fields of youth activism, media studies and intercultural projects. He has two masters in communication studies, one in the University of Tirana and the other one in the Free University of Brussels (VUB). Arlind was part of Albanian media outlets for more than 5 years, firstly in a couple of Albanian newspapers, then working as a reporter for a local tv channel, focusing mainly in the international news department.
Meanwhile, our colleague played an active part in some Albanian youth forums in the recent past. Arlind was a co-founder of RIAS organization, whose focus is in youth activism, by using the means of art and culture. He served for a year as vice chair of Albanian National Youth Congress, the largest youth platform in Albania. During his stay in Brussels, Arlind worked as junior researcher in SMIT, one of the leading media research centers in Belgium, part of VUB, Free University of Brussels. Additionally, he worked as a project coordinator for Global Minds, a project linking academics, researchers, professors and university staff from his alma matter university in Brussels and teens of DC universities in different countries of Africa, South America and Asia.
Also, he worked as a project coordinator in the International Relations Offices, occupying with establishing academic connections between VUB and Balkan universities. Arlind has recently gained some experience as a trainer in media and youth trainings. Arlind is fluent in English, Italian and French. His main hobbies are soccer, movies, city tours and hiking.
Alda Kondakciu is a passionate and results-driven professional with over 15 years of experience in youth development, community engagement, cross-cultural collaboration, and social cohesion. Having commenced her journey with a degree in Social Work from the University of Tirana, throughout her career, her expertise lies in the design, development, and implementation of impactful youth programs that address critical societal needs. She has demonstrated her capacity for innovation by spearheading initiatives aimed at nurturing local leadership and fostering activism among youth, thereby creating pathways for their meaningful participation and equitable representation.
Her commitment to nurturing the potential of the youth and fostering sustainable pathways toward peace and prosperity stands at the forefront of her endeavors, promising impactful outcomes in the pursuit of a more equitable and thriving society.
Emirjon Lleshi holds a master degree in Accounting and Auditing in the University of Tirana.
Since more than three years he has been occupied as a finance officer for 12 EU projects run by the of Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry project’s department.
The scope of these challenging projects was mainly focused on SME-s and their competitiveness. The EU funded programs that he managed and coordinated belonged to the IPA, Erasmus + & COSME sections.
Since September 2020, he has been contributing actively in the main youth program managed by Albanian EU Delegation’s office, Young European Ambassadors of Western Balkan.
He loves to be part and contribute to youth projects related to Integration of Western Balkans Youth with EU values and opportunities.