Kristian Mucaj is a Logistics and Administration Expert Assistant, with broad experience in logistics, administration, and communication within international cultural and development projects. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Rights Studies from Lund University, where he developed a strong foundation in organizational work, policy, and international cooperation.
Throughout his professional career, Kristian has been involved in supporting events, operations, and administrative processes for international organizations and initiatives. He has worked with organizations such as the Art Explora Foundation and UNDP Albania, contributing to the coordination of activities, logistical planning, and effective communication across diverse stakeholders and cultural contexts.
Alongside his administrative expertise, Kristian has a strong interest in artistic and cultural initiatives, often applying his multimedia and communication skills to support projects and enhance outreach and visibility.
He joined RYCO as a Logistics and Administration Expert Assistant, bringing a combination of organizational efficiency, international experience, and creative sensibility to the team.
When he is not in the office, Kristian enjoys exploring creative projects and expanding his multimedia skills.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ms Bojana Zimonjić holds an M.A. in European Integration from the Faculty of Political Science, the University of Belgrade, where she also obtained her B.A. in International Politics.
Her engagement in the fields of youth work, mobility and higher education sectors in Serbia and Europe started in 2013. Since then, she was working with two organizations with a strong impact on young people, the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), which supports and develops international student mobility and intercultural learning, and the Western Balkans Alumni Association (WBAA), a regional initiative that promotes regional cooperation and contributes to the modernization of higher education in the region.
Ms Zimonjić has been professionally engaged as a project manager in two youth NGOs in Serbia, working on the topics of digital and media literacy as well as the educational and professional development of young people.
As part of her master's studies, she participated in the Erasmus+ exchange program and spent a semester studying at the University of Konstanz in Germany.
Mr Cvijović has been engaged in the civil sector since 2016, firstly as a volunteer of the European Movement in Serbia and later as Project Assistant at the EMinS and President of the Youth Forum of EMinS. From 2019 to 2021 he was also a member of the organising team of the Belgrade Security Forum, as coordinator of participants. His work was mainly focused on raising awareness of youth in Serbia on the EU in general and the process of European integration, enhancing regional cooperation in the Western Balkans within the EU integration process, as well as establishing institutional support for the civil society in Serbia to promote interculturalism among youth.
In the field of interculturalism, he initiated and established, together with representatives of 25 CSOs from Serbia, a non-formal network “United by diversity”, with the aim of strengthening capacities of youth CSOs and CSOs dealing with youth for the empowerment of young people on topics of interculturalism and cultural diversity.
Mr Cvijović holds a BA degree in International Relations from the Faculty of Political Science, University of Belgrade. Currently, he is a master’s student of International Relations at the Faculty of Political Science and International Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Belgrade. From 2018 until 2020 he was engaged as a Teaching Assistant at the Faculty of Political Science on subjects of Introduction to Diplomacy and Diplomatic Analysis and Contemporary Diplomacy. He speaks English and Russian languages.
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.