Meet the Participants
Ivan Vuksanovic
Head of Compliance Department and Secretary General, Erste Bank AD Podgorica; Country Representative at American Councils for International Education

Ivan Vuksanovic worked to establish the FLEX alumni community and to connect young alumni across U.S. Government sponsored programs as the country’s first FLEX Alumni Coordinator. He is a founding member and first president of the Montenegrin American Youth Alumni Association (MAYAA) responsible for organization of many youth leadership camps and workshops supported by the Office of Alumni Affairs, ECA and U.S. Embassy in Montenegro. Now American Councils’ Country Representative in Montenegro, Ivan coordinates the FLEX program, including overseeing the current FLEX Alumni Coordinator and alumni activities. He also oversees Lehigh Internship, OPIT and BLI programs implemented during the summer months. Ivan graduated from the University of Montenegro’s Faculty of Law with a specialization in Business Law. In addition to his role with American Councils, he serves as the Secretary General and Head of Compliance Department at Erste Bank in Podgorica.
Matija Miljanić
Program and Policy Planning Manager at The Public Institution Museums and Galleries of Podgorica

Matija Miljanić is a project/program manager and a producer in area of creative industries, innovation, human rights and entrepreneurship. His academic background is in political sciences where he specializes in peace studies, especially in the migrant crisis and also in cultural diplomacy. His work experience in combination with his academic background led him to produce, organize and create several national, regional and international projects and collaborations - such as festivals (Rubix, GetLost, 4Future, GameJam and many other) but also expert gatherings which boost certain economic and cultural sectors (such as MonteVino, Digitization of Cultural Heritage in cooperation with GDH - GDH (a not-for-profit organization from the U.S.A.), creation of first municipal-owned innovation-entrepreneurship center "Podgoričanka", and other). With his colleagues and alumni from the CEE program he further engages in creating valuable projects and initiatives which bring measurable progress in their societies. Matija is open to collaboration and is looking forward to sharing his knowledge, experience and his social network in order to create many more meaningful and impactful collaborations.
Irina Ilieva
Community Officer for Bulgaria for European Institute for Innovation and Technology (EIT) and COO of Junior Achievement Bulgaria

Irina Ilieva is an accomplished leader with over a decade of experience in project management, strategic planning, and innovation. As Chief Operations Officer at Junior Achievement Bulgaria, she has led entrepreneurship and education initiatives in collaboration with government, non-profit, and corporate sectors. From June 2023 to June 2024, she served as Acting CEO, overseeing 20+ projects and 60+ partnerships with major local and international stakeholders. Previously, she managed a diverse project portfolio at the America for Bulgaria Foundation, earning a spot on Forbes Bulgaria’s “30 under 30” list. Irina has also contributed to global development by integrating the UN Sustainable Development Goals into the OPEC Fund’s strategy. An Erasmus Mundus scholar with extensive international experience, she is dedicated to fostering education, innovation, and inclusive growth.
Martin Sokolov
Tech Lead Chief Expert at the Security Council Secretariat under the Council of Ministers

Martin Sokolov serves as chief expert at the Security Council Secretariat under the Council of Ministers. In this role, he researches and advises Council of Ministers on special projects and the full range of security issues, including Bulgaria’s response to Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine and strategic communications capacity building. He is an experienced analyst in the state, private, and academic sectors on various issues pertaining to security dynamics and threats. His topics of interest include Russia, the wider Black Sea Region, NATO, China, the Middle East, Central Asia, and North Korea. He attended IVLP U.S – European Security Challenges in 2024.
Aneida Bicja
Serial Entrepreneur (Doll’App, Balkans Capital, Adams Chips)

Aneida Bicja is a serial entrepreneur and ecosystem builder with a strong focus on sustainable economic development and innovation across the Balkans. She is the founder of several ventures, including Doll’App, a tech platform promoting sustainable fashion; Balkans Capital, an accounting firm; and Adams Chips, a fast-food chain. As Executive Director of Startup Albania, she actively supports the regional startup ecosystem by mentoring early-stage entrepreneurs, organizing entrepreneurship-focused events, and advocating for entrepreneurship as a catalyst for economic empowerment and social change. A dedicated mother of three, she brings her values of resilience, collaboration, and integrity into every initiative she leads. Aneida is especially passionate about empowering women and youth and believes that entrepreneurship is key to building a more inclusive and prosperous future for the region.
Manuela Stamatović
Owner and CEO, Puzzle Consulting

Manuela Stamatovic is a business, marketing and management consultant, trainer and mentor. Born and educated in Switzerland, Manuela studied business and management in Paris, France where she got her MA in European Management in Business and Marketing. She is an expert in business development strategies, marketing, brand management and communications, with over 20 years of experience in sales, banking and aviation. Manuela is an active member of the Association of Serbian Businesswomen, always eager to share her expertise and knowledge with young entrepreneurs in Serbia.
Ena Porča
ESG Associate at Intesa Sanpaolo Bank

My name is Ena, I am 23 years old and Political Science and International Relations student. I am passionate about innovation and climate action, which is visible through my work as an organizer of Climathon, the first eco-competition in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and EcoBuzz, green skills workshops for high-school students. I am a member of UN Youth Advisory Body and a Young European Ambassador. My main goal is to help other young people, to find where their passion lies, and to turn creative concepts into real solutions through the power of innovation and ideation.
Đorđe Đorđević
CEO & Partner, Forga IO

Djordje Djordjevic is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in leadership and innovation within various sectors. Currently, Djordjevic serves as the CEO and partner at Forga, a full-service digital agency, and as a business advisor at Statys Inc, focusing on process optimization in a global wholesale marketplace. Previous roles include business designer and innovation manager at ICT Hub, and president of BEUM, a non-profit organization for education and networking. Additionally, Djordjevic co-founded the IoT laboratory Garage Lab Belgrade and led multiple initiatives aimed at fostering smart city innovations. With a Master's degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from Malmö University and a BA in Political Science from the University of Belgrade, Djordje combines academic knowledge with practical experience to drive growth and innovation.
Ivana Sreckovic
Media and Marketing Communications Strategist (Freelancer)

Ivana Sreckovic is an accomplished Media and Marketing Communications Strategist with over twelve years of experience. Her expertise spans Marketing, Business, Event and Project Management, Public Speaking, Media Relations, and Human Rights Advocacy.
She most recently served as General Manager of NEST Coworking and was the EIT Climate-KIC license holder for organizing Climathon, the only local edition of this global climate innovation event in Montenegro. As a passionate advocate for youth education and mentoring, Ivana regularly leads workshops, lectures, and support programs for young people. She has also been a TEDx speaker in Sarajevo and is a recipient of multiple prestigious scholarships and awards for education and professional development.
Ivana (Anja) Stanisic Bokic
Communications Director, Novak Djokovic Foundation

Anja Stanišić is a highly respected leader in women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and strategic communications, with over 20 years of experience in the media and public sphere. A seasoned media professional, thought leader, and social media influencer, Anja has used her voice and platforms to champion gender equality and support women across Serbia.
Throughout her career, she has mentored numerous aspiring female entrepreneurs - some of whom went on to secure major investments - and created high-impact events like the Fempower conference, which brings together hundreds of women, experts, and mentors annually. Anja is an alumna of the prestigious Fortune – U.S. Department of State Global Women’s Mentoring Partnership and the Vital Voices program, through which she gained access to a powerful global network and valuable cross-cultural insights.
Beyond her work in entrepreneurship, Anja has played a visible role in shaping public discourse on gender equality. She participated in Converse’s campaign promoting gender-sensitive language, was a featured guest on the widely popular female empowerment podcast Tampon Zona, and contributed to a national campaign advocating for better workplace conditions for mothers returning from maternity leave.
Elma Velic
CEO and Owner of PR Agency Krater

Elma Velić is a communications expert, Fulbright fellow, published author, and dedicated activist. Her career spans public relations, journalism, and community activism, with a strong focus on amplifying marginalized voices. Elma has published books and numerous articles, combining her passion for writing with her commitment to social change. She is also the founder and CEO of Krater, the only public relations agency in the Una-Sana Canton. Through her work, she continues to build bridges between people, ideas, and communities.
Arlind Haxhijaj
Founder and Managing Director Coolab Tirana

Arlind is the Founder and Managing Director of Coolab ,a coworking space for entrepreneurs, freelancers and technologists who want to be part of an active community.
In the the last 8 years has been active in the local and regional startup ecosystem while working with ecosystem builders,support organizations, entrepreneurs, incubators, accelerators and government institutions.He believes in the power of communities to make an impact by connecting and enabling like-minded people create and collaborate to leverage digital technologies.
Marijana Kandic
Founder/Brand Strategist, Bee Media
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I am Marijana, a brand strategist turned solopreneur in 2023, running Bee Media, a boutique branding & business development studio. As an experienced communicator and content creator I am helping companies grow organically by building and meaningfully communicating brands, transforming teams into communities and enabling effective organisational leadership. I am deeply curious and passionate about people and their behaviour, supporting and empowering women entrepreneurs and anything related to planning & organising and how to optimise it while delivering value. My goal is to stay curious. To always be kind, courageous and a bit rebellious and make a difference with my words and actions. People in my life would describe me as: Creative thinker. Doer. A devoted and reliable partner. A loving friend. A loud supporter of great people and ideas. Mountain lover. Problem-solver. Baker. Sustainable living advocate.
Kristi Cina
Executive Director at United Nations Association Albania & Chair of the Albanian Alumni Association (AUSA)
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Kristi Çina is one of the founding officers and the incumbent president of United Nations Association Albania (UNAA). Since 2016, he has contributed to shaping the organizational architecture of UNAA and its youth chapter as well as the vision and programmatic work of the association.
Kristi counts around 9-years of professional experience in different sectors such as legal consultancy (Deloitte Legal Sh.p.k), international organizations (the OSCE Presence in Albania) and non-profit organizations (UNAA). During his on-going dynamic career, he has worked on projects related to youth empowerment and participation, peace and security, rule of law and sustainable development goals. Kristi is also the founder and manager of the Albanian Youth Delegates to the UN Programme (UNYD) and has served as a youth adviser within the National Delegation of the Republic of Albania to UNESCO’s 40th General Conference, and as Young Negotiator of Albania to COP28.
In recognition of his contribution to the civic space in Albania, he was invited in 2019 to participate in the International Visitor Leadership Programme – the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program – on “Youth and Civic Engagement” and in 2020 was selected “WFUNA Young Leader of the Year” by the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA).
Kristi was a member of the first generation of the UN Youth Advisory Board in Albania and since November 2022 is the Chairperson of the Albanian United States Alumni (AUSA) and member of the Executive Committee of WFUNA
Ornela Hogu
AI&Data Specialist Lead/ Manager, Deloitte

Ms. Ornela Hogu is an AI & Data Specialist Lead/Manager with deep expertise in data engineering, cloud technologies, and automation, currently driving data initiatives at Deloitte Central Europe. She is experienced in working with cross-functional and regional teams, mentoring talent, and aligning technical solutions with business goals. She holds two master’s degrees: a Master of Science in Computer Science from Auburn University, Alabama, and a Master of Science in Electronic Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Tirana. Passionate about bridging the gap between academia and industry, she teaches university courses in Data Warehousing, Artificial Intelligence, and e-Business. She also serves as Chief Data Officer for a U.S.-based nonprofit, where she leads process automation efforts and enhances data-driven decision-making. Her passion lies in continuous learning, staying up to date with the latest advancements in the field, and driving impactful solutions for both organizations and the community.
Emil Todorov
Vice President at U.S. Ambassador's Youth Council | Vice President at Informal Education and Entrepreneurship Association
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Emil’s professional journey centers on two main areas: leading youth-focused NGOs and entrepreneurship. For the past decade, he has organized events and managed projects aimed at high school students, with both organizations under his leadership dedicated to developing essential soft skills in young leaders—such as leadership, civic engagement, youth entrepreneurship, communication, and media literacy. He began his entrepreneurial path seven years ago, working primarily in web design, e-commerce, and mobile app development. Currently, his work is focused on building software products. Academically, he has a strong foundation in the humanities and social sciences, having graduated from the American University in Bulgaria in 2022 with a major in Political Science and a self-designed major that combined Psychology and Literature.
Azra Karastanovic
Executive Director, Atlantic Council of Montenegro

Azra Karastanović has been the Executive Director of the Atlantic Council of Montenegro since 2022. Since 2014, she has been employed at the Atlantic Council of Montenegro, where she was responsible for the development and implementation of programs and projects, including the 2BS Forum, a leading political-security platform of the Atlantic Council at a high level. Before joining the ACM, she worked at the Center for International Relations of Montenegro. Her earlier work includes engagement at the Center for Democratic Transition (CDT) as well as the Committee on Political System, Judiciary, and Administration in the Parliament of Montenegro. She was a member of the Working Group for the preparation of Negotiation Chapter 31 – Foreign, Security, and Defense Policy of the process of Montenegro’s integration into the EU (2018-2020). She has participated in various programs in Europe and the United States, including the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) of the U.S. State Department. Karastanović graduated from the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Montenegro, in the field of International Relations and Diplomacy, where she is currently working on her master’s thesis. She regularly publishes articles, political papers and analysis on various issues of security and international relations with a focus on Montenegro.
Blerinda Veliu
Independent Sustainability Consultant and Founder of Botanic LLC

Blerinda Veliu is an entrepreneur and sustainability consultant with expertise in climate
change adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and supply chain development. Her work emphasizes working with the organic, sustainable cultivation and collection practices, particularly in the tea, herbs, and non-timber forest product sectors. She has worked with Tetra Tech on climate change adaptation interventions in Kosovo, focusing on the implementation of nature-based solutions and piloting green technologies to enhance the resilience of rural communities and agricultural systems. A key part of her portfolio includes developing sustainable supply chains for medicinal and aromatic plants and forest fruits. In Kosovo, she worked on the introduction of contractual farming models to support organic and traceable production, fostering resource efficiency and strengthening producer-buyer relationships. She also contributed to a Green and Just Transition scoping mission and the development of a Strategic Outline for a 10-year Swiss- funded program in Kosovo aimed at advancing greening the private sector, including sustainable rural economies. A Fulbright Scholar, Blerinda holds an Impact MBA in Sustainability from Colorado State University, USA, and a Diploma in Carbon Management from the GHG Institute, which supports her data-informed approach to climate adaptation and sustainable development planning.
Fisnik Ahmeti
Senior Program Manager & Grant Coordinator

I am a Senior Program Manager & Grant Coordinator at Kosovo United States Alumni (KUSA), where I support educational and community-focused initiatives across Kosovo. While I have not participated in a USG exchange program myself, I work closely with alumni networks and help implement impactful projects. I’m passionate about economically driven initiatives and fostering connections between young experts across the Balkans. I believe in the power of collaboration to drive regional growth and fresh ideas.
Dajana Paradžik
Auditor, Deloitte

I am now working as an auditor in Deloitte. I am grateful to be an alumni, and that I have took a part in the UGRAD Program. I went on the exchange during my second year of studies and it was for sure life changing experience. Upon my return, I have organised many workshops about the Program. Generally spraking, I am an extrovert so being around people, meeting new people and maintaining networks is really fulfilling. I am excited to be part of the summit this year and looking forward to many more!
Adnan-Mustafa Hasanagić
President of the Association Support the Idea.

I’m Adnan-Mustafa Hasanagić, a Sarajevo-born social entrepreneur passionate about solving real-world problems by creating, testing, and monetizing solutions that genuinely help others. My journey started in education activism, where I led initiatives that impacted local policy, most notably, contributing to the introduction of Article 59 into Sarajevo Canton’s education law. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work on projects like Eureka Zone in partnership with OSCE, co-author a book on education with 11 peers, and build platforms such as Šapa (dok walking platform) and PsychAssist (AI journal and emotion tracker). Through programs like Bold Start, Bold Fellowship in New York, and University at Buffalo’s Leadership Academy, I strengthened my skills in leadership, strategy, and cross-cultural collaboration. I’ve also mentored hundreds of young people in civic engagement and entrepreneurship, something that continues to inspire me. Today, I serve as the President of Support the Idea, an association focused on supporting young innovators thorugh education, mentorship and funding. At my core, I’m a builder, driven by the belief that business can (and should) serve the community.
Nexhi Sula
AI Specialist Lead at Deloitte Albania

Nexhi is an Artificial Intelligence professional committed to advancing the field of natural language processing. With a comprehensive background in AI technologies, she specializes in creating innovative solutions that address complex challenges.
Apart from coding and being up to date with the latest advances in AI, she loves working out and running and hopefully soon to finish a marathon.
Vukasin Velickovic
FLEX Alumni Coordinator, American Councils for International Education Serbia Office

Vukasin serves as FLEX Alumni Coordinator for the American Councils in Serbia. He is very actively involved in alumni events and activities, both the ones supported by the Embassy, and the ones organized by alumni on their own. As one of the most known faces of the A-SMYLE/FLEX program, Vukasin has a natural ability to recruit and organize alumni for different initiatives and programs. Vukasin also has an interest in IT, global logistics, administration and culture entrepreneurship.
Sladjana Bogdanovic
CEO and owner of Consulting agency “NostraLex” East Sarajevo

I am the founder of NostraLex, a consulting agency specializing in the registration of medical devices in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The registration process is conducted through the information system of the Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices, which was established in 2017. I was among the first to become familiar with the system, and in that moment, I recognized a unique business opportunity.
I’m also a proud mother of a six-year-old son, who inspires me every day to be the best version of myself. I consider myself an open-minded individual who approaches life with positivity and a strong passion for personal and professional growth.
Bogdan Malavrazic
Teaching Associate at the Faculty of Law, University of Donja Gorica, Podgorica, Montenegro

I am a law graduate and currently work as a teaching associate at the University of Donja Gorica in Montenegro, where I support courses in civil procedure and obligation law. As a proud FLEX alumnus, I remain actively engaged in regional initiatives related to education, youth empowerment, and transatlantic cooperation. I have participated in various international programs such as the MIRAI program in Japan, the Global Village at Lehigh University, and Youth for Peace initiatives. I am passionate about fostering civic engagement and cross-sectoral collaboration, particularly through youth-led innovation and policy. I also serve as a Student Vice-rector of UDG and actively contribute to the quality assurance processes in higher education.
Arta Mehana
Project Manager - KESCO

I am a proud Community Solutions Program fellow, with a background in economics and institutions. I have hands-on experience in youth development, particularly through promoting initiatives focused on youth entrepreneurship, employment, skills development, and internship programs. My work is driven by a strong belief in empowering young people to take charge of their futures and contribute meaningfully to their communities. I’m a naturally curious person, always looking for opportunities to learn, grow, and make a greater impact. I’m excited to join the Balkan Alumni Summit to connect with regional peers and explore new ways to advance prosperity and resilience across the Balkans.
Besjana Muraku
Lecturer at Polytechnic University of Tirana, Computer Science

Besjana graduated in Computer Science and pursued further studies in Managing Information Systems in Syracuse, NY. Currently, she is working as a lecturer at the Polytechnic University of Tirana, where she also engages in research projects focused on artificial intelligence and large language models. Her professional interests include leveraging AI technologies to solve real-world challenges and enhance educational methodologies. She actively contributes to the academic community through research, publications, and collaboration in international projects. Besjana looks forward to exchanging insights and experiences related to next-generation leadership and technological innovation during the Alumni Summit.
Drenusha Salihu
Cybersecurity Specialist

Drenusha Salihu is a distinguished cybersecurity specialist and the founder of Women4Cyber Kosovo, an initiative dedicated to empowering women in the cybersecurity field. As an alumna of the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), she has represented Kosovo on the global stage, fostering international collaboration in cybersecurity. In 2023, she was honored as a Cyber Woman Hope Europe medalist, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the field and her role in inspiring the next generation of women leaders in tech. Drenusha continues to be a driving force for change, innovation, and inclusion in the cybersecurity community.
Mia Krčum
YES Alumni Coordinator for BiH, American Councils BiH

My name is Mia Krčum and I am from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. I am the Alumni Coordinator for the YES Program in BiH, as well as a journalism and communication studies student at the University of Sarajevo at the Faculty of Political Sciences. I spend most of my time organizing projects for the improvement of my community, including educational workshops, fundraisers etc. Aside from that I enjoy art and reading.
Bozhidara Kiryakova
Concept Development and Business Continuity Management Expert, Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence

Bozhidara's professional background covers crisis and risk communications at local and strategic levels, with additional focus on cultural and generational specifics. Moreover, she is actively engaged in research and education activities aimed at enhancing societal resilience and fostering civil-military cooperation in the field of crisis management and disaster response. Furthermore, she is currently dealing with research and analysis of the Business Continuity Management topic at international level. Her aspiration is to continue actively supporting the international culture of preparedness and readiness in light of the challenges that derive from the contemporary complex
Tringa Krasniqi
Founder at Ivy Journey

Tringa Krasniqi is the Founder and CEO of Ivy Journey Kosovo, where she has empowered hundreds of students to win prestigious scholarships and gain admission to top universities worldwide. With an MBA from The George Washington University and a Magna Cum Laude bachelor’s degree from RIT Kosovo, Tringa combines academic excellence with hands-on consulting experience. A former Forté Foundation and American Councils Fellow, she is passionate about educational equity and youth empowerment. Her leadership is marked by a deep commitment to opportunity access and impact-driven education.
Dušan Jovčić
Owner and CEO, Hectic Games

Dusan Jovcic is the co-founder and CEO of Hectic Games, a Serbian R&D center and board gaming startup on a mission to implement innovative solutions and lean startup methodology into the board game industry. Hectic Games is focused on fast prototyping and lean testing of new board gaming ideas and bringing them to market via self-publishing, crowdfunding, or collaboration with partners. Dusan has a BA from the Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Belgrade and before his startup journey, he wore many different hats - ranging from Teaching Fellow at his Faculty, to broadcast journalist for Serbia's oldest radio station, to Program Officer for one of the most creative regional organizations, Propulsion.
Flaka Ahmetaj
Audit Analyst - ACA Audit and Consulting Associates

I am currently working as an audit analyst, and I also do marketing on the side because it allows me to express my creative side. For two years, I served as the Alumni Coordinator for the YES program in Kosovo, and I was also the coordinator for TechGirls, an amazing opportunity that allowed me to empower youth and better understand different regions, nations, and religions. Across both roles, I organized over 100 activities and worked closely with young people from diverse backgrounds. I love meeting new people, learning from different perspectives, and building meaningful connections. Sunsets are one of my favorite ways to pause and reflect. This summit ties directly into my interests and the work I do as it brings together leadership, regional cooperation, and youth engagement, all of which are connected to my studies and career. I would love the opportunity to be part of it, contribute to the conversation, and continue growing alongside others who care about making a difference.
Elena Nikolova
Community Manager, Bulgarian Angels Club

Elena Nikolova is startup ecosystem builder, currently Community Manager of Bulgarian Angels Club, program architect of Beyond pre-accelerator, co-founder of ESCREO, passionate about female entrepreneurship & impact investing. She is co-founder of FEB – a community of 500+ female founders in Bulgaria and recently did a 3-month research on the topic in NYC as a Fulbright scholar. She is a Forbes 30 under 30 alumni, TEDxVitosha ambassador and alumni of several US State department supported entrepreneurial and leadership programs. Elena is a big fan of tennis, likes hiking and from time to time writes in her blog Stubborn penguins can fly.
Sava Petrov
Chief Legal Expert, National Parliament

Sava Petrov holds degrees in Law and International Relations from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and has served as a chief expert in the Bulgarian Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee for a decade. He prepares draft legislation, provides expert analyses, and participates in working groups and public discussions. His legislative focus includes judicial reform, whistleblower protection, and anti-corruption measures. He played a key role in recent constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening judicial independence and reforming the Supreme Judicial Council, the prosecutor’s office, and the caretaker cabinet. Additionally, he contributed to amendments to the Election Code, Criminal Code, and laws on domestic violence and anti-corruption.
Franc Zylyftari
Head of Cyber Incident Response Team, National Agency for Information Society (NAIS)

Mr. Franc Zylyftari holds the position of "Head of Cyber Incident Response Team" at National Agency for Information Society and he is responsible for cyber operations in the government cyber space. Franc leads also the cyber intelligence team and he represented his institution in the "Countering Foreign Interference and Disinformation" national commission. Praised from international partners who support Albanian government in the cyber domain, Franc has an extensive experience on facing information operations, manipulation of information and disinformation.
He was the captain of Albanian national team at Balkan regional cyber drill exercise organized by European Union, where Albania was ranked 1-st two years in a row.
Representing national team last year, Franc and two other colleagues won the international Global cyber drill in UAE hosted by International Telecommunication Union.
Tatjana Verbić
Professor, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade; Vice-president of "Fulbright & Friends" Alumni Association

Tatjana Verbic, Fulbright alumna, was just elected a vice-president of Serbian "Fulbright & Friends" alumni association. Tatjana is a chemistry professor at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade.
Adrian Kerimi
Journalist at ALSAT M National Television

Adrian Kerimi is a well-known journalist in North Macedonia, working as a reporter for ALSAT M National Television since 2012. From the beginning, Kerimi covered especially organized crime, police department, rule of law and judicial cases. In 2023 took part in the IVLP programme of Open World, Balkan Regional Programme (Journalism and Anti-Corruption) in Washington D.C and Seattle. From September 2024, Kerimi is deputy editor-in-chief of ALSAT M National Television.
Darvin Murić
Editor in Chief of Raskrinkavanje

Darvin is a long-time journalist who covered politics in Vijesti daily, and Vijesti online, where he wrote countless articles on Government, parliament, political parties, corruption, election, etc. Former deputy editor of Pobjeda.me, and now, for five years already, editor-in-chief of fact-checking website Raskrinkavanje.me, a platform founded by Center for Democratic Transition.
Merita Dema

Merita Dema is an electrical engineer with an MSc in Power Systems from North Macedonia and over 12 years of professional experience in the energy sector. She has worked across the electricity value chain, including in the Distribution System Operator and in energy regulation, contributing to key reforms in energy policy and sustainability. Merita is a UK Chevening alumna and a U.S. Department of State IVLP alumna, passionate about empowering women in STEM and promoting clean energy transitions. Her work reflects a strong commitment to public service and international cooperation for a more resilient and inclusive energy future.
Leposava Ognjanoska Stavrovska

Leposava Ognjanoska Stavrovska holds a PhD in EU Law and European Integration from the Faculty of Law at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje. She teaches university-level courses on European Union law, International Public Law, International Organizations, and related subjects. Prior to her academic career, she gained extensive professional experience in both the think tank sector and state institutions. Her roles included serving as Special Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs and as International Affairs Advisor to the Minister of Defence. She is also a 2023 alumna of the SUSI for Scholars program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, which she completed at the University of Delaware with a specialization in U.S. Foreign Policy.
Lokman Musliu

Lokman's entrepreneurial career began after he graduated from college. He founded Lucky Media a software development agency based in Dallas, TX. Since 2015, the agency has had a huge impact on companies, both on a local and national level.
Before starting his agency, Lokman has been engaged in various organizations. At the very beginning, he started volunteering at the Red Cross and later served as the group's youth leader. After that, he continued working with other organizations such as Youth Empowerment Platform, Democracy Lab, Youth Council of Gostivar, etc. In April 2019, he was elected as a Professional Fellow for the Tech and Entrepreneurship program of the United States in cooperation with World Chicago.
Regarding his professional training and skills development, the programs he attended included leadership, academic writing, teamwork, and StartUp training. He participated in numerous local and national competitions, such as the International Space Apps Challenge supported by NASA where he was awarded First place.
He is passionate about his work and always eager to connect with other makers. While he enjoys all aspects of his job, his favorite phase of a project is working with the client or business unit manager to clarify and understand the business objectives. Lokman holds a Computer Science Degree from South East European University.