Team
The GITEKA project is implemented by a dedicated and multidisciplinary team of experts from leading higher education institutions in Albania and Kosovo. The team combines academic excellence with industry experience to design innovative curricula aligned with the green and digital transition in the Western Balkans.
University of new york tirana
Adela Danaj – Project Coordinator
Dr. Adela Danaj is a Senior Lecturer of Politics and Director of the Research, Project, and Innovation Center at UNYT. She holds a PhD in Safety and Security (Óbuda University, Summa Cum Laude) and an MA in Political Science (Central European University). With expertise in EU politics, voting behaviour, and research methodology, she has extensive experience in academic leadership, international cooperation, and Erasmus+ project management. Dr. Danaj plays a key role in advancing UNYT’s internationalization, research culture, and strategic partnerships.
University of new york tirana
Stela Hoxha
Stela Hoxha is a Project Officer at the Research, Project Development and Innovation Center at UNYT. She supports the implementation of EU-funded projects in higher education, youth, and VET, particularly under the Erasmus+ framework. Holding an MSc in Law with a focus on Human Rights and EU Law, she contributes to project coordination, monitoring, and reporting while promoting inclusive and rights-based approaches in education.
University of new york tirana
Andromahi Kufo
Dr. Andromahi Kufo is Head of the Economics and Finance Department and Program Director of the Master’s in Finance and Accounting at UNYT. She holds a PhD in Finance from the University of Tirana and has extensive experience in corporate finance, investments, and risk management. With a background in banking at Alpha Bank Albania and a strong research profile, she actively contributes to international publications and conferences while mentoring future finance professionals.
University of new york tirana
Dorina Papa
Dr. Dorina Papa is an architect and academic at UNYT, specializing in architectural and urban design with a focus on integrating contemporary design into historic contexts. She holds a PhD in Theory and Architectural Design (University of Ferrara & Polis University) and teaches architectural design, CAD, and adaptive reuse. Her research spans heritage preservation, design innovation, and participation in various EU-funded and international projects.
University of new york tirana
Eriona Shtembari
Dr. Eriona Shtembari is Department Head at UNYT (in collaboration with SUNY Empire State University) and an Evaluation & Quality Assurance Expert at the Albanian Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. She holds a PhD in Management from the University of Rome Tor Vergata and has over 15 years of experience in academia, research, and donor-funded projects (USAID, World Bank, GIZ). Her work focuses on HR and digitalization, project management, sustainability, and innovation, with numerous publications and roles as a speaker, editor, and reviewer at international conferences.
UNI-UNIVERSUM INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE
Armend Berisha
Armend Berisha is Director of the Quality Assurance Office at Universum College and leads projects and international cooperation initiatives. He holds an MA in Higher Education Policy & Administration (University of Iowa) and BAs in Political Science and Business Administration. With extensive experience in EU- and USAID-funded projects and senior management roles, he focuses on student success, innovative teaching methods, and institutional development in higher education.
UNI-UNIVERSUM INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE
Nazim Haliti
Nazim Haliti works at the Universum International College since 2015 as Administration Manager and lecturer in the Departments of Political Sciences and Business and Management. He holds a bachelor degree in Political Science and a Master of Public Sector Management from the Universum International College. He has worked for almost 11 years as a journalist and more than 9 years in the civil society sector, where he has been engaged in the field of the rule of law, with special emphasis on research on public policy documents, directing and managing many programs and projects that have contributed to sustainable development, civic activism and public safety in Kosovo. He was the co-author and editor of several research reports and policy papers in the field of public policies in Kosovo. His experience includes contribution with various intergovernmental and civil society groups in drafting and overseeing the national strategic documents related to community safety and security.
UNI-UNIVERSUM INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE
Bujar Selimi
Experienced Designer with a Master’s degrees focused in Graphic Design from Faculty of Arts in Prishtina and Interior Design from Florence Design Academy in Florence-Italy. Skilled in Multimedia, Photography, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop. Also owner with a demonstrated history of working in the restaurants industry.
European University of Tirana
Kebjana Haka
Kebjana Haka is an international cooperation and project development expert with over 15 years of experience in EU-funded programs. She is currently Executive Director of the Center for Education and Development (CED) and Project Manager at the European University of Tirana, leading national and international projects. She has strong expertise in Erasmus+, IPA Cross-Border Cooperation, and Interreg, and previously worked at the Ministry of European Integration of Albania on project evaluation and program implementation.
European University of Tirana
Forcim Kola
Dr. Forcim Kola is currently a full-time lecturer at UET, teaching courses in business research,
innovation, quality management, and digital marketing. He holds a PhD in Marketing and
advanced degrees in Marketing and Business Administration from the University of Tirana. With
an extensive academic and professional experience in marketing and management, particularly in
the banking, microfinance, and insurance sectors, he is the author of textbooks, monographs, and
scientific articles focused on financial services marketing and digital marketing.
European University of Tirana
Elida Boshnjaku
Dr.( c ) Elida Boshnjaku is Assistant Lecturer at the Department of Management and
Marketing, Faculty of Economy, Business and Development at the European University
of Tirana since 2021. She holds a Master of Second Level in Marketing and is
completing her doctorate in the field of territory products and culinary tourism. Dr. (c )
Boshnjaku has over 15 years of teaching experience in academia for subjects of tourism
and marketing and also has a strong experience in projects.
European University of Tirana
Mishela Rapo
Mishela Rapo has been working as an assistant lecturer since 2021, both part-time and full-time, within the Department of Management and Marketing. She has gained academic and research experience through her involvement in international projects such as VALEU-X, VIRTUAL, and GITEKA, as well as participation in international conferences in Turkey, Greece, and England. In addition, she has attended professional training programs in the fields of tourism and education in Albania and Italy.
University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj
Agron Bajraktari
Prof. Dr. Agron Bajraktari is the Rector of the University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj and Chairman of the Conference of Rectors of Public Universities of Kosovo. A former Vice-Rector of the University of Prishtina, he holds multiple doctorates in wood industry, business administration, and green architecture, as well as an MBA from Staffordshire University. With extensive leadership experience, over 140 international conference presentations, and numerous publications and books, he is a prominent figure in higher education and the field of forestry and wood industry.
University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj
Kushtrim Cukaj
Kushtrim Cukaj is Vice-Rector for International Cooperation and Quality Development at the University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj, where he has taught since 2012. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Wood Industry from the Agricultural University of Tirana and is completing his doctorate in the same field. With extensive experience in public institutions and international organizations—including OSCE, NATO/KFOR, and various Kosovo government ministries—he brings strong expertise in international cooperation, quality assurance, and higher education development.
University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj
Flamur Salihu
Prof. Dr. Salihu is Vice-Rector for Teaching, Student Affairs, and Scientific Research at the University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj. He holds a PhD from Omer Halisdemir University in Turkey, an MSc and BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pristina, and has taught since 2009. With extensive experience in academic leadership, Erasmus+ and USAID projects, and collaboration with industry, he specializes in CAD, engineering graphics, and logistics, and actively contributes to international research and conferences.
University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj
Fakije Zejnullahu
Prof. Asoc. Dr. Fakije Zejnullahu is Vice-Rector for Innovation, Technology and Digitalization at the University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj. She holds a PhD in Management Information Systems (European University of Tirana) and an engineering degree in Computer Science and Telecommunications (University of Pristina). With over 15 years of experience in academia and public service, she has led major e-Government projects in Kosovo and published widely on digital transformation, e-Government, and technology in education.
University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca
Octavian Simion
Octavian Simion is a Romanian designer and Associate Professor at the University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca. His academic and professional interests lie at the intersection of design, technology, and public space. He investigates the ways in which functional objects can embody artistic value while generating social impact. His work demonstrates a strong commitment to product design, with a particular focus on the lighting and furniture industries. Simion frequently collaborates with industry partners to develop innovative and context-sensitive design solutions. His practice integrates academic research with real-world applications, aiming to enrich everyday life through thoughtful, purposeful design.
University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca
Anca Luiza Zaharia
Anca Luiza Zaharia is a PhD lecturer in the Fashion-Design Department at UAD. With international experience in Stockholm, Milan, and the Netherlands, she has showcased her work in numerous national and international exhibitions. She is currently coordinating the FEA-VEE project, promoting sustainability and innovation in the fashion, textiles, and apparel industries.
University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca
Ioana Boldiș
Dr. Ioana Boldiș is a psychologist, trainer, and lecturer in the Teacher Training Department at the University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca. She holds a PhD in Sociology and focuses on applying psychology in arts education and research.
University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca
Valeriu Emil Nicoară
Valeriu Emil Nicoară holds a degree in Economics and a master’s in European Studies. He has extensive experience in marketing, sales, and team management, having worked at the Autonomous Administration of Public Domain in Cluj-Napoca, Carrefour Cluj, and Betty Ice, where he managed sales operations and led large teams.
WSB University
Denis Spahija
Denis Spahija is Deputy Director of the International Relations Office and a Lecturer at WSB University in Poland. A PhD candidate in Finance, he holds a Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Local Economic Development and has over a decade of experience in higher education leadership. He specializes in internationalization, project management, and finance, contributing to Erasmus+ and other EU-funded initiatives while advancing global academic cooperation and student mobility.
WSB University
Paweł Urgacz
Paweł Urgacz is Head of the International Relations Office and Dean for Internationalization at WSB University in Poland. With extensive experience in managing Erasmus+, CBHE, Norway Grants, and other international projects, he specializes in higher education internationalization, mobility programs, and global partnerships. He actively promotes innovative teaching methods—such as gamification, challenge-based learning, COIL, and micro-credentials—to enhance students’ international experiences.
ISEPS
Arbnora Bytyqi
Arbnora Bytyqi is a researcher at ISEPS, where she contributes to the development and implementation of research projects. She completed her Bachelor’s studies at Universum International College and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Teaching English at the University of Tetova. Her professional experience has strengthened her organizational and managerial skills, while her dedication and structured approach make her highly focused on effective project management.
Durres Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Brizida Hoxha
Brizida Hoxha is the Secretary General of the Durres Chamber of Commerce and Industry. With over 20 years of experience, she has been instrumental in supporting SMEs, fostering business internationalization, managing projects, and building international partnerships. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Chemical Engineering and a Professional Master’s in Management and Business Marketing.
Durres Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Neritan Golja
Neritan Golja is the Chairman of the Durrës Chamber of Commerce and Industry with a strong background in business development, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. With extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, he has been actively involved in promoting local entrepreneurship, trade, and tourism. Mr. Golja has led initiatives to support business competitiveness and economic growth in the Durrës region. He holds significant expertise in business management, sectoral representation, and stakeholder engagement. Fluent in Albanian and Italian, he is recognized for his strategic vision, leadership skills, and ability to drive collaborative projects effectively.
Durres Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Julia Traja (Buzali)
Julia Traja (Buzali) is the Register and Legal Advice Officer at the Durres Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where she has worked since 2004. She holds a Bachelor’s in Law from the University of Tirana and brings extensive legal and administrative expertise, managing the Chamber’s register, providing legal guidance to businesses, and contributing to projects and international partnerships.
Durres Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Emila Raja (Subashi)
Emila Raja (Subashi) is Finance and Project Manager at the Durres Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with over 15 years of experience in financial management, project coordination, and business services. Holding degrees in Law and Finance & Accounting, she oversees accounting operations, advises on fiscal matters, and manages national and international projects, combining strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
