Mirlinda Kozmaqi

WBAA member since:

11/04/2022

WBAA team:

Research

My engagement with WBAA so far:

My first experience with WBAA was the participation in Team meetings in Durres on 3, and 4 September 2022. It was a wonderful opportunity to get to know each other and share ideas together. The next event that I was involved in was the WBAA General Assembly and Teams Meeting in Belgrade last March. Such an amazing event that gave me the opportunity to be surrounded by great and open-minded people and also get to know other new members.

What is your motivation for applying for this position to become a board member for one of the relevant chapters?

Over the last decade, I have worked both directly with students, as an English teacher, also with the Ministry of Education, the Government of Kosova, as well as a number of non-governmental organizations involved in education. Having held these positions has made me realize the importance of education and how much we need to do to improve the education system in my own country and in the region as well. Due to my over 10-year experience in the Kosovan education system, I see this position as a valuable opportunity to help and contribute my knowledge and expand my expertise further.

What are your plans as a board member (what is your plan of action for the period you are elected)?

• Promoting WBAA in indoor and outdoor media, online and in person.
• Increasing the number of Kosova students who have studied abroad for at least one or more semesters to join the WBAA.
• Establishing new methods of communication among all members of the WBAA - from service providers to board members.
• Plan and implement projects aimed at improving education in Kosovo*.
• Maintaining constant communication between WBAA Kosova members through a channel (social media platform).
• Assisting WBAA members with planning, organizing, and implementing WBAA projects.
• Promote international experience through Erasmus+, encouraging companies and institutions to include it as an important factor in employment.

What skills and qualities do you bring to this position?

During my experience, I developed many skills that are necessary for any position that has to do with people and decision-making, such as; effective communication which is essential in any role, leadership skills, problem-solving skills, taking initiative, being good at organizing and planning tasks, and the ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

Describe yourself in three words:

cooperative, detail-oriented, enthusiastic, and friendly.

Anesa Colakovic

WBAA member since:

06/03/2018

WBAA team:

Higher education reform & Equal access to Higher education

My engagement with WBAA so far:

I engaged in the event organized in Belgrade and in the past I took part in some other events in Pristina.

What is your motivation for applying for this position to become a board member for one of the relevant chapters?

There are two main reasons for my interest. The first is that I am looking forward to become the first minority from Kosovo* to be able to lead a chapter. I come from Bosniak community and I believe I would make my community proud. Additionally, I believe that I will be able to contribute and represent in the memorable way. The second reason for my interest is to learn more through the chapter.

What are your plans as a board member (what is your plan of action for the period you are elected)?

As a board member, I believe it is in my interest to work closely with the other board members and to fill in the gap where needed.

What skills and qualities do you bring to this position?

I have 15 yrs of professional experience in education, culture, youth and sports. I believe that I would be able to share my connections and networks.

Describe yourself in three words:

Initiator. Multi-linguistic. Humanitarian.

Njomza Sallauka

WBAA member since:

01/09/2019

My engagement with WBAA so far:

National Representative of Kosovo* at Western Balkans Alumni Association (Board Member) 2021-present, Head of Academic & Career Development Team 2019-2021, Volunteer and Member 2019-present, Promote WBAA throughout “The development and promotion of training skills and competences” in Western Balkans (Project Manager) 2021

What is your motivation for applying for this position to become a board member for one of the relevant chapters?

My motivation for applying for the position of Regional Board member for the Kosovo* Chapter is grounded in a profound commitment to academic excellence and community advancement. Drawing from my prior experience as a board member, I have witnessed the pivotal role this chapter plays in fostering intellectual growth and positive societal transformation. My aspiration to secure this position lies in my dedication to further enhancing the chapter's academic standing and community engagement. I firmly believe that my continued service as a Regional Board member will enable me to contribute substantively to the scholarly development of Kosovo* and uphold the organization's core values in an academic context.

What are your plans as a board member (what is your plan of action for the period you are elected)?

As a prospective board member for the Kosovo* Chapter, my comprehensive plan of action centers on three key pillars: First, academic excellence: I intend to actively foster a robust academic environment within the chapter, focusing on organizing workshops, seminars, and guest lectures that facilitate knowledge exchange and intellectual growth. Additionally, I will champion research initiatives, encouraging members to pursue research projects and engage with academic communities both locally and internationally. Second, community engagement: My commitment extends to strengthening the chapter's ties with the broader community. This involves promoting outreach programs, partnerships with local educational institutions, and initiatives that address pressing societal issues in Kosovo*. Through these efforts, we aim to leverage academic expertise for the betterment of the region. Third, organizational growth: I plan to work closely with the chapter's leadership and members to enhance its organizational structure and efficiency. This includes streamlining administrative processes, improving transparency, and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. In conclusion, my strategic plan as a board member is firmly rooted in academic advancement, community engagement, and organizational development, all of which I believe will contribute significantly to the chapter's continued success and its positive impact on Kosovo* and the academic community at large.

What skills and qualities do you bring to this position?

In pursuit of this esteemed position, I bring a robust amalgamation of skills and qualities well-suited to the demands of a Regional Board member. My academic background, marked by Technical Translation and Political Science equips me with critical analytical skills and a deep appreciation for research and knowledge dissemination. Complementing this, my prior experience as a board member, during which I effectively collaborated with diverse teams and demonstrated strong leadership, underscores my capacity for teamwork and organizational acumen. Additionally, my proficiency in project management, event planning, and community outreach positions me favorably to initiate and oversee key projects critical to the chapter's success. My ability to communicate articulately, both in written and oral forms, further strengthens my capacity to represent the chapter effectively and advocate for its interests.

Describe yourself in three words:

Dedicated, Analytical, Collaborative