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About Us
In an effort to provide high quality
research that can shape public policy in Kosovo and elsewhere, the Center draws
from the expertise and experience of its many researchers, fellows,
and staff. Most of our fellows are educated at leading universities
in the U.S, Canada, and Western Europe. Meaningful research in social sciences and
humanities requires rigor and dedication. Our staff and fellows have
both.
The following are our key members and
their brief bios.
Mr. Faton Bislimi
Senior Fellow and Managing Director
Faton has a rich experience in both Kosovo and the United
States/Canada and with both international organizations and academic
institutions -- including
positions with UNDP, USAID, RTI International, OSCE, American
University in Kosovo, Victory University College, etc. He is also
well published in topics of economic development, political and
social development, as well as immigration. His key areas of
research include migration and remittances, economic development, state-building,
peace-keeping and peace-building, foreign affairs, and multiculturalism. Faton holds a BSc and BA
(honors) from Texas Lutheran University in computer science and
math, respectively, and a Master's in International Development and
Public Administration from John F. Kennedy School of Government,
Harvard University. Faton also holds an MA in International
Relations from Dalhousie University. Between 2010 and 2012, Faton
served as a Doctoral Fellow at
the Center for Foreign Policy Studies and the EU Centre of
Excellence, Dalhousie University in
Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he pursued his PhD in
political science. Since Fall 2012, Faton has continued his PhD
studies at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
His university teaching experience includes economics, business, and
politics classes at the undergraduate level at several universities
in Kosovo and Canada.
Mr. Xhevat Latifi
Executive Director / Media Relations Coordinator
Xhevat was born and raised in Gjilan, Kosovo. He holds an
undergraduate degree in Education from the Faculty of Education,
University of Prishtina and has also earned a Masters in Sociology
from the State University of Tetova, Macedonia. Mr. Latifi is a
member of the Society of Writers of Kosova and has so far published
two poetry books: "Vdekja Kushton Shtrenjte / Death is
Expensive" (1997) and "Shi ne Flokun Tend / Rain on your hair"
(2005). He has a long experience in journalism and has worked for
RTV 21, Lajm Newspaper, Express Newspaper, TV Vali and currently is
a correspondent of RTK, Kosovo's national public broadcaster,
covering the region of Gjilan. Mr. Latifi is married and has three
children.
Mr. Sherif Sherifi
Legal Consultant
Sherif's professional experience includes positions with the Court
of Gjilan, Kosovo Chamber of Advocates, and between 2006 and 2012 with the
Civil Rights Program Kosovo (CRPK). He holds a BA in Law from the
University of Prishtina and is currently pursuing a master's in
criminal law at the University of Prishtina. After successfully
passing the Kosovo Bar Exam, Sherif became a practicing lawyer in
Gjilan, Kosovo in 2012.
Ms. Karen McKenney
Freelance Editor
Karen has spent many years in Kosovo working for major international
organizations including the American Refugee Committee, OSCE, etc.
She has many years of experience as editor and media analyst.
Karen's educational background includes a BA in Economics from
Oberlin College and liberal arts studies from the University of
Washington. The Center contracts Karen to edit its core publications
and other studies as necessary.
Mr. Blerton Abazi
ICT and Multimedia Consultant
Blerton has worked for both local and international NGOs and
their projects mainly in the field of information and communication
technologies and youth trainings. He has also successfully served as
president of the Kosovo Youth Network, an active national youth
organization. Blerton holds a BSc in Computer Science from the South
Eastern European University in Tetovo, Macedonia and has recently
founded a training and ICT service providing organization,
MediaFleta. His current interests include ICT and e-governance,
youth activism, etc.
Mr. Bujar Haziri
Youth and Civil Society Adviser
Bujar has spent over ten years in working with youth and civil
society in Kosovo. He has held many important positions in local
government institutions tasked with youth and civil society issues,
including being Municipal Youth Officer in Gjilan. For his
dedication, hard work, and leadership, Bujar has received numerous
Certificates of Appreciation and other acknowledgements from major
international organizations working in Kosovo, such as UNDP, UNV,
GTZ, etc. Bujar holds a BSc in Engineering from the University of
Prishtina.
Mr. Besnik F.
Hoti
Trainings Coordinator
Besnik holds both a BA and a Master's in International Politics
and Diplomacy from the Victory University College, Prishtina,
Kosovo. He has also successfully completed several trainings and
short-term academic programs in the field of diplomacy,
international development, and international relations in Tirana,
Albania and Washington, DC. Besnik has served as the Internship
Coordinator at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania for
Victory University College students. Currently, he teaches part-time
at the Victory University College, while pursuing his PhD in
International Relations from the European University of Tirana in
Tirana, Albania.
Mr. Robert Gulick
Senior Fellow
Rob has spent many years working in Kosovo after the war. He has
extensive experience with the private sector and with international
organizations. Rob has served as founder and executive director of
the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo, partner of MDA,
consultant for AUK, among others. His key research interest include
private sector development, joint ventures, investment funds, and
more recently, tourism. A graduate of Hamilton College with a BA in
History, International Relations, and English, he has also pursued a
master's in education from the Bank Street College of Education in
New York. He joined the Center in October 2009.
Mr. Resul Dauti
Senior Fellow
Resul has been one of the key activists of the Albanian
community in Alberta, Canada. He has given numerous public speeches
on the Kosovo issue across Canada. His main areas of research
include political developments and institutions, international
relations, diplomacy of small nations, and multiculturalism. Resul's
experience includes positions in Canada and Kosovo and in both the
private and not-for-profit sectors. He holds a BA in political
science from the University of Lethbridge, Canada. Resul joined the
Center in August 2009.
Mr. Luan Mazreku
Senior Fellow
Luan earned his Master's of Public Administration
from the Missouri State University in December
2009. He holds a BA in Political Science from Drury University
(2007). His experience, among others, includes a position with the
Public Information Office of the City of Springfield. Luan has been
an active activist on Balkans issues, especially those relating to
Kosovo. His research specialties include international relations,
public relations, peace-keeping and peace-building, and public
administration.
Mr. Ardian Syla
Senior Fellow
Ardian has spent most of his time - apart from university
studies - in an academic environment. He has worked for the Victory
University College in Prishtina, Kosovo, as Head of Administration.
Besides regular duties, Ardian has helped the College with their
financial planning and budgeting needs. His major research interests
include economics, business and private sector, as well as banking
and finances. A business administration graduate of the American
University in Kosovo, Ardian has also earned a master's in banking
and finance at Sheffield University's affiliate City College in
Thessaloniki,
Greece, which is where he is pursuing his PhD, too.
Mr. Arben Skivjani
Senior Fellow
Arben was born and raised in Kosovo, but educated in the United
States. His work experience is impressive. He has held, among
others, positions with Center for Business and Economic Development
at the Auburn University in Montgomery and with Camoin Associates
(New York). His fields of interest include state-building, economic
development, good governance, and private sector development.
Arben holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with
an emphasis in International Business and
Economics. He is currently working towards his Master’s in Business
Administration degree.
Mr. Arsim Mulaku
Senior Fellow
Arsim holds a Masters
of Public Policy from the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy at
the University of Erfurt in Germany, with a specific specialization
in European Public Policy and International Affairs. Prior to that,
he earned his BA in Public Administration South East European
University in Tetovo, Macedonia, on a Merit US Embassy Scholarship.
Arsim's work experience includes research positions with the
European Union Institute for Security Studies in Paris,
the Kosovar
Institute for Policy Research and Development, and internships with
the Embassy of Kosovo in Brussels, the Kosovo Ministry of Public
Administration, etc. His research interests include Europeanization
and political developments in the Balkans.
Ms. Elvana
Tafilaku
Senior Fellow
Elvana holds a Masters
degree
in the field of Public Policy from the Willy Brandt School of Public
Policy at the University of Erfurt in Germany, with a specific
specialization in European Public Policy and International Affairs.
Prior to that, she earned her BA in political science from the
University of Tirana. Elvana's work experience includes research and
teaching positions with the
Aleksander Moisiu University, and
administrative positions with ENEMO, local NGOs, as well as regional
associations of NGOs. Her research interests include International
Relations and the EU integration process of the Western Balkans.
Mr.
Kushtrim Zeqiri
Senior Fellow
Kushtrim has worked as an assistant in the department of finance
in the daily newspaper Lajm in Prishtina and as business manager for
a food retailer in Kosovo. He is a graduate of the American University
in Kosovo with a bachelor's degree in business administration and
has also obtained a master's in banking and finance at
Sheffield University's affiliate City College in Thessaloniki, Greece.
Ms. Arbnora Dauti
Research Fellow
Arbnora's key research interest include public health in
general and infant and pregnant women's health in particular. Her
work experience includes positions with major healthcare providers such as the
University of Alberta Hospital, Family Medical Clinic in Edmonton,
Alberta, Canada. She is a graduate of the CDI College and pursued
the Nursing program at Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton, Alberta.
Mr. Kreshnik
Bekteshi
Research Fellow
Kreshnik's experience includes positions with private sector
companies in Kosovo and Macedonia. Among others, he worked as an
export/import manager and business events coordinator.
Kreshnik holds a BSc in management and business administration from
the American University in Kosovo and is currently pursuing a MSc in
logistics and supply chain management at the
Sheffield University's affiliate City College in Thessaloniki,
Greece. His key areas of interest include supply chain management,
business logistics, and business development.
Ms. Drenusha Bislimi
Research Fellow
Drenusha's key areas of research include economics, private sector
development, banking, and public finances. She has a variety of
professional experiences, including positions with Empowered Media
in New York City, New York, Booz Allen Hamilton (USAID Contractor)
in Prishtina, Kosovo, etc. She holds an honors bachelor's
degree in Business Administration - Management from Texas Lutheran
University, and is now pursuing a Master's in Educational
Administration Leadership from the University of Alberta in
Edmonton, Canada.
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