At the intersection of innovation, partnerships, and impact.

I've always believed that meaningful change happens when people, ideas, and opportunities connect. Growing up around entrepreneurship and business conversations sparked my curiosity early about how organizations grow, adapt, and create impact. Over time, that curiosity evolved into a deeper passion for innovation, ecosystem building, leadership, and creating structures that help ideas move from vision to execution.

My professional journey began in the nonprofit and development sector, where I worked on initiatives focused on social entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, philanthropy, and startup development across the Western Balkans. During this time, I managed large-scale programs funded by organizations such as the European Union, USAID, and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, while mentoring startups, NGOs, and social enterprises on fundraising, innovation, and sustainable growth. I also led Albania's first live crowdfunding platform, designed programs supporting green and social enterprises, and contributed to research and policy work related to social innovation, entrepreneurship, and ecosystem development.

As my work evolved, I became increasingly interested in how innovation could be managed systematically across organizations, industries, and countries. This led me into the world of innovation management and global innovation ecosystems. Today, I serve as COO and Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Global Innovation Management Institute (GIMI), the world's largest certifying body and professional network focused on innovation management. In this role, I oversee global partnerships, international training networks, innovation programs, and communities spanning six continents. I have led strategic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, expanded global partner ecosystems, and contributed to building communities of members, speakers, licensed partners, ambassadors, and alumni focused on advancing innovation worldwide.

Alongside this, through my work with IXL Center and other international organizations, I have consulted corporations, governments, universities, and innovation teams across industries including aviation, banking, telecommunications, healthcare, education, and public sector transformation. My experience includes working with organizations such as Airbus, Royal Caribbean, Renault Technology, Sunlife, Petronas, and governmental entities to strengthen innovation systems, build innovation capabilities, and develop long-term strategic growth initiatives. Throughout my career, I have worked with more than 100 corporate organizations globally, supported over 500 startups and social enterprises, mentored more than 200 innovation professionals, and taught over 1,000 students in business and innovation-related subjects at university level.

Beyond corporate innovation, I am deeply passionate about building inclusive ecosystems that create opportunities for others. I actively serve on advisory boards and collaborate with organizations focused on innovation, leadership, and the advancement of women in business and innovation ecosystems. I am also the founder of Voice of Women in Innovation (VOWI), a global initiative advocating for greater representation, visibility, and leadership of women within innovation and decision-making spaces.

Over the years, I have published articles, research papers, and thought leadership pieces on topics including innovation ecosystems, innovation leadership, corporate innovation, social entrepreneurship, and women in innovation. I have spoken internationally at conferences, leadership forums, universities, and professional communities, contributing to conversations around the future of innovation, collaboration, leadership, and inclusive growth.

At the core of everything I do is one mission: helping people, organizations, and ecosystems turn innovation into meaningful and measurable impact.