SAPS January Newsletter
Përshëndetje!
As we wrap up last month, we’re reflecting on the milestones we’ve reached and the foundation we’re building for an even stronger 2025. This past month has been filled with momentum, setting the stage for new opportunities, meaningful connections, and continued growth. Below, we’re highlighting some of our latest initiatives and what’s next for SAPS!
This month
Conclusion of the 1st cycle of the SAPS HS Mentorship Program
SAPS is expanding- We are recruiting!
SAPS Scholar Spotlight
Latest on EaglePod
New on Arbanon Magazine
SAPS Community GroupMe
Conclusion of the 1st cycle of the SAPS HS Mentorship Program
As we wrap up this cycle of the SAPS High School Mentorship Program, we’re proud to highlight its transformative impact. Mentees and mentors have shared their experiences and feedback on this cycle. Mentees touched on how it helped them navigate college applications, secure scholarships, and build confidence for the future. Our dedicated mentors also reflected on their experience, emphasizing the fulfillment of guiding students, fostering meaningful connections, and seeing their mentees grow. A huge thank you to our mentors—your support has been invaluable in shaping the next generation!
2. SAPS is expanding- We are recruiting!
Join the SAPS College Mentorship Initiative!
Want to help students navigate their careers and connect with mentors? The SAPS College Mentorship Initiative is looking for team members to organize career-focused webinars and expand outreach! Whether you're interested in event planning or marketing, this is your chance to contribute to a mentorship program that bridges the gap between students and professionals.
Access to Experts – Hear from professionals in medicine, law, finance, tech, and more.
Actionable Guidance – Get real-world insights on resumes, career transitions, and industry trends.
Building Connections – Network with mentors, explore internships, and foster long-term relationships.
Webinars – Plan industry-specific events, coordinate speakers, and share career resources.
Marketing – Create content, promote webinars, and expand mentorship outreach.
Apply by February 16th through the link below.
Join the SAPS Finance Team!
Are you passionate about finance and eager to make an impact? SAPS is looking for dedicated individuals to join our Finance Team and help shape the financial future of our nonprofit. Gain hands-on experience with a 501(c)(3), connect with influential leaders in the Albanian community, and develop key skills in financial strategy and fundraising.
Why Join?
Build leadership and management skills
Gain experience in fundraising, grant writing, and financial strategy
Play a key role in securing SAPS’s long-term growth
Open Roles:
Fundraising & Sponsorship Coordinator – Develop partnerships and secure funding for SAPS initiatives
Grants & Networking Coordinator – Research funding opportunities and expand SAPS’s financial network
Apply by February 17th through the link below.
3. SAPS Scholar Spotlight – Get Featured
This month, we continued our SAPS Student Spotlight series, highlighting young Albanians who are achieving great things in their educational pursuits.
Tringa Ibrahimi is a tech innovator and entrepreneur tackling environmental and gender disparities in STEM. As co-founder of Fotoel, she helped develop a groundbreaking machine that separates waste and converts food waste into electricity. She also founded Miket, a platform empowering women in ICT through hackathons, internships, and workshops, securing key sponsorships to expand its reach. Starting her career as a programmer at 15, Tringa’s journey is a testament to using technology for social good, driving sustainable innovation, and fostering inclusivity in tech.
Arba Cecia is a dedicated medical and public health professional with a passion for research, leadership, and community service. With degrees in Biology and Neuroscience from George Mason University and an MPH from George Washington University, she has worked with top medical institutions across the U.S. and Europe. She leads multiple medical organizations, including as president of Loyola’s Albanian American Medical Student Society and neurosurgery chair for the Albanian American Medical Society. A black belt in Taekwondo, she has also represented Albania in international championships. Arba’s journey is a testament to excellence in medicine, service, and advocacy.
Dea Boriçi is a dedicated youth advocate, shaping policy and driving change in Albania and beyond. As a UNICEF Youth Delegate and Adolescents’ Advisory Board Member, she has championed youth-focused initiatives and co-created a Call to Action on disaster risk reduction. She has spoken at Albania’s first parliamentary session on child rights and climate issues and represented Albania at the European Youth Parliament. Dea also leads the EU Integration Committee in the Albanian Students’ Parliament and co-founded Girl Up 28, empowering young women in leadership. Her initiative Gamifying Shkodra has engaged 300+ youth in sustainability efforts. Dea’s work is inspiring a new generation of changemakers.
We would like to congratulate all our scholars and invite you to read more about their achievements on our socials!
FILL OUT THE FORM AND GET FEATURED!
4. Latest on EaglePod
Eagle Pod Recap: A Conversation with Richard Lukaj
In the latest episode of Eagle Pod, host Lorena Culaj sits down with Richard Lukaj, a distinguished investment banker and philanthropist. As the founder of The Bank Street Holdings LLC and former Senior Managing Director at Bear Stearns, Lukaj shares his journey from navigating the financial industry to executing over $100 billion in transactions. Beyond his business success, he discusses his dedication to philanthropy and community engagement, including his role as a David Rockefeller Fellow. His story is a testament to resilience, leadership, and the power of giving back.
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Eagle Pod!
5. New on Arbanon Magazine
Arbanon Magazine continues publishing on Albanian history and current affairs. In late January the magazine began a series on the elections taking place in the Albanian-speaking Balkans this year.
The first of these articles, written by Andina Pepshi, presented a thorough summary of the Kosova parliamentary elections which took place on February 9th. In it, Andina provides the domestic and regional context that shaped the race and how it will likely go on to influence the years ahead.
Next, a guest writer will describe the Diaspora Votes 2025 initiative, aimed at facilitating the diaspora’s first-time participation from abroad in Albania’s May 2025 parliamentary elections. Stay tuned for this and much more!
6. SAPS Community GroupMe
Here is a monthly reminder to join our SAPS Community GroupMe! Our members have used this platform to promote impactful new projects, share music and traditions or to simply discuss what their Albanian identity means to them.
Whatever your interests are, you will find a space and peers to support you here.
Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come by growing, learning, and building something meaningful together. As we step ahead, we’re excited to expand, create new opportunities, and strengthen our impact. None of this would be possible without the support of our incredible community, and we can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together next. Here’s to a future filled with even more growth, collaboration, and success!
Gjithë të mirat,
The SAPS Team
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