SAPS November Newsletter
Përshëndetje!
Welcome to the November edition of our SAPS newsletter! As the year begins to wind down, we’re excited to reflect on another month of progress and connection within our growing community. This month, we have plenty to share: updates from our Mentorship Program, highlights from the Student Spotlight Series, and exciting contributions to Dose of Albania and Arbanon Magazine. Let’s dive in and celebrate the achievements and initiatives that keep SAPS thriving:
This month
Updates on our High School Mentorship Program
Our ongoing initiative; SAPS Scholar Spotlight
112 years of Independence: Marigo Posio
Latest on EaglePod
Latest on Arbanon Magazine
SAPS reminders
1.High School Mentorship Program Updates
We’re thrilled to share the impact of our High School Mentorship Program, where over 40 mentors from 33 U.S. institutions are now guiding high school mentees from across the United States, Albania, and Kosova. This growing initiative has created a powerful network of connections and support for students preparing for college.
As part of our ongoing efforts to equip our mentees with all the tools for success, SAPS hosted "Scholarship Success: Finding, Applying, and Decoding Your Awards," held on November 24th. This session was led by Lisa-Marie Preci, the leader of our Mentorship Program. Lisa-Marie, a student at The George Washington University, shared her invaluable insights into navigating the scholarship landscape in the post-COVID era, where applications and opportunities have increasingly moved online. With her expertise, attendees learned strategies for finding scholarship opportunities and creating applications.
If you know of any students who could benefit from personalized mentorship, college prep guidance, and the opportunity to connect with peers and mentors across the globe, encourage them to join our program!
What we offer:
▫️ Free & Accessible – The SAPS Mentorship Program is entirely free for students.
▫️ Personalized Mentorship – Receive one-on-one guidance from successful college students across the diaspora.
▫️ Tailored College Prep Support – Learn essential strategies for college applications, scholarships, and academic success.
▫️ Intentional Strategies to Present Your Best Self – Get advice on showcasing your unique strengths and experiences beyond grades, helping you stand out to U.S. colleges.
▫️ Lifelong Connections – Join a network of mentors and peers across the U.S. building a lasting community of support.
2. SAPS Scholar Spotlight; Get Featured!
Through one of our ongoing efforts, the SAPS Scholar Spotlight (SSS), we are continuously looking to feature individuals who showcase a commitment to higher education through their academic or professional achievements. If you or another Albanian scholar are involved have kickstarted or are involved in an initiative that is worth highlighting, please fill out the SAPS Scholar Spotlight Form. It is important that we as a community recognize and encourage the work of our brightest students — yourself included.
There are no specific requirements to meet in order to be featured. Simply outline your journey and we will shine a Spotlight on it!
Recent Spotlights:
Valton Vucitërna from Michigan State University
Sara Pino from Georgetown University
Lillian Duma from University of Texas School of Law
Kaltrina Liçi from Florida Gulf Coast University
3. 112 years of Independence: Marigo Posio
Our latest Dose of Albania featured Marigo Posio, a trailblazer woman from Korça who played a vital role in Albania’s fight for independence. Known as “the mother of the flag,” Marigo famously embroidered the first Albanian flag raised in Vlora on November 28, 1912. But her contributions didn’t stop there—she led Albania’s first women’s organization, helped establish Albanian-language schools, and used her newspaper Shpresa Shqiptare to champion patriotism and progress. Marigo’s tireless dedication to the Albanian cause continues to inspire, reminding us of the vital role women played in shaping our nation’s history.
4. Latest on EaglePod
Our affiliated podcast, hosted by Lorena Culaj, wrapped up an incredible season with its final episode, featuring Denis Brahaxhia. This season has been filled with inspiring stories from Albanian professionals across many different backgrounds, and we can’t wait to hear from even more amazing individuals and their journeys in the next season.
Episode 20: Denis Brahaxhia
In this episode, Denis shares his journey as a Commercial Real Estate Market Consultant at PNC, reflecting on his family’s migration from Albania to the United States. He discusses his passion for building meaningful connections within the Albanian American community and emphasizes the importance of mentorship in shaping career paths, offering valuable advice for aspiring professionals. Listen here!
5. Latest on Arbanon Magazine
a. Qemalists and Esadists: Albanians on the Eve of Independence and Today
One of our editors, Enri Lala, has translated an insightful article by renowned historian Pëllumb Xhufi in honor of Albania’s 112th Independence Day. The piece examines the divide between Albania’s early 20th-century elites—pro-Ottoman conservatives like Essad Pasha Toptani and visionary nationalists led by Ismail Qemali—and how their rivalry shaped the country’s path to independence and beyond. Read the article here.
b. What Richard Grenell’s Return Means for the Balkans
Andina Pepshi, another of our talented writers, delves into the implications of Richard Grenell’s return under a potential Trump administration. Her article analyzes the challenges posed to Kosova’s sovereignty and regional stability, providing a critical perspective on America’s role in the Balkans over the coming years. Read the article here.
c. DARDANORUM: The Roman and proto-Albanian Presence in the Anadrini Region
In a new historical series, Valton Vuçitërna explores Kosova’s ancient history, starting with the Anadrini region. His article highlights its rich Roman heritage and presents compelling evidence of a proto-Albanian presence, shedding light on the region’s deep cultural and historical roots. Read the article here.
6. SAPS Community GroupMe!
We’d like to remind you 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.
As we wrap up this month’s newsletter, we want to take a moment to celebrate the strength of our SAPS community. Every initiative, spotlight, and success story we share is a testament to the incredible dedication and passion of our members. From mentors guiding the next generation to scholars making strides in their fields, you inspire us to continue growing and building a brighter future for our community.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Let’s keep supporting one another, celebrating our culture, and working together to achieve even greater milestones. Enjoy the holiday season!
Until next time!
Gjithë të mirat,
The SAPS Newsletter Team
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