I’ve always had a love of numbers. This led me to study finance and accounting, a field that offers diverse career opportunities and has equipped me with essential life skills.
My ACCA qualification was a turning point. It enhanced my technical skills and opened doors to leadership roles in non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Before qualification, I had worked for a decade in financial management roles for projects in water supply and sanitation in several countries. Afterwards, I gained finance leadership positions with World Vision International in Albania and Kosovo and then across southern Africa.
Adapting to a new culture made me more resilient and confident
At World Vision, I stepped out of my comfort zone when I moved from Albania to work in Eswatini in Africa. Adapting to a new culture challenged me and transformed my personal growth during the six years I was there. The experience made me more resilient, grew my confidence, and allowed me to develop meaningful relationships with colleagues and friends.
I recently joined the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Accelerator. The role lets me apply my finance leadership experience to the search for impactful, scalable solutions to end hunger. WFP looks to strengthen resilience in food-insecure communities and reduce humanitarian needs. Innovation plays a vital role in enhancing our efficiency, and our country offices act as engines, powered by our regional hubs and the Innovation Accelerator, meeting the unique needs of local communities.
The Innovation Accelerator, co-founded with Germany, identifies, funds and scales solutions across the globe. Our programmes tackle climate change, healthcare, gender equality and emergency response, impacting more than 60 million people in 70 countries.
It’s fulfilling to know I contribute to reducing poverty
Working for global NGOs is very fulfilling as my professional efforts are in tune with my personal values. It gives me a sense of purpose knowing that my work directly contributes to reducing poverty and improving lives. I also enjoy collaborating with colleagues and teams from diverse backgrounds, as it broadens my awareness. The work is demanding and there is never a boring moment. You face new challenges that require creative problem-solving and resilience, encouraging personal growth, often in areas beyond finance.
If I weren’t in finance, I’d have become an engineer. Engineering has always fascinated me as it combines problem-solving with creativity and numbers. My father was a skilled engineer, and he inspired me with his ability to imagine structures and then bring them to life.
I look to make the best use of my abilities
‘Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.’ This quote, from Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th US president, resonates deeply with me as it reflects values instilled by my parents: striving for excellence and continuous improvement. It drives me to make the best use of my resources and abilities, a philosophy I try to inspire in others as well.
If I had law-making powers, I would focus on addressing climate change, promoting sustainable practices and a circular economy. With the ongoing destruction of our natural environment, it is vital to change behaviour, reduce poverty and secure a sustainable future. They are goals aligned closely with WFP’s mission.
In my spare time I love travelling and connecting with people. I adore spending time with my family and friends but also value time alone, recharging myself by reading and going on country walks.
