VEPRA

I’m super excited to announce that I will be sharing my insight from attending hearings on Capitol Hill!

Since I’m based in Washington, D.C., just a short walk from the U.S. Capitol, I’ve begun attending select congressional hearings to witness these critical debates firsthand — and I’ll be bringing you insights and reflections straight from the room.

In this episode, I take you inside a powerful and emotional House Oversight Committee hearing titled: “A Hearing with Sanctuary State Governors.”

The hearing was packed. The rhetoric was intense. And the stakes for millions of immigrants in America could not be higher.

I’ll share what I observed, why this debate matters so deeply, and why I believe it’s time for smart, humane immigration reform that reflects the best of American values.

These are important moments in our nation’s story — and only time will tell how they unfold. I hope this episode offers you a thoughtful and honest perspective from inside the room.

🎧 Tune in — and join me on this journey through America’s democracy in action.

Love,

Vepra Team

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In this episode of Vepra, Anja shares insights (in English and Albanian) from her attendance at the U.S.-Montenegro Senior Economic Dialogue, held in Washington, D.C., on October 21, 2024. This landmark meeting brought together high-profile leaders, including Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez and Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister Nik Gjeloshaj, alongside Montenegro's ministers of energy, public administration, maritime affairs, and oil, gas, and mining.

Together, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen economic ties between the United States and Montenegro, focusing on areas like cybersecurity, sustainable energy, and investment security.

Anja delves into the dialogue’s implications for regional stability, economic growth, and Montenegro’s journey toward European Union accession—topics that resonate deeply with Albanian-Americans and the broader diaspora. She highlights how these collaborative efforts open new avenues for Albanian-Americans to invest in the Balkans with greater confidence, foster secure digital infrastructures, and align with shared values like democracy and sustainability.

Join us to explore how this partnership marks a step forward for the Balkans and how diaspora engagement can contribute to a brighter, cooperative future in Southeast Europe.

Thank you so much for listening!

<3

Vepra Team

A recording by our host Anja Dinion for Gazeta Dita , published in Albania.

Odeta Kushi is from Albania and Kosovo , she is currently in Washington DC as First American Deputy Chief Economist and a prominent voice in real estate, providing analysis, commentary and forecasts on trends in the U.S. real estate and mortgage markets on media outlets! Her story is inspiring because she truly believes in the concept of "Commit to lifelong learning" and going after your dreams "fearlessly". She lives by the motto and is an inspiration to all Albanian women out there!

Enjoy listening to this episode!

Love,

Vepra Team

Dr. Elton Skendaj , born in a small town in Vlora , Albania goes after his ambitious of creating a more just and peaceful world and through education and smart work becomes the Director of the Democracy and Governance M.A. program at Georgetown University! His research concentrates on reinforcing democratic institutions, public engagement, rule of law, anti-corruption measures, and nonviolent conflict resolution. With a Ph.D. in Government from Cornell University, he has published in reputable journals, contributed expertise to organizations such as the United Nations and U.S. Institute of Peace, and held leadership positions. His academic journey includes teaching at various institutions, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence.

Enjoy listening to this philosophical and inspiring story!

Ivi Demi is a comedian in Washington DC , he's not only funny but a world traveler with a broad horizon!

Make sure to listen to the full episode!

You wont regret it!

@ivi.demi

@vepra_podcast

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This episode is dedicated to Professor Frosini for Constitutional Development course on the history of Albania -- antiquity to the newly Independent nation of Albania -- current political system in place -- the judicial system and how the country dealt with COVID 19 pandemic. 

What holds a society together? 

What elements can create an identity?

Extra-virgin olive oil, mountain herbs, cheeses, and every ingredient that is served at DUA KAFE is produced, made and shipped from Albania. Bobian and his wife opened DUA KAFE in NYC in hopes to serve delicious healthy food and also to keep the Albanian tradition and authenticity of the cuisine alive! In a country where so many restaurants are owned by Albanians who don't serve Albanian dishes or carry Albanian products, we were amazed and excited to get to know Bobian! 

Bobian speaks about his childhood, his immigration journey, creating a business in New York City and the importance of Albanian owned and Albanian invested. He urges Albanian immigrants to purchase our products instead. 

Full video episode available on IGTV , Instagram: vepra_podcast

Enjoy!!!!

VEPRA team, 

XO

Jasmina Cunmulaj is an exemplary young woman, who is aware and deeply grateful for the sacrifices made from her older generation. Proud of her roots, she attribute all of her current success and being accepted into University of Michigan Ann Arbor school of Health to her mother who has worked tirelessly to provide a better future for her family and others who have paved the way, including the likes of Mother Teresa. 

In this episode we dive into the world of family, education, and history. What does it take to get into University of Michigan Ann Arbor as a young Albanian woman? Tune in and listen to this beautiful story. 

Thank you Jasmina!

instagram: @jascunmulaj 

Shpresë was born in an immigration camp— her journey has led her to pursue the things she loves and finds the most joy and fulfillment in. She studied art and business and is currently working in fashion. If you’re thinking of doing the same — this one is for you!!!

Shpresa is well educated , fulfilled, accomplished and has an understanding/vision for the future. She is truly connected and in touch with herself and her craft. Beauty and brains combined is a rarity to see and even have access to in the way that we have access to her in this interview. 

Please ENJOY!!!! 

Instagram: xoshpresa

Gina, with a strong mentality of “if you think it’s going to work, then make it work", took all of her experiences, love for design, creativity and channeled it to building her own brunch place “The Place 2 Be”. By working on creating standard operating procedures, she has a vision to expand throughout the US. A lifelong learner and self proclaimed “researcher” - Gina shares her story and is joined along side her lifelong friend Ornela. Thanks for listening to Gina's episode -- available now on RTSH TANI app airing in Albania/Kosov.
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This episode is sponsored by

Cekani Realty Group

Designer_Hunting 

Jona Babi holds a degree from Stanford in Engineering and an MBA degree from Harvard University. Her dream was to move to America and start a life here. With this  dream and aspiration in mind she pushed forward until she found some resolution and success. Jona's journey is one filled with adventure, mystery, hard work, dedication and a lot of love. From Elbasan,  Albania to San Francisco!!!!

For more information follow Jona Babi on instagram: @jonababi

Merita Dovolani, the author of "Sofra Shqiptare"/ "The Albanian Table" sits down to have an authentic conversation about her childhood upbringing, her immigration from Dibra to Italy and finally to the New York area where she and her family settled to make a home for themselves in the 1980's. Merita has been a stay at home mom for most of her life and noticed that as a community in the United States we were missing an Albanian cookbook in English. Hear her encouraging words as we talk about her journey and how "The Albanian Table" came to be!!!

Follow her on Instagram @albaniantable

Joana Kaimi is a violin virtuosa who recently moved to the United States from Albania after having an extensive career there with the National Radio Television Orchestra. She stands out by her high artistic sensitivity and her masterful technique, which have secured her numerous performances and made her the first price recipient in some of the most prestigious world events and festivals such as: Albania - numerous solo and orchestral performance appearances with the National Radio Television Orchestra of Albania.

Follow her on Instagram @joanakaimi

We sit down and have an authentic conversation with Filiza Preniqi at the Fisher building in Detroit, Michigan. Filiza is originally born in Kosova, moved with her family to the East coast where she has pursued her many aspirations, including her childhood dream of becoming a model. Listen to her story and her words of advice for going after your dreams! 

Follow her on Instagram @filiza_ 

Signed to DMM|PRM London|One.1NewYork|Mademoiselle Paris| The Source Miami 

In the latest episode of Vepra Podcast, join us as we talk with Lindita Zeka, Soul Coach extraordinaire. She specializes in combined elements of naturopathy, intuitive body work and muscle response testing to help you find your inner compass and transform your life. Don't miss an episode full of amazing and inspiring stories and advice.

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Follow her on Instagram @lindita_naturalista

www.iamlindita.com

We sit down with Kreshnik Jonuzi, Luftar Von Rama, and Charlie Ashkew, the directors + producers of the documentary of the Albanian National Soccer Team - the behind the scenes of this epic stride of the Albanian team making it to the Euros for the first time in history and the conflict of Albanian history.

“One thing is common, a mothers love is extraordinary and often times defies the fabrics of reality. All mothers have remarkable stories and on this day we are honored to share a heartfelt interview filled with harmony, love, heart break, obstacles and opportunity. Mother’s Day special: Bato Shehaj’s story. Having spent 20 years connecting millions of people around the world at the post office, Bato spread the seed of safety, connectivity and family on many levels not truly Comprehendible during these times. This may have been a challenge, but her biggest challenge of all was the fight for her child’s life, winning the battle and her journey to America.”

In this episode we will learn how Daniella found her calling through her struggles and was able to save enough money to open her first barber shop in Birmingham, MI. She continued to strive to master her craft and found support in her family along the way, especially her now husband. Together they opened a second men's salon in which they added a fun bar/cocktail area for their clients. How cool is that? She is very passionate about her clients and their needs. Despite her down-to-earth personality, Daniella is a force to be reckoned with. Listen now to her her story.

Traveling from Los Angeles to the Shinola Hotel in Detroit, MI for this raw conversation with friends on "Vepra Shqiptare,"  Tonin is an actor in Hollywood, California, originally from Shkodra, Albania. He has a strong family presence in Michigan, and has come to share his story of how he chose acting as we dig deep to find his happiest moment in life. A true conversation with a young man relentlessly pursing his craft for the long term with a motto of "zero regrets in life." This episode is full of wisdom and outlook for all Albanians in our community pursuing the arts. Tonin's journey to California and beyond will inspire many, not only in our Albanian community but every culture.

Daniela came from Fier, Albania to Ohio and eventually went on to travel the world - to Italy and China. She achieved recognition for her achievements (a 2019 G20 Young Global Changer to name a few) and through her work and education she became a Research Fellow at the Center for International Development's Growth Lab at Harvard University and working with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington D.C. conducting analytical work and research on labor markets, economic polarization, and structural reforms. 
She has also investigated the macroeconomic effects of the 2008 financial crisis with the Central Bank of Slovenia, and worked as a market research consultant at the Center for Innovation & Growth (Cleveland, Ohio). In 2013, she received an ASIANetwork Freeman Foundation fellowship to conduct field research on the socio-economic effects of urban relocation and demolition in China. 
She is has vast knowledge about harnessing the power of mathematical modeling, econometric techniques, and behavioral economics to diagnose economic issues and inform effective policy making. 

Daniela believes that giving back to her country and community in positive and intellectual ways can help the people achieve progress and is hopeful in the Albanian peoples ability to succeed.

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