About D+

Leart Hoxha

Leart has been a Television journalist since 2005. Initially engaged in the sports editorial department at Radio Television 21, and since 2011 in the editorial news department as a journalist, then as an editor of informative editions. From February 2014 to July 2020, he was the author and moderator of the debate show CLICK. He is currently ATV's Editor-in-Chief and the CONTEXT show's author and moderator. He has been granted several international scholarships for journalism. He was a member of the Board of the Basketball Federation of Kosovo from 2012-2014. Then General Secretary of the FBK from September 2014 - February 2017. He is the co-author of FBK's application for FIBA membership. In the 2021-2024 mandate, he was elected the Chairman of the Supervisory Council of the Kosovo Olympic Committee.

Refki Morina

Refki is a German language graduate of the University of Prishtina. After a five-year experience in journalism before and after the war in Kosovo, he joined the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) as Project Coordinator. Since 2000 he has worked for various international organizations such as IFES, CARE, and the International Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC). In addition to other tasks in project management, Refki has been directly engaged in monitoring the progress and evaluation of project achievements against the set results and objectives. Since 2010 he has worked as an independent consultant and is involved in identifying priority areas and writing proposals for projects and business plans. His main areas for project development are economic growth, strengthening of civil society, and improvement of democratic principles.

Diella Rugova Begolli

Diella is a lawyer with long professional experience in economic development and the rule of law in Kosovo. She works as a legal advisor at Crimson Capital (USAID – Partnerships for Development) in construction legislation, electricity regulation, and internal and external trade. Previous work experience includes consulting for various organizations in legal drafting, contractual law, business environment development issues, and enforcement of court decisions. Diella received the title of Master of Law (LL.M.) with a focus on International Commercial Law from the University of Pittsburgh in the USA, and a Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) from the University of Prishtina. In addition to his mother tongue, Diella is fluent in English and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian and partially in German and Turkish.

Valmir Ismaili

Valmir is the cofounder of Democracy Plus (D+). He has completed his Master’s in Public Administration at the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Business school ‘Stuart.’ Beforehand he served as Coordinator for the Secretariat at Democracy in Action, the largest committee for monitoring elections in Kosovo. For many years before this, he worked with varied other non-government organizations (NGOs) in Kosovo, including the Kosovo Democratic Institute (KDI), Democracy for Development (D4D), The Ethnic relations project and the Kosovar Institute for Policy Research and Development (KIPRED). Valmir has vast experience with elections and political parties and has been involved in monitoring the central government agencies’ performances, with the main focus being on the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo and the Central Election Commission (CEC). His work has also involved increasing public participation in policy-making and strengthening local NGOs. Overall, the areas in which he maintains his focus are elections, political parties, and public participation in policy-making.

Executive Director
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Gani Asllani

Gani has completed his studies in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Prishtina. Before joining D+, he was the Administration and Finance manager at the Advocacy Training and Resource Centre (ATRC) where he dealt with financial management, the designing of budget plans and regulation of expenditures in over 100 NGO partners of the ATRC via projects funded by USAID. As a mentor and consultant with experience in this field, he has contributed to the development of training models centred around growing capability and competence within the field of Financial management for local and international NGO’s. Gani has over 20 years of experience within the public sector in Kosovo, where he has worked with various organizations such as: The Forum, the East West Management Institute, as well as consulting for KOD, PIPS, D4D, BIRN, IKS, GAP, CBVP and other local and international NGO’s.

Director of Finance and Administration
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Albert Krasniqi

Albert has completed his studies in Philosophy at the University of Prishtina. Before joining D+, he was the Program Manager at the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), where he dealt with the support of the political parties in Kosovo, specifically in the democratization and development of their capabilities. Albert has over ten years of experience in the public sector of Kosovo, where he has worked with varying organizations such as the Democratic Institute of Kosovo (KDI) and the Kosovar Institution of Policy Research and Development (KIPRED). During this time, he was involved in the monitoring of the Assembly of Kosovo’s work, as well as in supporting the development of its capabilities. He has supported the Parliamentary committees with external research through the USAID project. He has been part of the KIPRED team, which offered support for establishing and empowering the Budget Committee. For four years, he has led the secretariat of the coalition of local organizations for election monitoring at ‘Democracy in Action.’

Program Director
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Roberta Osmani

Roberta has completed her Master’s in Public Policy at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, focusing on Public Policy Analysis and International Development. She holds a scholarship with USAID’s Transformational Leadership Program. During her studies in the USA, Roberta was an assistant in her Statistics class. This is in addition to her role as a student representative for the Master’s Student Association. Roberta has work experience within the Central Level Institutions, where she has been involved as a foreign advisor with the Capacity Development Facility. Furthermore, she has served as a consultant for non-government organizations internationally. Her previous experiences include working with minority groups in Kosovo and being part of the team who drafted the strategy for the Ministry of Communities and Returns (2014-2018) and the implementation plan for 2014 - 2016. Her areas of professional interest are public policy analysis, particularly the quantitative results of the impact of good public and local-level government programs. Mainly researches fiscal and social policies related to the tax system in the developing country, as well as the fight against poverty and corruption.

Senior Researcher
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Visar Rushiti

Visar Rushti is a Policy Analyst at Democracy Plus. Beforehand, he worked in the same capacity at the GAP institute. Before joining the civil society sector, he worked within the government of Kosovo, firstly in the Department of Public Safety (2005-2007) and then in the Prime minister’s office (2007-2009). Later, he also worked with the Kosovo Security Council’s secretariat (2009-2012). During the year 2012, he took part in the program called the ‘Western Balkan Fund’ and continued to complete an internship with the Ministry of Public Affairs and the Ministry of Defence in Austria. Having attained his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Prishtina (2001-2005), he continued to achieve a Master’s in Professional Studies from the Rochester Institute of Technology at the American University of Kosovo (2009-2010). Furthermore, he has a Master in European Studies from the International Center for European Studies and European Academy for Studies in Distance (2009 – 2011)

Policy Analyst
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Albana Rexha

Dr. Albana Rexha joined our organization in September 2020 as a Senior Public Policy Analyst. Albana received her title of Doctor from the University of Southeast Europe in Northern Macedonia. She participated in the Doctorate program at the Central European University (CEU) in Hungary and the School of Public Policy ‘Willy Brant’ in Germany. She also completed her Master’s in Public Policy at CEU and her Bachelor’s at the American University Kosovo. Albana holds many prestigious awards and scholarships, including the DAAD grant; the Civil Society Scholar Award OSF; the scholarship of Excellence at AUK; the IPKO Foundation scholarship. She was selected as a student speaker for her graduating class. Her ten years of work experience in the capacity of senior analyst of policies, senior project manager, mentor, advisor, and national coordinator for government and non-government organizations, are in addition to her current role as a professor of Public Administration and Gender Integration in Public Policy at UBT. Her work concentrates on the good governance program, public administration, gender equality, and environmental policies. At D+, she is also responsible for monitoring and evaluating organizational projects.

Senior Public Policy Analyst
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Debora Peci

Debora Peci is the Project Manager in the program for Good Governance in Democracy Plus. She completed her studies in Political Science at the University of Pristina. She joined D+ as an intern in 2017 and has been part of the Good Governance program since then. During this time, she has focused on local governance, working towards increasing transparency and citizens' engagement in all Kosovo municipalities. Its main effort has been to improve citizens' activism through the online platform ndreqe.com. Among other things, Debora was a SAYP - Swedish Academy for Young Professionals scholarship holder and a participant in the Political Academy organized by FES, the Dialogue Academy organized by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, and the Political School organized by PIPS.

Project Manager
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Elira Salihu

Elira is the Project Coordinator for the USAID “Social Contract” Activity. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Prishtina and is currently pursuing a master's degree in "EU Integration and Public Administration" at the same institution. Throughout her academic journey, Elira has actively participated in various local and international organizations, including TOKA, Helvetas Swiss Cooperation Kosovo, Kosovalive, and Open Data Kosovo. Her involvement has primarily focused on human rights, active citizenship, and local government. Elira is distinguished as an alumna of the Swedish Institute of Young Professionals (SAYP) and a Futuregov Fellowship alumna from the Center for Policy Innovation (CPI). Through these experiences, she has gained valuable insights into innovative methods of public policy design and collaborative governance in the digital era.

Local Coordinator
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Donika Ahmetaj

Donika joined the D+ team in March 2022 as an intern, currently she is a Project Assistant in the Good Governance program. She completed her studies at the Faculty of Law at the University of Pristina. Before joining D+, Donika was engaged in various civil society organizations, including Initiative for Justice and Equality (INJECT), Advocacy for Training and Resource Center (ATRC), and Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR). During this period, she was involved in the research and monitoring of cases of hate crimes, domestic violence, as well as the direct monitoring of procedural justice in the Basic Court of Pristina. Donika was also part of the internship program with the OSCE, where she was engaged in the Ministry of Local Government Administration, and monitored the work of local bodies. Her areas of interest are Rule of Law and Good Governance. At D+, she is engaged in researching democratic practices that promote transparency and accountability in local government. Donika helps in projects aimed at advancing citizen participation in policy-making, with a special focus on empowering young people and marginalized groups in society.

Project Assistant
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Ardit Dragusha

Ardit is a Researcher at Democracy Plus in the Rule of Law program, focusing mainly on public procurement. He has completed his Bachelor’s degree in the faculty of law at the University of Prishtina. Before joining D+, he was a journalist covering national and international political events.

Researcher
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Egzona Kozhani

Egzona is a Researcher at D+. She joined the D+ team in October 2018. She is part of the Rule of Law program, in which her daily activities include monitoring public procurement. Before joining D+, she gained experience at other civil service organizations and many Kosovo Institutions. Egzona completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the Faculty of Law and Faculty of Finance, respectively, at the University of Prishtina. Part of her studies also took place in Sapienza, the University of Rome. Her fields of interest include the management of public funds and tax policies.

Researcher
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Diell Haxhimusa

Dielli currently holds the position of Project Coordinator of the Activity Recycling Matters – Gracanica/Graçanicë. He studied Political Sciences at the University of Pristina and is completing his Master's Studies in Public Administration at the South East European University (SEEU). He attended a part of his studies at the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Social Sciences (FDV). Before joining D+, he was engaged as a Researcher, Monitor, and Project Assistant in various civil society organizations in Kosovo, including the Initiative for Progress (INPO), the Balkan Policy Institute (IPOL), and Democracy for Development (D4D), where he contributed in the field of public procurement monitoring, increasing civic participation in policy-making, increasing transparency and fighting corruption. Dielli is focused on the good management of public finances, transparency, and accountability as well as on increasing the socioeconomic cohesion of marginalized groups.

Project Coordinator
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Liridon Elshani

Liridon has completed his studies in Political Sciences at the University of Prishtina. During his studies, he was involved in varying organizations in a range of capacities, with some organizations including NDI, KIPRED, and MAM. Liridoni joined the D+ team in January 2019. He is involved in projects that are related to the prevention of violent extremism.

Researcher
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Marigona Berisha

Marigona holds the position of Court Monitor for an EU project aimed at promoting right and just administrative procedures for citizens and businesses. Her specific area of focus centers around rule of law, good governance, and public administration, where she actively works on projects to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government institutions. She has completed her studies in Journalism at the University of Prishtina. Prior to joining Democracy plus, she has served as a political and media adviser in the Government of Kosovo. Additionally, she was a journalist for a short period in a traditional newspaper. Marigona's commitment to professional growth is reflected in her participation in various training programs across Europe, which have helped her shape and develop skills in general fields.

Court Monitor/Project Officer
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Emir Abrashi

Emir is a Policy Analyst in the Good Governance Program of Democracy Plus. He holds an MA in International Public Affairs from the Central European University and a BA in Strategic Communication from Abu Dhabi University. In D+, Emir brings a relatively long institutional and international experience. He has served for two years as Advisor in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo, where he has dealt with the correspondence and the official communication, as well as with the reforms within the Foreign Service. Previously, Emir has been involved in the process of lobbying and establishing of the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Abu Dhabi, where he served as Advisor to the Chief of Mission. In Abu Dhabi, he has also worked as a communications’ consultant for Zayed Future Energy Prize, a non-profit organization under the patronage of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Whereas, prior to that, he has served for three years as Associate in the Cabinet of the Fourth President of the Republic of Kosovo.

Policy Analyst
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Krenare Rushiti

Krenare is a Researcher in the Good Governance Program at Democracy Plus. She holds a Master Degree in “European Studies and Public Administration”, awarded by the University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”. Before joining the D+ team, Krenare has been engaged in other civil society organizations, focusing on Assembly monitoring, was a member of the Kosovo Youth Assembly, and has attended various trainings on digitization of local services, website development, etc. Krenare joined the D+ team in 2020, and throughout this period, she has been involved in monitoring implementation of legislation, but also in research on the matters concerning primarily good governance. Her areas of interest include public administration, political parties and elections.

Researcher
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Hazir Isufi

Haziri is a Field Coordinator/Monitor at D+. He joined our organization in February 2017, and continues to work in local governance projects. Hazir has attended studies in Information Engineering (2002-2005) at UP. Before joining D+, he has worked as an assistant in MS Office computer training courses at Microsoft Inc in Mitrovica, for European Computer Passport – Xpert, and also in various private enterprises in developing financial and managerial accounting programs.

Field Coordinator
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Erëza Qorri

Erëza joined D+ in February 2023 as an intern. She is currently Project Assistant in the Good Governance program. Erëza is in her final year of bachelor’s studies at the Faculty of Philology - Department of Journalism at the University of Pristina. Before joining D+, she was an intern in the Municipality of Drenas in the office for communication and information. Her areas of interest are the Rule of Law and Good Governance. At D+, she helps research democratic practices that promote transparency and accountability in local government. Erëza also helps in projects that advance citizen participation in policy-making, focusing on empowering young people and marginalized groups in society.

Project Assistant
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Sijeta Jashari

Sijeta joined D+ in March 2023 as an intern and currently works as Finance and Administration Assistant. She completed her bachelor's studies at the Faculty of Economics, UBT College in Prizren. Before joining D+, Sijeta interned for accounting, finance, and auditing in businesses that deal with finance and accounting in Prishtina. Sijeta helps in financial management, in daily financial tasks as well as helps in other administrative parts according to the organization’s needs.

Finance & Administrative Assistant
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Valentina Aliu

Valentina is the Local Coordinator for the municipality of Obiliq/Obilić with USAID's Social Contract Activity. She has completed her studies in the General Psychology Program at Fama College in Pristina. Valentina started her activism in civil society at the Local Youth Action Council in the Municipality of Obiliq. Also, she worked as a Mentor of the Program for Educational Volunteerism at the NGO TOKA.

Local Coordinator
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Hamëz Makiqi

Hamëz is the Local Coordinator for the municipality of Vushtrri/Vučitrn for USAID’s Social Contract Activity. He finished his bachelor's in Social Work at the University of Pristina. He is pursuing master's studies at the University of Tirana in the Department of Child and Family Issues. Hamëz has worked as an Operator for data collection with UN-Habitat, and as an Officer for social services at the Center for Social Work in Vushtrri/Vučitrn with UNDP.

Local Coordinator
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Loresa Sahiti

Loresa Sahiti is the Local Coordinator for the municipality of Viti/Vitina for USAID’s Social Contract Activity. She studies at the University of Pristina in the Department of Geography. She has volunteered in many USAID activities and projects. In USAID's Up to Youth program, she has led many local youth initiatives dedicated to positive changes in the community. Loresa conducted surveys for Ubo Consulting and worked as a Project Coordinator in local youth organizations.

Local Coordinator
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Erëza Vladi

Erëza Vladi is the Local Coordinator for the Municipality of Ferizaj in the USAID Social Contract Activity. She is currently finishing her Master studies in “Civil and Property Law” at the UBT College, and recently, she attended the International Conference of Science, Technology and Innovation, in which she appeared as a co-author of the scientific paper titled “Manners of acquisition of ownership in the Republic of Kosovo”. Erëza has been engaged in various projects, including a legal researcher with DOTS and the “Kosovo Society for Development and Innovation” (KSDI).

Local Coordinator
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Alisa Bekteshi

Alisa is the Local Coordinator for the municipality of Gjilan for USAID’s Social Contract Activity. She completed her bachelor’s studies in the Education field, as a primary teacher at the University of Gjilan, and now she is working on her Master’s in Mass Communication and Journalism at AAB College. From a young age, Alisa has been part of voluntary activities that included multiethnic groups such as schools, art, and youth programs. Her interests are in youth empowerment, gender equality, learning environments for minorities and including active citizens. [email protected]

Local Coordinator
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Nikollë Nue

Nikollë is Local Coordinator for the municipality of Gjakovë/Đakovica for USAID’s Social Contract Activity. He completed his bachelor’s studies in Albanian Language and Literature at the University of Gjakova, and is currently working on his Master's in Local Government and Democratic Society at the University of Gjilan. From a young age, Nikollë has engaged in civic activism and volunteered in the parish governing body. His areas of interest are democratization, good governance, transparency, and accountability.

Local Coordinator
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Linda Simitҫiu

Linda is the Local Coordinator for municipality of Prizren with the USAID's Social Contract Activity. Linda studied Leader Ship and Community Youth Work. She has fifteen years of work experience as a Project Manager, and has worked as a Youth Worker in several Projects at ISDY (Institute for Sustainability and Development of Youth, Youth Center SHL Kosova, Nevo Concept). Linda also has experience in Drafting the Youth Policies, research and environmental projects.

Local Coordinator
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