About Us
Roma Versitas Albania focuses on three core milestones: Education, Employment, and Participation. These milestones are achieved through the following strategic actions:
- Enhancing Educational Outcomes:
- Increase the capacity of Roma students, the graduation rate, and the number of students enrolled in tertiary education.
- Improve leadership skills among Roma students and organize successful advocacy actions.
- Integrate professionalism into university students, equipping them for future careers.
- Improving Employment Opportunities:
- Increase the number of Roma graduates employed through lobbying and advocacy initiatives targeting both the EU and government, particularly within public administration roles focused on Roma issues.
- Promoting Participation in Public Administration:
- Increase the participation of highly educated Roma in public administration, fostering the development of positive policies and programs.
- Bring essential services and improvements to deprived Roma communities through strong advocacy led by students and graduates.
- Building a Strong Network of Roma Professionals and Leaders:
- Build a nucleus of successful Roma professionals, intellectuals, and leaders who excel in their careers.
- Foster a deep understanding of Roma development and encourage active contributions to the community at the local, national, and international levels.

Governance
Roma Versitas Albania is structured into three main bodies: the General Assembly (GA), the Advisory Board (AB), and the Administration.
General Assembly (GA)
The General Assembly is the highest governing body of the organization, composed of all of its members. The GA serves several key functions, including:
- Electing the members of the Advisory Board.
- Appointing the Executive Director.
- Approving the organization’s strategy, annual plan, and budget, among other key decisions.
Advisory Board (AB)
The Advisory Board is composed of five members, elected by the General Assembly. It serves as the decision-making body between General Assembly meetings, exercising all decision-making powers, except for those specifically reserved to the GA by law or statute. The current Advisory Board includes three Roma members, and at the next General Assembly, the remaining members will be selected.
Administration
The Administration is led by the Executive Director, with the support of the Finance Officer and the Secretary-General. The Administration is responsible for the day-to-day management of the organization and its programs.
Executive Director
The Executive Director oversees the activities of the organization, representing it in interactions with third parties, and ensuring the implementation of its strategic goals. Key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing all activities of the organization.
- Representing the organization in legal and external matters.
- Coordinating actions between members and external consulting firms, as necessary.
- Hiring administrative personnel, with the approval of the Advisory Board.
- Supervising the Advisory Board meetings and executing decisions.
Finance Officer
The Finance Officer manages all financial activities within the organization. This includes:
- Overseeing all expenses and maintaining financial records.
- Ensuring the proper operation of financial processes in accordance with the organization’s internal policies and Albanian legislation.
Secretary-General
The Secretary-General is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the organization’s projects and activities. Key duties include:
- Ensuring that departments operate in accordance with the internal regulations of the organization.
- Coordinating the work of departmental staff.
- Maintaining records, including minutes of General Assembly and Advisory Board meetings, and the book of decisions, orders, instructions, and correspondence.
- Keeping the membership register and any other required documentation in line with the organization’s statute or decisions.
Leadership and Management
The Administration Body of Roma Versitas Albania serves as the organization’s core engine, driving its operations with a commitment to accuracy, timeliness, and professionalism. The Administration operates based on several key principles:
1. Division of Work
This principle ensures that efforts and resources are focused on specific areas, enhancing productivity and optimizing outcomes by concentrating on targeted tasks.
2. Unity of Command
By adhering to the principle of unity of command, the organization reduces confusion and increases efficiency. It ensures that employees receive direction from a single source, promoting alignment with the organization’s goals and enhancing overall productivity.
3. Unity of Direction
Teams within the organization are aligned to work towards a common objective. Each team is led by a manager, and all actions are coordinated under a unified plan to achieve the organization’s strategic goals.
4. Authority
Authority goes beyond the mere ability to issue instructions; it carries with it the responsibility to make decisions and be accountable for outcomes. This principle emphasizes that leadership comes with a sense of duty and accountability.
5. Discipline
Discipline is crucial for fostering a harmonious and effective working environment. It ensures that all members are committed to the organization’s mission, motivating them to work collaboratively towards shared goals.
Roma Versitas Albania is a well-organized and efficiently run entity, dedicated to providing high-quality services to its members. The Administration Body is the driving force behind the organization’s success, ensuring that its goals are met with dedication and professionalism.
Our Team: Past, Present, and Future
Emiliano Aliu is a distinguished advocate for Roma rights and currently serves as the Executive Director of Roma Versitas Albania. He holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Master’s degree in International & European Law from the European University of Tirana. His academic and professional background reflects a deep commitment to legal advocacy, education, and Roma empowerment.
Emiliano’s career spans multiple key roles in Roma civil society. He has worked as a legal consultant for various organizations and, in 2013, contributed as a Local Consultant for the OSCE/ODIHR project “Best Practices for Roma Integration.” He has also served as a Romani language translator and lecturer at the University of Elbasan. Additionally, he held the role of Roma Coordinator and Protection from Discrimination Facilitator at the Institution of the People’s Advocate for over two years. From 2019 to 2023, he served as Deputy Chairman of the Rrogozhina Municipality Council, playing an active role in local governance and policy development. His expertise spans human rights, constitutional law, and international relations, underscoring his dedication to advancing the rights and well-being of the Roma community.
Since 2016, as Executive Director of Roma Versitas Albania, Emiliano has led initiatives to empower Roma youththrough education and capacity-building programs. His leadership is instrumental in tackling key challenges faced by the Roma community, including housing, employment, education, and political representation. His unwavering dedication to fostering inclusion and equality continues to drive positive change within Albania and across Europe.
Mrs. Subashi serves as the Administrative and Financial Officer at Roma Versitas Albania, where she plays a crucial role in managing the organization’s financial and administrative operations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting from the University of Tirana, which she earned in 2015, followed by a Master of Science in Accounting and Audit in 2017. Further enhancing her professional qualifications, she obtained a Professional Accountant certification in 2020.
Before joining Roma Versitas Albania, Mrs. Subashi built a strong career in finance and accounting, working with various institutions where she developed expertise in financial reporting systems, cost and management accounting, financial planning, profit and loss analysis, and project budget preparation and assessment. Her work has focused on ensuring financial accuracy, compliance with regulatory frameworks, and the effective allocation of resources to maximize organizational efficiency.
At Roma Versitas Albania, she is responsible for overseeing budget planning, financial reporting, and compliance with donor requirements, ensuring transparency and accountability in all financial processes. She works closely with the leadership team to support the organization’s strategic goals, particularly in securing and managing funding for educational and capacity-building programs that empower Roma youth.
With a strong background in financial management and auditing, Mrs. Subashi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role, contributing to the organization’s mission of fostering education, inclusion, and professional development within the Roma community. Her dedication to precision, financial integrity, and strategic planning makes her a vital asset to the organization.
Klaudia Veizaj is a distinguished architect, human rights advocate, and cultural heritage expert committed to empowering communities and preserving cultural identities. She holds an MSc in Architecture and Urban Design from Polis University and an MA in Cultural Heritage: Research, Management, and Policy from Central European University in Vienna.
Her advocacy journey began in 2012 with the Political Roma Academy, making her one of Albania’s first Roma activists. In recognition of her impactful work, she was named “Volunteer of the Year” by the Institute of Romani Culture in Albania in 2014. Among her notable initiatives is the use of street art to raise awareness about the “Forgotten Holocaust”. In 2018, her concept was selected from over 50 international artists at MurAl Fest to create a mural in Tirana featuring the “16 May – Romani Resistance” logo, honoring Roma resistance during the Holocaust and shedding light on Roma history and struggles.
Since 2013, Klaudia has played a key role in the Dikh He Na Bister – Roma Genocide Remembrance Initiative, progressing from participant to group leader, facilitator, and ultimately head of the educational team. She has designed educational materials, led training sessions, and coordinated international events, including the 80th Anniversary of the European Roma Genocide Remembrance Day (August 2nd).
Her professional experience includes roles as Project Manager at the Roma Women Rights Center in Albania, Architectural Designer, and Research Architect. Her expertise spans human rights education, gender equality, intersectionality, history, remembrance, identity, and non-profit project management. She has collaborated with esteemed institutions such as the Council of Europe, contributing to research, training, and capacity-building initiatives.
A passionate advocate for inclusion, Klaudia is dedicated to combating discrimination, empowering youth, amplifying underrepresented voices, and fostering cross-cultural understanding across Europe.
Mr. Franko Veliu is a dedicated activist and advocate for education and inclusion, committed to empowering the Roma community in Albania. A proud alumnus of the Roma Versitas Albania scholarship program, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Administration and Social Policy from the Faculty of Social Sciences in Tirana. His personal experiences navigating the education system have shaped his deep commitment to breaking down barriers for Roma students and ensuring equal access to learning opportunities.
As a former Executive Director of Amaro-Drom, Franko has played a pivotal role in advancing educational initiatives for Roma youth. He has actively contributed to programs such as the EU Regional Action for Roma Education (RARE), Phase II, working to expand educational access and support networks across the Western Balkans. His leadership in these initiatives has helped strengthen community engagement, policy development, and advocacy efforts aimed at fostering long-term, systemic change.
Beyond his organizational leadership, Franko is deeply involved in mentorship programs, guiding and inspiring young Roma students to overcome social and institutional challenges. His work focuses on building self-confidence, resilience, and pride in Roma identity, equipping the next generation with the tools to succeed academically and professionally.
Driven by a passion for community development and educational equity, Franko remains an active voice in the fight for greater inclusion and representation. Through his continuous advocacy efforts, he strives to create a society where every individual—regardless of background—has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and lead.

Xhenson Çela
Former Secretary General
Sep. 2017 - Aug. 2024
Mr. Xhenson Cela is the Secretary-General at Roma Versitas Albania, bringing a strong background in public policy, law, and advocacy for Roma and marginalized communities. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and a Law degree from Central European University. During his academic career, Mr. Cela was actively involved in several local and international organizations dedicated to supporting both Roma and non-Roma communities, focusing on human rights, social inclusion, and community development.
Mr. Cela’s early career included valuable internships at the Ombudsman Office and the Regional Employment Office in Tirana, where he gained hands-on experience in public service and institutional operations. Prior to joining Roma Versitas Albania, he worked as the Employment Expert for the UNDP’s ESERE Project (Economic and Social Empowerment of the Roma and Egyptian Communities) in Albania, where he contributed to programs aimed at improving employment opportunities for marginalized communities.
In addition to his project work, Mr. Cela has provided legal tutoring in employment law to students in social science and law programs. His professional experience includes working on multiple initiatives related to education, employment, and access to justice, where he has served as a project officer and coordinator. His leadership and expertise have driven projects aimed at creating sustainable employment pathways, improving access to services, and advocating for policy change.
Mr. Cela is deeply passionate about human rights, housing, employment, and business coaching. He continues to advocate for inclusive policies that ensure equal opportunities and access for all, particularly for marginalized and underrepresented groups.