Our People
The people who direct and deliver Roma Versitas Albania's work. We publish those serving now alongside those who served before them.
Current team
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Emiliano Aliu is an advocate for Roma rights and has served as Executive Director of Roma Versitas Albania since 2016. He holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Master’s degree in International and European Law from the European University of Tirana.
He has worked as a legal consultant for a range of organisations and, in 2013, as Local Consultant for the OSCE/ODIHR project Best Practices for Roma Integration. He has served as a Romani language translator and lecturer at the University of Elbasan, and spent over two years as Roma Coordinator and Protection from Discrimination Facilitator at the Institution of the People’s Advocate. From 2019 to 2023 he was Deputy Chairman of the Rrogozhina Municipality Council.
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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.
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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, as well as an MA in Cultural Heritage: Research, Management, and Policy from Central European University in Vienna.
Her engagement in advocacy began in 2012 with the Political Roma Academy, making her one of the first Roma activists in Albania. In recognition of her impactful work, she was awarded “Volunteer of the Year” in 2014 by the Institute of Romani Culture in Albania. Among her most notable initiatives is the use of public art to raise awareness about the “Forgotten Holocaust.” In 2018, her concept was selected among more than 50 international artists at MurAl Fest to create a mural in Tirana featuring the “16 May – Romani Resistance” emblem, honoring Roma resistance during the Holocaust and highlighting Roma history and struggles.
Since 2013, Klaudia has been actively involved 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 developed educational materials, led training sessions, and coordinated international events, including the 80th Anniversary of the European Roma Genocide Remembrance Day on 2 August.
Her professional experience includes roles as Project Manager at the Roma Women Rights Center in Albania, Architectural Designer, and Research Architect. Her expertise covers human rights education, gender equality, intersectionality, history, remembrance, identity, and non-profit project management. She has collaborated with institutions such as the Council of Europe, contributing to research, training, and capacity-building initiatives.
A committed advocate for inclusion, Klaudia works to combat discrimination, empower youth, amplify underrepresented voices, and foster cross-cultural understanding across Europe.
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Mr. Franko Veliu is a dedicated activist and advocate for education and inclusion, committed to empowering the Roma community in Albania. He is an alumnus of the Roma Versitas Albania scholarship program and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Administration and Social Policy from the Faculty of Social Sciences in Tirana. His personal experience within the education system has shaped his strong commitment to breaking down barriers faced by Roma students and ensuring equal access to learning opportunities.
As a former Executive Director of Amaro-Drom, Franko has played a key role in advancing educational initiatives for Roma youth. He has actively contributed to the EU Regional Action for Roma Education (RARE) – Phase II, supporting the expansion of educational access and strengthening support networks across the Western Balkans. His leadership in these initiatives has contributed to improved community engagement, policy development, and advocacy efforts aimed at long-term, systemic change.
Beyond his leadership roles in organizations, Franko is deeply engaged in mentorship programs, where he guides and inspires young Roma students to overcome social and institutional barriers. His work focuses on building self-confidence, resilience, and pride in Roma identity, equipping the next generation with the tools needed for academic and professional success.
Driven by a strong commitment to community development and educational equity, Franko remains an active voice in promoting inclusion and fair representation. Through his ongoing advocacy, he strives to contribute to a society where every individual, regardless of background, has the opportunity to grow, contribute, and lead.
Past team
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Xhenson Cela, a resident in Albania of Roma background. Even though I am not a certified artist, I have developed several related skills and experiences in the field of art, culture, and history.
I am currently on the path of developing my expertise in writing graphic novels and illustrated comic books for social change, human rights, and entertainment. My purpose is to transpose academic papers into soft reading materials for a broader audience in a comics-style genre. For that end, I have completed two online courses, and oneinteractive workshop at the Central European University by Tony Lee, a professional comic writerfor DC and Marvel Studios. Regarding my professional experiences, I want to highlight a few.In April 2019, I held the curator’s position of the exposition of 1000 years of Roma history. The activity was supported by the United Nations Development Programme in Albania to celebrate the yearly event of Romani day.
From 2013 – 2015, I worked as the Communication Officer and Online Community Radio Manager atthe Institute of Romani Culture in Albania. I directed a live exhibition on the 8th of April 2015 by visuallypresenting eight elements of the Roma culture performed by volunteers. Furthermore, I haverecorded the performances of each of the features and produced artistic podcasts. Whereas, On theoccasion of local elections, I have scripted a graphic novel with illustrations to raise awareness regarding the importance of elections.
