KOZETA JANA

Kozeta is born and lives in Albania. She is graduated in Finance and Accounting and has had an exchange period in Budapest in 2008. She is on a mission to help people build and grow successful entrepreneurship. For 2 years she manages finance and develops projects for Hope for the future NGO in Shkodra. She is also an assistant professor at economic faculty at Shkodra University Luigj Gurakuqi, teaching International Finance and Financial Management. Meeting new professionals from other countries is something valuable that enriches and develops everyone. She is open to new experiences, new people, new places and new ideas.

“Never give up, just do your best”

Q: TELL US A FEW THINGS ABOUT YOUR COUNTRY, AND ALSO YOUR LIFE'S STORY!

I live in Albania, which is a small country, but with a wonderful landscape. I have been living here for my whole life and I love it. My hometown is Shkodra, located in the north of Albania and it is surrounded by a lake, two rivers, mountains and it is very close to the beach. Albania has an ancient history which promotes the cultural diversity of a small country by geographic coverage, but full of traditions, culture, values and history.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR VIEW OF THE WORLD AS IT IS TODAY? AND HOW DO YOU DEFINE THE CONCEPT OF A BETTER WORLD?

Today's world is full of colours, somewhere brighter, somewhere darker. This is life. People are human beings who have the possibility to move in search of their preferred colour. I think it has always been like this, except the fact that colours have changed and they are always in change. By colours, I mean the situation in its full complexity. We are the world and we are responsible for everything that happens. If society considers the common welfare instead of personal perspectives, it reaches it. There are very good examples of welfare states and bad examples, as well.

A better world for me is a world of peace. Where there is peace, there is everything.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY CHALLENGES IN YOUR SOCIETY?

My country has been in transition for many years and still is. Political transition has caused many consequences to economic and social aspects. High level of informality is a big challenge we are facing in everyday life and in every sector. As a result of this, there is not found a reliable and smooth climate for business development and for foreign investors to come here. Consequences are felt at a high level of unemployment, a decrease of economy, fiscal evasion, etc.

Q: AS A YOUNG INDIVIDUAL WHAT ARE A FEW OF THE HURDLES THAT YOU HAD TO OVERCOME UP UNTIL TODAY?

As a young individual, I have had to deal with a challenging corruption in many steps of my career. I have worked in the private and public sectors and I went through many job competitions. It is a pity to accept that about 90% of job recruitments are unfair and not based on merit. This hurts too much a young professional who has to face this reality and to fight with it. Fortunately, considering my strong personality to never give up, I have reached my own goals, but with many disappointing actors and struggling every day.

Q: WHY IS THE ROLE OF A MENTOR IMPORTANT FOR YOU?

I consider important the role of my mentor because it is like an experienced guide with a bright career which helps me clarify and set my goals and of course achieve them. Despite that, I consider it important as a partner for future collaborations.

Q: DO YOU HAVE A LESSON THAT LIFE HAS TAUGHT YOU AND YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

My life lesson is to never give up and I would like to share this and I actually share it with everyone. Never be discouraged by whatever life brings to you, just do your best and the best will come in return.

Q: NAME A PROJECT, A FOUNDATION OR A PERSON IN YOUR COUNTRY THAT YOU THINK IS DOING GREAT WORK IN HELPING IMPROVE OTHER PEOPLE'S LIVES!

I would consider very much GIZ's impact on Albania. It has influenced the social and economic aspect of all over Albania because they have implemented projects from North to South.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THAT WOMEN IN YOUR COUNTRY FACE AND WHAT EFFORTS ARE MADE TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY?

Women in Albania are prejudiced and are not offered the same opportunities as men to the labour market. Prejudice is found even in other aspects of lifestyle. Another challenge is violence which women still face it.

Q: ATHENA40 IS THE FIRST EVER GLOBAL SELECTION OF THE TOP 40 WOMEN FORWARD THINKERS, COMMENTATORS, ACTIVISTS, AUTHORS, ACADEMICS, ENTREPRENEURS, EXECUTIVES, INNOVATORS. CAN YOU THINK OF A TRULY INNOVATIVE AND FORWARD-THINKING WOMAN FROM YOUR COUNTRY THAT YOU WISH TO NOMINATE FOR THE ATHENA40 GLOBAL LIST?

I would nominate my mentor Klodiana Thartori, without any hesitation.

Q: SHARE WITH US A PHRASE, A POEM OR A STORY THAT YOU LOVE OR YOU FIND INTERESTING!

“Do your best and don't worry for the rest”

Q: TELL US ONE THING THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM YOUR MENTOR.

I have learned that working hard and believing in yourself is the key of success.