M. & M. Ivanaj Foundation Institut

Cristina Quaroni graduated in political science and international affairs at the University la Sapienza of Rome and holds a postgraduate diploma in international crisis management from UNED. She is currently living in Tirana as spouse of the Spanish Ambassador while continuing her professional activity as a consultant and entrepreneur within her family business.

Dhimitraq Rizo was raised and lives in Tirana, where he completed his studies in 1978 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, issued by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Tirana. After graduation he began working at the "Enver" engineering plant in Tirana, at the time considered one of the biggest and best-established engineering plants in the country. During his 10-year tenure at this plant, he held different positions as Unit Manager, Multi-unit Manager, Head Engineer and ultimately as General Director of such. In 1989 he held a position in one of the city hall offices overseeing Zone One of Tirana, as Head of the Industry department, and from 1992 onward he started, managed and worked with multiple private businesses. A few companies he managed throughout these years were "Abikon", "Arkon" and "VTE Trading". He was also a partner in companies such as "Telcom Albania" and "Arsire Al". Most of these companies are and have been focused in the construction business in Albania. Mr. Rizo speak English, Italian and Greek, and holds the position of Special Director as a Board Member of the M.& M. Ivanaj Foundation Institut in Tirana.  

Laura Konda (Siliqi) is a graduate of Tirana University, where she studied “English Language and Literature”. From 1983 to 1990 she worked as an editor for the newspaper "Voice of the Youth". She was also visiting professor at the University of Tirana, teaching English as a Second Language at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and the Faculty of Philosophy. From 1990-1993 she worked as a High School Teacher at "Petro Nini Luarasi" High School in Tirana. From 1993-1995 she worked as fulltime professor of English, at Tirana University, Faculty of Foreign Languages, English Branch.

In 1995, Laura moved to the USA together with her family.  Initially she worked as e pre-school teacher.  In 1997 she taught Albanian language to American diplomats and military people, at the "Inlingua" School of Foreign Languages.

Gjergj Konda worked for 20 years at the International Finance Corporation (part of the World Bank Group).  He held different positions and, during the last 10 years, he was principal economist in charge of the Western Balkans, Turkey, Central Europe and the Central Asia regions.  In his work, he focused on economic and business development analyses and provided market intelligence facilitating IFC’s (International Finance Corporation) investments in the region.  As head of the Strategy and Economics team for the Europe and Central Asia region, he led the work on country and regional strategies, as well as private sector development analyses.  Gjergj has coordinated with the WBG (World Bank Group) teams on private sector development issues and has advised investment teams and IFC management on country risk and business opportunities.

Early in his career in Albania, Gjergj worked as a researcher and later manager at the Institute of Economic Studies, with focus on cost benefit analyses.  In the early 90s, when Albania started its transformation towards market economy, Gjergj held several key positions as deputy minister of finance and minister of economy with the Government of Albania. He led different teams to implement a set of reforms related to economic liberalization, macroeconomic stabilization, as well as institutional capacity building, that was much needed for a competitive market economy.  

Gjergj has a PhD in Development Economics and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tirana University, Albania, as well as a Master’s Degree in the Economic Policy Management from Columbia University, New York.

Ilira Siliqi is our Administrative Assistant and Archivist. She has a degree in Economic Planning and a long professional experience of circa 40 years. Ilira has worked in public education and statistics institutions, as well as private banks. Among her soft skills, we can list her communication abilities, focus on details, and her ability to meticulously go through documentation while recording and archiving them. Ilira speaks Albanian, Italian, and English.

Elena Kodra has more than 20 years of experience in cleaning, maintenance and textile sector. She has worked in both, public and private institutions. Together with our other staff member, Elena shares the responsibility for Cleaning and Maintenance of our premises.

Vera Rakipi has more than 15 years of experience in cleaning, maintenance, children and elderly care. She has worked in both public and private institutions, one of which a social care institution in Germany where she worked for 5 years. Together with our other staff member, Vera shares the responsibility for Cleaning and Maintenance of our premises.