I was born in the small city of Korca, in Albania, and lived there until 7 years old. My family experienced oppression and suffering throughout the communist regime of the Albanian leadership, but their morals and ethics stayed strong even during the most difficult times.

In the early 90’s, my family left our Albanian homeland to migrate to the neighboring country of Greece in search of a better life. I grew up in a multicultural environment, had to learn a new language and adapt to cultural changes from a very young age. Life in Greece as an Albanian immigrant young woman was tough, and I had to persevere through poverty, a biased culture of ethnic nationalism, and lack of career opportunities.

Despite the constant life obstacles, there was always positivity in my life: a family that supported each other no matter what, a support system that was extensive and encouraging, and parents who did everything they could so that their children receive the best education possible to be able to succeed in life.

It was when I received a scholarship to attend the American College of Thessaloniki that influenced my future and career aspirations, as well as provided me with the opportunity to move to the US.

My education choices changed throughout time, from Finance to Business Administration, to Organizational Learning and Human Resource Development, and played a significant role in shaping me to the coach and person I am today.

Coming to the US presented a whole other set of new challenges as an international student, and life changes in adapting and assimilating in a new culture. I focused on creating a wide support system that included extended family, caring mentors and true friendships.

I attended multiple American colleges, received many awards and scholarships, and found my passion in Human Resource Development, which allowed me to start an upward career path in the field of HR, with a few very interesting stops in IT, Business Operations and HR Technology.

Equally, my personal life flourished by bringing the rest of my family in the US and creating a family of my own!

Being a high achiever with a neurodivergent ADHD brain, I always searched for more in life … more degrees, more connections, more career growth, more money, more achievements, more volunteering, more projects, more improvements, more happiness… more…more…more … but fulfillment wasn’t happening. I felt like a “jack of all trades” chasing an unattainable dream…. then, COVID hit!

2020 was a year of reflection and contentment for me. Like many other people throughout the world, I got to take a step back and reflect on what is important in life. I focused on my family and health, and truly enjoyed life slowing down.

I also focused on what I want out of life, and hone into my life’s mission to connect, share, serve and grow, and ultimately make a different in people’s lives, one starfish at a time.