A collaborative and innovative self-starter with international and domestic experience in designing and managing complex projects in both the non-profit and construction industries. Applied expertise in organizational and budgetary management, strategic planning, and business development skills in a wide-range of sectors. Demonstrated ability to manage and inspire multi-cultural teams, as well as capacity to adapt to and embrace new opportunities.
Independently began small, local construction firm, focusing on renewable and reclaimed materials for exterior, interior, and structural high-end remodeling
Responsible for all new business generation based on aggressive marketing and community outreach
Managed all aspects of construction projects, beginning with working closely with clients to ensure quality initial design of projects, developing budgets, acquiring permits, scheduling construction phases, and overseeing field operations with over 10 staff
Directed personnel operations, including hiring, managing and training of staff
Managed network of subcontractors and developed criteria needed for subcontractor assignments
Tower Hill Construction, Baltimore, MD 11/06 to 6/07
Construction Foreman and Superintendent Trainer
Led and directed construction team in day-to-day operation assigned by senior management
Interpreted blue prints for field staff and subcontractors
Coordinated subcontractor crews
Assisted in hiring staff and set staff deliverables and timelines
Established entrepreneurial innovation center for returning war refugees; formed business plan analysis, local microfinance engagement, and sales and marketing execution
Built up construction, agro industrial, and municipal transportation companies, generating almost 1000 new jobs
Conducted market research on micro/macroeconomic trends in all sectors of Kosovo economy to locate potential job opportunities for returnees; trained returnees on conducting microfinance investments
Sharri Restaurant, Mushnikova, Kosovo 06/01 to 10/05
Owner/Manager/Server
Single-handedly built and independently managed well-known family restaurant and staff, frequent customers included high end clients from the diplomatic corps, Prime Ministers, and regional celebrities
Controlled all budgetary, financial, and marketing affairs
Served as Manager and chef during weekends
CARE International, Prizren, Kosovo 04/04 to 01/05
Project Administrator for Education for Peace and Tolerance Project
Controlled all financial operations and budget for Prizren office, provided logistical and IT support
Organized and participated in training seminars and workshops and developed training material
Conducted field visits to analyze the effect of the project on the local school environment and community
Dadalos, Prishtina, Kosovo 06/01 to 10/05
Project Manager for Kosovo Education Project/Consultant
Supervised project implementation and managed all local staff, coordinated communication and partnerships between the Ministry of Education, local municipalities, and local NGOs
Organized and conducted trainings for 2000 participants regarding democracy-building and human rights
Controlled and monitored budget of over 1€ million for entire project
OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo 09/02 to 12/02
National Trainer for Elections
Led several trainings on election rules and procedures for over 500 international participants
Translated documents in Albanian and Serbo-Croatian into English for political observers
International Organization for Migration (IOM) Prishtina, Kosovo 12/99 to 05/01
Country Manager for the Kosovo Emergency Information Assistance project
Managed and created IOM main internet center in Prishtina and supervised coordination between 7 other internet centers throughout Kosovo; controlled IT support and managed budgets of 15€ million for all centers
Arranged logistical and material support for local NGOs and civil society organizations providing reconciliation support for refugees abroad searching for local family members
Developed trainings about IT management for youth, university professors, local NGOs, and national media
International Organization for Migration (IOM) Prishtina, Kosovo 08/99 to 11/99
Team Leader for IDP Return
Successfully managed the transportation over 20,000 Kosovo refugees from Prishtina airport and bus station to their homes throughout all of Kosovo in coordination with IOM partners
Supervised approximately 30 staff and 60 drivers, organized payment responsibilities and designated appropriate funds depending on the family and country of refuge
Organized provisions for returnees such as food, water, clothing for the first week of their return
Rama Building 07/92 to 10/02
Co-managed family-owned residential and commercial construction and design company in Kosovo for 9 years, responsible for budget planning, design, material sourcing, and sub-contractor scheduling
Learned masonry, carpentry, and how to interpret blueprints and technical drawings through hands-on training
EDUCATION
Prishtina University, Kosovo 1995 to 2000
B.A. in Information Technology and Business Management
LANGUAGES
Fluent in English, Native Speaker in Albanian and Serbo-Croatian, Conversational Turkish
