About Albanian Youth

Connection with purpose.

Albanian Youth brings people together around professional growth, community participation, practical support, and shared culture in Toronto.

Explore our programs
Audience members applauding during an Albanian Youth gathering

Our role

An umbrella for community and opportunity.

Albanian Youth is the domain and umbrella anchor for our public work.

NextGen Professionals is our professional community identity, created for students, emerging talent, and established professionals who want to learn from one another.

Who it is for

Different stages. One connected community.

Students and newcomers

People building local knowledge, relationships, confidence, and a clearer path into community and professional life.

Professionals and community members

People ready to exchange experience, open doors, contribute ideas, and strengthen the network around them.

How we work

Useful, welcoming, and grounded.

  • Build real relationships

    We create reasons for people to meet, exchange knowledge, and stay connected.

  • Make participation practical

    Programs are designed around useful conversations, support, recreation, and contribution.

  • Keep identity clear

    Our community work and professional network are distinct expressions of the same Albanian Youth umbrella.

What we do

Programs shaped around people.

Think Tank

Structured discussion around ideas and issues that matter to the community.

NextGen Professionals Conference

A forum for learning, professional connection, and shared experience.

Newcomers Help

Practical orientation and community connection for people establishing themselves in Toronto.

Community and recreation

Accessible ways to meet beyond formal professional settings.

TEDxHarbourfront

An independently organized TEDx event that brings ideas to a local stage.

In the community

Moments of participation.

Panelists in conversation at an Albanian Youth event
Community members playing volleyball together
Community members gathered for an Albanian Youth movie night

Take part

Find your place in the network.

Explore membership

Ina Shehi - Co-President

Ina Shehi is a dynamic finance professional who has made significant strides in her career since relocating to Canada in 2022. With a strong foundation in Finance and Accounting, Shehi has over five years of experience in the field, demonstrating expertise in accountancy, financial reporting, and strategic planning.

Upon arriving in Canada, Shehi embarked on an ambitious journey to pursue ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) certification, enrolling in a preparation course at the Toronto School of Management.

This pursuit of advanced professional qualifications showcases her commitment to continuous learning and career development in the competitive field of finance.Since 2022, Shehi has been employed as an Accountant at Icon Builders Inc., where she has rapidly established herself as a valuable asset to the company. In this role, she has further refined her skills in project reporting and operational management, demonstrating a keen ability to adapt to new challenges and excel in complex financial environments.

Shehi’s professional journey is marked by her adaptability and excellence in finance. Her transition from her previous experience to the Canadian financial landscape highlights her versatility and determination to succeed in diverse business contexts. As she continues to pursue her ACCA certification, Shehi is poised to make even greater contributions to the field of finance, leveraging her growing expertise and international perspective.

Lurio Neli - Co-President

Lurio Neli is a dynamic professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Pre-law Studies and extensive experience in fraud investigations and claims within the banking sector. With a proven track record of leadership in roles at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), Visa and Mastercard products, where they have honed their skills in detecting and preventing fraudulent activities, Lurio brings a comprehensive understanding of financial regulations, legal principles, and investigative techniques to effectively mitigate risks and safeguard against fraudulent activities. Their commitment to excellence and passion for upholding legal and ethical standards make them a valuable asset in any organization striving for security and compliance.

Valentin Cela - Founder and Former President

Community Impact

-Founder, Albanian Youth – Founded and led Albanian Youth, connecting over 7,000 professionals in 18 months. Managed a core team of 13 and more than 100 active contributors.

-Founder, Tuesday Think Tank (TTT) – Established Tuesday Think Tank, an exclusive Toronto club for professionals and entrepreneurs. Organized monthly meetings focused on networking and idea exchange.

-Founder, NextGen Professional Conference – Started the NextGen Professional Conference in 2024, gathering 300 professionals at its first event. The 2025 edition hosted over 1,000 professionals and 50+ organizations. The largest conference is planned for 2026.

-Founder (Exited), OZZO – Launched OZZO, a startup in Albania serving the HoReCa sector. Grew the platform to 550 clients and 120,000 monthly users before exiting the company.

 

 

Education

-Master of Science in Accounting and Audit, University of Tirana

-Postgraduate Degree in Entrepreneurship, Humber Polytechnic

-Postgraduate Degree in Advanced Professional Accounting, York University

-Completed advanced courses at 19 international universities, including HarvardX, MITx, MSBM UK, and Western University

-Participated in scientific research conferences at the University of Turin, University of Aleksander Moisiu, and University of Dubrovnik

-Certified in Project Management Professional (PMP) and 6Sigma

 

Leadership Roles

-Country Leader and Jury Member, International Economic Olympiad (2021–2024)

-European Young Engineers Leader (2021–2023)

-International Creativity Day Leader (2021–2023)

-Ambassador, Global Peace Chain (2020–2021)

Valentin remains active in the startup ecosystem, with a strong focus on innovation, youth empowerment, and international collaboration. His background reflects a balance of professional achievement, community involvement, and ongoing academic development.

Jurgena Thercaj - VP of Digital Marketing

Jurgena Thercaj, also known as Vajza e Biznesit (The Business Girl), is a dynamic marketing professional with a passion for creativity and community development. Her journey began five years ago when she fulfilled her long-held dream of moving to Canada, a decision that has proven transformative for her personal and professional growth.

With a diverse background in hospitality, tourism, and marketing, Jurgena has cultivated a unique skill set that allows her to excel in various industries. She holds a diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Management and a certificate in Digital Marketing from George Brown College, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Jurgena’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on when she founded her own business in Tirana, Albania, in June 2018. This experience laid the foundation for her future endeavors in the marketing world.

Currently serving as the VP of Digital Marketing at NextGen Professionals, Jurgena specializes in helping brands grow and connect with their audiences through digital marketing, social media, and content creation.

Alesja Cani - VP of Events and NextGent

Alesja is a tech professional and project manager with expertise in software implementation, AI, data analysis, and STEM education, having worked on international projects and with cross-functional teams.

At Deloitte CE South, Alesja was a core member of the Contract Lifecycle Management project within Risk Advisory, driving end-to-end software solutions through functional testing, bug resolution, and agile development. She contributed to AI/ML integration to automate processes and enhance data-driven decisions, while collaborating with teams across Germany, Poland, India, and the US. She also mentored colleagues, supporting smooth project integration and success.

Beyond her technical expertise, Alesja has been actively engaged in international education and youth empowerment initiatives. She served as a translator at major education fairs, facilitating communication between institutions and prospective students while representing universities such as Modul University Vienna, Thompson Rivers University, and Kaplan International Pathways, thereby promoting global higher education opportunities. In addition, she participated in the 1st Girl’s Summit and #Girl2Leader Campaign in Albania, organized by the MP’s Women Alliance, the Coalition for Education in Albania, and other prominent organizations. Through this initiative, she contributed to empowering 25 young women by connecting them with mentors and role models in politics, academia, and other fields, fostering their leadership and decision-making skills.

Known for her strong work ethic, organizational skills, and positive attitude, Alesja is constantly seeking opportunities for growth, both professionally and personally. She is deeply committed to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the professional community, aligning with the organization’s mission to empower and connect professionals.

Jurgen Lulo - VP of Development and Partnerships

As a seasoned Managing Director at Constructio Inc., Jurgen bring deep expertise in cost estimating and project leadership across commercial, industrial, and residential sectors in the Greater Toronto Area. With a foundation in civil engineering and a strategic vision, he oversee full-cycle construction initiatives—from ground-up developments to intricate renovations, ensuring transparent communication, quality craftsmanship, and innovation at every stage

His passion for community and professional growth extends beyond the job site. He co‑organized the NextGen Professionals Conference, a dynamic, youth-driven event uniting emerging and seasoned leaders across industries like AI, real estate, legal, tech, startups and construction. Since launching in January 2024, his alumni network has helped foster meaningful mentorship, enrich entrepreneurial ecosystems, and shape future-facing dialogue across North America

Rooted in the Albanian diaspora and Toronto’s vibrant multicultural landscape, he is dedicated to championing diversity, driving innovation, and mentoring the next generation of industry leaders.

Klea Cani - VP of Human Resources

Klea Cani is an accomplished professional from Albania, bringing a wealth of experience in finance, accounting, and business operations to her role as Vice President of Research and Talents at Albanian Youth. Her academic journey encompasses a strong foundation in business, with specialized studies in finance, accounting, and a postgraduate degree in Marketing Management and Financial Services.

Klea’s professional and personal path has been defined by her ability to adapt and excel in diverse environments. From spearheading start-ups during high school to teaching university courses and thriving in dynamic business roles, she has consistently demonstrated a flair for leadership and innovation. Known for her empathy and authenticity, Klea is a natural connector who fosters trust and collaboration, creating an environment where ideas and people thrive. Her colleagues often describe her as the kind of person who listens first, speaks with purpose, and acts with integrity.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Klea is deeply passionate about initiatives that bring communities together and create lasting impact. She believes in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change and takes pride in contributing to projects that celebrate Albanian heritage while fostering growth and opportunity for future generations.

Alesio Vrapi - VP of Art and Photography

Alesio Vrapi brings a passion for mechanical engineering and technology. Beginning his journey at George Brown College, he is not only talented but also deeply enthusiastic about contributing to the field of mechanical innovation. Open to new opportunities, he eagerly awaits the chance to explore and grow in his chosen field

Mario Cani - VP of Creativity & Innovation

Formally completing his education at York University with a bachelor’s in Political Science and working for almost 8 years in the banking industry. Mario is a top notch professional in the bank industry giving a great example to his Albanian young professional fellows. Mario shares the perspective of a young immigrant in Canada who has lived in Canada for most of his life and someone who has a deep rooted understanding of Canadian Society.