About Us

Geron Allajbeu was born in Skrapar, Albania and was a member of the student movement that led to the fall of communism in Albania.  Geron received his degree in mechanical engineering from Politechnic University of Tirana and later served as head of the technical office of the TEC Ballsh branch of ARMO, Albania's state owned oil refining company.  He currently resides in Toronto, Canada where he is a project manager in the aluminum industry. 

email: gallajbeu@adausa.org

Andi Belliu is originally from Lushnje, Albania.  After completing vocational school in Vlora, he studied computers and network management in Greece, and then returned to Albania where he operated a computer services business. He also worked for Albdemil dismantling large caliber ammunitioin at Gerdec, the scene of the massive explosion that resulted in the tragic death of 26 people in 2008.  Because of his familarity with the hazardous working conditions at the plant, he later served as a key witness for the General Prosecutor's criminal investigation of Gerdec.  He now lives in New York where he works for a real estate management company.

email: abelliu@adausa.org

Alba Bollati was born in Tirana where she obtained her LLB from Tirana University School of Law.  She then went on to obtain her LLM from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York where she is a practicing attorney.  She is a member of the Albanian American Organization for Chameria, the Albanian American Women's Organization and the Albanian Professional and Entrepreneurs Network.

email: abollati@adausa.org

Astrit Hysaj is originally from Fier, Albania and currently resides in New York where he is a project manager for a major construction company.  He is an expert in the restoration of landmark, historical and Federal buildings.   He was formerly Chief Engineer for the Fier water supply system in Albania.  He holds a Masters Degree in civil engineering from New York University and a B.S. in civil engineering from the Polytechnic University of Tirana. 

email: ahysaj@adausa.org

Leida Kapllani was born in Durres, Albania and received her bachelors degree in English literature from the University of Tirana where she worked as an Assistant Professor in the department of English language and literature.  Leida now resides in New York where she is a Senior Program analyst for the New York City School Construction Authority. 

email: lkapllani@adausa.org

Ilir Karroqe was born in Fier, Albania and now lives in New York.  He is a graduate of the University of Tirana where he majored in history.  Ilir currently works for the New York University School of Law.  

email: ikarroqe@adausa.org

in memorium Drita Kokalari was an integral member of the Albanian American community for over 70 years and she was a founding member of ADA.  She also served as President of the Albanian Center of New York, one of the oldest Albanian American organizations.  Albanian Center is engaged in cultural and civic activities and is credited with establishing the first Albanian language school in New York.  Drita was a member of the Board of Directors of the Albanian Relief Foundation, and she played an instrumental role in bringing humanitarian aid to Albania and Kosova during periods of crisis. 

email:  dkokalari@adausa.org

Gary Kokalari is the third generation of a family that has served the Albanian American community for the past century.  Gary was a director and founder of the National Albanian American Council, and he established the first lobbying office for Albanians in Washington.  He was a founder and director of the Albanian Relief Foundation, a member of the board of directors of the Kosova Relief Fund, and is President of the Albanian Heritage Foundation.  Gary played a key role in the lobbying effort that led to U.S. intervention in the Kosova conflict and also served as a TV spokesperson for the Kosova cause.  He has written extensively on Albanian issues and has been an outspoken critic of Albania's epidemic corruption. He was also responsible for exposing corrupt practices in Albania's telecom and military sectors.  Professionally, Gary is a financial advisor with a global financial services firm, and he holds an M.B.A. in finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a B.S. from Boston University.

email:  gkokalari@adausa.org