By The Albanian Canadian community is preparing for an exciting milestone: the 2025 Albanian Professionals Network event, taking place for the first time in Calgary. After two successful editions in Vancouver, this gathering marks the expansion of a growing tradition that brings together professionals, leaders, and youth from across Canada.
The Albanian Professionals Network was created with a clear purpose: to strengthen mentorship, highlight role models, and build bridges across provinces. Albanians in Canada have excelled in diverse fields, from medicine and finance to education, entrepreneurship, and community leadership, and this event is a way of honoring that legacy while inspiring the next generation.
The event is organized in collaboration by the Albanian Canadian Society for Social and Economic Progress (ACSEP) and the Albanian Association of Calgary, two organizations dedicated to empowering Albanians through cultural, social, and professional initiatives. Directors Amarildo Ceka and Enis Alushi are leading this effort, ensuring the event highlights both excellence and unity within the community.
The event will be held at The Platform Calgary (East Annex), on Saturday, September 13, 2025, with doors opening at 12:00 PM and the program beginning at 12:20 PM.
A Remarkable Lineup of Speakers
This year’s program will feature a series of distinguished speakers who represent the breadth of Albanian talent and achievement in Calgary.
Dr. Adriana Fishta-Bejko
Dr. Adriana Fishta-Bejko is a highly accomplished intellectual in the field of education and teaching. Originally from Albania, she brought with her more than 20 years of international teaching experience before arriving in Canada, where she completed her Doctor of Education at the University of Calgary. Her groundbreaking dissertation on transforming English language learning set the stage for her lifelong commitment to supporting immigrant children and youth.
Over the course of her career, Dr. Bejko has served in leadership roles at universities in Canada and the United States, and later as Director of the Diverse Learning division within the Calgary Board of Education. Even in retirement, she continues her service as Chair of the School Board at the Albanian Language School in Calgary and as a member of Albania’s Coordinating Council of Diaspora. Her dedication has earned her numerous awards, including the title of “Albanian Nation’s Ambassador.”
Mr. Art Agolli
Art Agolli is a visionary entrepreneur and leader with a career spanning energy, healthcare, and education. From his early days at the World Bank, where he collaborated with governments worldwide on health and social reforms, to his executive roles at Koch Industries in Washington, DC and London, he has consistently combined innovation with impact.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Agolli founded Equity Health Services, providing critical healthcare diagnostics both in Canada and internationally. Today, he serves as Lead Director at Westgate Energy while also dedicating time to philanthropy and community development.
He is the founder of the Canadian Albanian Development Foundation and serves as Director of the Canadian Cancer Theranostics Foundation, alongside his wife, Dr. Alda Aleksi. His lifelong commitment to both business excellence and community service make him an inspiring voice for this gathering.
Mr. Flamur Radoniqi
Flamur Radoniqi is Director of Payments Optimization & Effectiveness at ATB Financial, where he oversees a team of more than 30 professionals ensuring seamless money movement and client experience. With over 21 years in the financial industry, he has led teams in payments systems, cards, strategy, product development, fraud prevention, and analytics.
His career reflects both technical expertise and strong leadership in adapting to change and driving innovation. At the event, Mr. Radoniqi will share insights from his professional journey and reflect on the importance of mentorship and resilience for young professionals entering competitive fields.
Dr. Alda Aleksi
Dr. Alda Aleksi is a physician-scientist whose remarkable career bridges cardiology, oncology, and molecular imaging. After earning her MD and Cardiology board certification in Europe, she moved to Canada, where she completed advanced training in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology.
Today, she serves as a Medical Oncologist at the Arthur Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre and as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine. Dr. Aleksi leads one of Alberta’s largest neuroendocrine tumor clinical programs and has pioneered theranostic approaches that are changing the face of precision oncology.
Beyond her clinical and research contributions, she is Founder and President of the Canadian Cancer Theranostics Foundation, championing advocacy, awareness, and innovation across the country. Her work exemplifies the intersection of science, care, and leadership.
Mr. Ilir Kuqi
Ilir Kuqi is a seasoned executive, community leader, and nonprofit advocate. As a Director at Enterprise Fleet Management, he oversees operations across Central Canada, guiding businesses with innovative and cost-effective fleet solutions.
His influence extends far beyond the corporate world. Mr. Kuqi is a former President of the Albanian Canadian Association of Calgary, where he worked tirelessly to build cultural unity and strengthen community ties. Currently, he serves on the Board of Directors for Calgary Meals on Wheels, supporting vulnerable residents across the city. He is also a passionate advocate for children’s health, raising awareness and funds through the Great Cycle Challenge Canada.
Community Impact
The Calgary edition follows the success of the first two events in Vancouver, where the Albanian Professionals Network established itself as a platform for dialogue, inspiration, and collaboration. Those gatherings sparked connections across industries, encouraged mentorship among youth, and demonstrated the strength of Albania’s diaspora in Canada.
By bringing the event to Calgary, organizers hope to continue building on that momentum, creating a tradition that grows stronger with each city, and unites Albanians nationwide through shared experiences, knowledge, and pride.
Beyond the Stage
The event will also feature a performance by young Albanian talents from Calgary, highlighting the cultural richness that continues to inspire the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect, share their own stories, and build lasting professional relationships.
Looking Ahead
The Calgary edition of the Albanian Professionals Network is poised to become a landmark moment in strengthening the bonds of the Albanian-Canadian community. By bringing together professionals from diverse fields, the event will not only celebrate success but also foster mentorship, unity, and collaboration for years to come.
We invite community members, students, and professionals alike to attend, connect, and celebrate Albanian excellence. This is more than an event, it is a movement to uplift and inspire, ensuring that the Albanian voice in Canada continues to thrive across generations.
