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Honorary Board Members:
Perteve (Domnori) Leka
Perteve Leka received her education at the Pedagogical Institute of Shkodra, where she graduated in Linguistics and History, and later continued her studies at the Faculty of Philology and Literature in Tirana. During her academic career in Tirana, she also served as an Instructor in School Methodology for Literature and the Albanian Language, supervising the program across 14 evening schools.
Following her retirement from the Albanian public education system, Ms. Leka remained actively engaged in pedagogy. She worked as an English Instructor at the English–Albanian “Phoenix” School in Tirana, where she applied contemporary and Montessori-based teaching methods for children aged 5–6, and as a Trainer at the “Lexo” School for Young Teachers, specializing in early childhood education.
In recognition of her contributions to education, Ms. Leka has received an award from the Ministry of Culture of Albania for her impact on pedagogical studies, as well as the honorary title of Teacher from the Order of Naim Frashëri.
For more than a decade, she has also worked as a freelance journalist, contributing to the newspapers Drita and Kosova in Tirana, and Illyria in New York City. Alongside her professional and journalistic work, Ms. Leka is actively involved as Vice President of the M. & M. Ivanaj Foundation Institute.Cristina Quaroni
Cristina Quaroni graduated in Political Science and International Affairs from the University La Sapienza in Rome and holds a postgraduate diploma in International Crisis Management from UNED. She currently resides in Tirana as the spouse of the Spanish Ambassador, while continuing her professional work as a consultant and entrepreneur within her family business.
AFËRDITA PRRONI
Afërdita Prroni graduated from the Faculty of Philology and the Faculty of Law in Tirana. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Human Rights in Democracy Centre (established in 2002), a domestic NGO dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights in Albania, with a particular focus on advancing women’s rights. Prior to founding the Centre, Ms. Prroni was actively involved in numerous projects led by human rights organizations operating in Albania. She also serves as a Board Member of the M. & M. Ivanaj Foundation Institute in Tirana.
Executive Board Members:
Rezart Spahia
Rezart Spahia is a distinguished legal professional whose multidisciplinary career spans continents and reflects a deep commitment to civic engagement and cultural preservation. A New York–licensed attorney, Mr. Spahia has built a diverse career that includes work as both an archaeologist and a corporate lawyer in Tirana, New York, and London. He has been recognized as a Hall of Fame and Highly Regarded Leading Lawyer in Corporate, M&A, and Project Finance for his work with Frost & Fire Consulting, a premier legal and business advisory firm in Albania.
As Executive Director of the Ivanaj Foundations, Mr. Spahia champions education, cultural preservation, and civic engagement in Albania and across the Albanian diaspora. In addition to his contributions to the Ivanaj Foundations—where he has provided legal services pro bono since its inception—his nonprofit leadership includes serving as a board member of RIT Kosovo (American University in Kosovo Foundation), Vice Chairman of the National Albanian American Council, board member of the Albanian Heritage Conservation Foundation, board member of Albania’s High Council of Sports, and Vice President of the Albanian Karate Federation.
Under Mr. Spahia’s leadership, the Ivanaj Foundations continue to expand their reach and impact, advancing their mission to promote Albania’s intellectual, legal, and scientific traditions while inspiring future generations through education and cultural pride.DHIMITRAQ RIZO
Dhimitraq Rizo was born and raised in Tirana, where he continues to reside. He completed his higher education in 1978, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Tirana. Following his graduation, he began his professional career at the “Enver” Engineering Plant in Tirana, which at the time was regarded as one of the largest and most established industrial facilities in the country.
During his ten-year tenure at the plant, Mr. Rizo held a series of progressively senior roles, including Unit Manager, Multi-Unit Manager, Head Engineer, and ultimately General Director. In 1989, he assumed a leadership role within the Tirana City Hall, serving as Head of the Industry Department for Zone One of the city.
From 1992 onward, Mr. Rizo transitioned to the private sector, where he founded, managed, and collaborated with several private enterprises. Among the companies he led were Abikon, Arkon, and VTE Trading, and he also served as a partner in firms such as Telcom Albania and Arsire Al. The majority of these ventures have operated within Albania’s construction and infrastructure sectors.
Mr. Rizo is fluent in English, Italian, and Greek. He currently serves as a Special Director and Board Member of the M. & M. Ivanaj Foundation Institute in Tirana.ANI RIZO
Ani Rizo is a graduate of the University of Tirana, where she earned a degree in Economics. She has several years of professional experience as an Economist, having worked at the private firm V.T.E. Trading as well as within her family-owned business.
Ms. Rizo has been a long-standing and dedicated supporter of the M. & M. Ivanaj Foundation Institute in Tirana, contributing on a voluntary basis to a wide range of the Foundation’s activities. In recognition of her commitment and service, she currently holds the position of Treasurer of the organization.
FROST & FIRE CONSULTING
Frost & Fire Consulting provides high-level legal, organizational development, human resources, and strategic business advisory services to clients operating in, or seeking to enter, the Albanian and wider regional markets. The firm’s approach is grounded in the extensive and distinguished experience of its professionals across the private sector, public institutions, and international organizations.
The firm prides itself on its in-depth understanding of the local business environment and regulatory landscape, combined with a nuanced appreciation of its clients’ expectations and strategic objectives. Frost & Fire Consulting works closely with foreign investors, multinational corporations, as well as governmental and international donor agencies, offering tailored solutions that reflect both global standards and local realities.
By combining the unique international and domestic expertise of its multidisciplinary team, Frost & Fire Consulting delivers services of exceptional quality and reliability. Its members have studied and graduated from leading law schools worldwide, including Harvard University, New York University, the London School of Economics, Columbia University, Lyon III University, and the University of Maryland. They have further developed their expertise through professional experience at some of the world’s most prestigious law firms—such as Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP; Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP; and Hogan Lovells US LLP—and through senior executive roles within key Albanian government institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy, and the Albanian Power Corporation.
Frost & Fire Consulting is actively engaged in providing pro bono legal and advisory services to the M. & M. Ivanaj Foundation Institute in Tirana and is represented on the Foundation’s Board, reflecting its commitment to civic responsibility and institutional development.