Jehona Gjurgjeala

As the Executive Director, my role is to make sure that TOKA makes the greatest impact on the greatest number of youth in Kosovo. This includes defining the strategic plan of the organisation, developing partnerships with key stakeholders and managing the leadership team of the organisation.

After nearly 15 years of studying and working in the UK and Denmark, I returned to my native Kosovo to start up TOKA – an organisation that aims to improve Kosovar society by investing in the education of its youth.

I completed both my BSc and MSc at the London School of Economics and Political Science, the latter as the recipient of the prestigious British Council Chevening Scholarship.

My last employment before returning to Kosovo was as Director of Product Marketing at Egencia (an Expedia Inc Company), where I led many large-scale commercial projects of high impact for the business globally. As Executive Director of Oxford Leadership Academy (OLA), I was responsible for growing the consultancy and its network, including opening the Oxford office.

I also have extensive experience in the non-profit sector, in both research and grassroots projects, including collaborating with the Girls Scouts USA in developing a leadership programme for young adults.

I grew up in a difficult time for Kosovo, during the 90s, and I was able to grow and become successful because of support that I received from many people that helped me along the way. I want to now pay that forward to future generations, so they can accelerate the development of Kosovo with their contributions when they grow up.

Favorite quote: “Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy.” – Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr