W 2019 JULY EDITION / SPECIAL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER BY MILLENNIUM FOUNDATION MILLENNIUM FOUNDATION BY NEWSLETTER QUARTERLY WOMEN WOMEN IN ENERGY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM E #WE THE ENERGY

WE / Women in Energy is a gender and social inclusion ac- Alba Muriqi has graduated Albiona Lalinovci is an elec- tivity of Millennium Foundation Kosovo, part of its Reliable from the “” Gym- trical engineer at Kosovo’s Energy Landscape Project. The program is financed through nasium in her hometown, Electricity Distribution and the Threshold Agreement signed between Kosovo and , where she studied Supply Company J.S.C. She MCC in 2017. Natural Sciences. After high graduated in December 2017 school, she continued her with a BS degree in Power WE / Women in Energy is an integrated, multifaceted pro- studies at the American Engineering at the University gram which aims to create opportunities for women to University in Kosovo (RIT of Prishtina. She is passion- participate in the energy sector through vocational education, Kosovo) where she just fin- ate about her field of study employment and entrepreneurship. ished her freshman year. She and it draws her like a mag- applied for WE Scholarship netic field. Albiona is from WE / Women in Energy Scholarship Program was launched in Program because she saw it Ferizaj and she loves being in February 2019, with a nation-wide awareness raising cam- as a great opportunity to ex- nature, capturing the skies, paign and an open call for women to apply for vocational pand her academic horizons painting and reading. studies in US. Around 200 women have applied for energy and open her mind to the related and STEM studies, while Des Moines Community alternatives of generating Favorite book: The Count of College was selected through a competitive process as a host electricity. Monte Cristo by Alexandre educational institution in US. 168 valid applicants under- Dumas

WE / WOMEN IN ENERGY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM IN ENERGY WOMEN WE / went three stages of rigorous selection, supervised by US Favorite book: The Alchemist and Kosovar experts. Meet the scholarship recipients in the by Paulo Coelho Favorite working tool: following pages of our newsletter and follow our communica- Pliers tion channels & social media to find out about other exciting Favorite working tool: opportunities at WE / Women in Energy. The Screwdriver

Arda Rugji was born in Blerona Rexhaj is from Buna Perteshani, 18 years Diella Shabani is from Gjilan. . She finished her Istog Municipality. She has old, is from . She has She is in the last year of her high school in “Gjon Buzuku”, finished her studies at the graduated from Hajdar Du- master’s studies in the field Prizren. Through her pas- University of Pristina, at the shi Gymnasium in 2019 and of architecture. She was sion for engineering, she Faculty of Mechanical Engi- has been engaged in mul- part of some workshops has come across Women in neering in the department of tiple projects in BONEVET organized by CHwBKosova Energy Scholarship Program the Renewable Energy Sys- Makerspace. Her passion for (NGO). She is interested in and has decided to apply tems. Her interests are how machines and manufactur- the energy sector because for it. She believes that this to use the energy, especially ing has drastically increased through efficient use of ener- program will lead her to suc- renewable ones, for a better in the past three years and gy, we contribute highly to cessfully joining the energy future. She has applied for that’s why she has chosen climate change. So expe- sector in Kosovo. WE Scholarship Program be- Industrial Manufacturing as rience in the US will be a cause it is a great opportu- her field of study. The op- good opportunity for her to Favourite book: Never Let nity to gain new knowledge, portunity to gain knowledge expand her horizons in this Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro experience and learning and the idea of bringing that field. more about energy. experience back to Kosovo Favorite working tool: has pushed her to apply for Favorite book: Sapiens, A Measure Tape Favorite book: Energy and WE Scholarship Program. Brief History of Humankind Civilization: A history by by Yuval Noah Harari

2 Vaclav Smil Fvorite Book: Sara’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay Favorite working tool: Favorite working tool: Tape-measure Screwdriver and wrench Favorite working tool: Screwdriver Alketa Sahiti was born in Anda Kukaj is from Prizren Anita Maloku was born and Arbesa Nikaj finished high Gllogoc, where she still lives. and currently pursuing a lives in Prishtina. Currently, school in Drenas, her home- She is a Metering System bachelor’s degree in the Fac- she is an almost graduate town. Then, she finished Analysis Expert at KESCO. ulty of Electrical and Com- student in Renewable Energy studies at the University of At the University of Prishtina puter Engineering at the Uni- Department in University of Prishtina in Electrical Engi- “Hasan Prishtina”, Alketa versity of Prishtina. She was Prishtina. Since she was a neering field. She currently received her Bachelor and an intern at KOSTT (trans- kid, she loved nature and sci- works at Kosovo Telecom Master of Electrical Engi- mission system operator ence, and studying ways to as a finance controller. neering Sciences degree. The company) and right now she produce energy in the most She sees Women in Energy desire to learn, grow and be is an intern at ERO (Energy efficient and ecologic way Scholarship Program as a an example for other young Regulatory Office). Since en- was a great combination great opportunity for her to women have been the main ergy usage is increasing ex- of two of her passions. She develop her knowledge in her reasons for her to choose ap- ponentially, she believes that applied for WE because she profession. Her future goal plying at the WE Scholarship WE Scholarship Program will sees this program as a great is to get involved in the labor Program. expand her knowledge and opportunity that will help her market as an engineer. help her gain technical skills develop professionally and Favorite book: The Muse- in the energy sector. personally. Favorite book: The Ring by um of innocence by Orhan Danielle Steel

Pamuk Favorite book: The Alchemist Favorite book: The Kite Run- 2019 JULY EDITION / SPECIAL by Paulo Coelho ner by Khaled Hosseini Favorite working tool: Favorite working tool: Screwdriver Tester Pencil Favorite working tool: Favorite working tool: Screwdriver Drill

Egzona Tahiri was born in Elna Eshrefi has just gradu- Engjëlla Halili was born in Erza Gashi is born in Mitro- Gjakova where she finished ated from “Kuvendi i Arberit” Gjilan. She graduated from vica which is known as an her high school. She has high school in her hometown the Specialized Gymnasium industrial city and has exiting a bachelor of engineering - Ferizaj. During her high of Mathematics and is cur- cultural diversity. She previ- chemistry at the University school years, she has worked rently attending the Univer- ously lived in Greece, Thessa- of Prishtina. For the past as an organizer of activities sity of Prishtina studying loniki for 4 years where she ten years including gymna- and as a translator for Fer- Mechatronics. Her interest in finished bachelors of busi- sium and bachelor studies in Film Festival. From an early energy sector is related with ness studies (management) chemical engineering, her cu- age, she has been interested her belief that if we choose and masters of logistics and riosity about science has al- in the energy sector; this to switch to solar energy in supply chain studies at the ways been deep-rooted and interest grew on her the the future. The main rea- University of Sheffield. WE extensive. She has applied increase of climate change. son that she applied to WE Scholarship Program was for WE Scholarship Program She applied for WE Schol- Scholarship Program was the best alternative for her to become an outstanding arship Program because she the opportunity for women since it covered new tech- and successful woman in wants to bring a change in to outshine in technology nology alongside with a new today’s society. the current world situation. and applied sciences area spectrum of studies more- of study since women do over, it would bring a new Favorite book: Twenty Favorite book: Eat, Pray, not make large numbers on revolution to her country. thousand leagues under the Love by Elizabeth Gilbert these fields.

sea by Jules Verne Favorite book: Emotional KOSOVO MILLENNIUM FOUNDATION BY NEWSLETTER QUARTERLY Favorite working tool: Favorite book: Anna Intelligence by Daniel Favorite working tool: Screwdriver Karenina by Leo Tolstoy Goleman Level Favorite working tool: Favorite working tool: Magnetic tools Pliers Erza Rama was born in Pr- Erza Zogu completed her Fjolla Fazliu is from Prishti- Fjolla Kosumi was born in ishtina. She studied at UBT high school studies in the na. She holds an Electrical Gjilan, Kosovo. She holds a (University for Business and field of Natural Sciences at Power Engineering bach- Bachelor’s Degree in Me- Technology) about “Efficient Sami Frashëri High School, elor’s degree. Besides her chanical Engineering and Energy Engineering”. She Prishtina, showing particular bachelor’s degree, she has specializing in Renewable works at KESCO–Kosovo interest in science courses. also attended a summer Energy Sources from the Electricity Supply Compa- She has interned for two school at Hochschule Ans- University of Prishtina. Aim- ny J.S.C as an analyst on months as an architect’s bach on Applied Photovolta- ing to be among the most Customer Care Department. assistant, where she assist- ics. This is where she found knowledgeable and profes- The reason she applied for ed with technical drawings. her desire to continue work- sional engineers in her field, WE Scholarship Program is Erza has been granted the ing with solar energy and to WE Scholarship Program is to gain a better perspective first place award in “Great “learn by doing”. She applied a great opportunity to enrich and a lot of new plans on Debaters” competition and for WE to use Kosovo’s enor- her personal experience in how to improve the energy Leadership Program. She mous potential in renewable renewables and energy. sector and thus to grow the is awarded from the Ski energy and solar energy. Kosovo economy. Federation of the Republic Favorite book: When Breath of Kosovo as a professional Favorite book: Crime and Becomes Air by Paul Kala- Favorite book: The Secret by skier. Punishment written by nithi

WE / WOMEN IN ENERGY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM IN ENERGY WOMEN WE / Rhonda Byrne Dostoevsky Favorite book: The Favorite working tool: Favorite working tool: Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Favorite working tool: Drill Cordless Power Drill and Multimeter Jigsaw Favorite working tool: Drill

Tijana Mihajlovic is from Do- Tringë Kastrati was born Tringa Osmani from Fushë Vesa Xërxa was born in brotin, Lipjan. She has grad- and raised in Prishtina. She Kosovë holds a master’s Gjakova in 2000. Vesa uated this year from eco- finished her high school in degree in Analytical and En- graduated from Specialized nomics and trade school as Sami Frasheri Gymnasium vironmental Chemistry and Gymnasium of Mathemat- a Legal Technician. She was in the ‘general education’ she is experienced on fuel ics in 2018. She is currently motivated to apply for this department and continued quality control. WE Program attending the University of scholarship after she found her studies further in RIT inspired Tringa to pursue a Prishtina, and she is study- out about it on the Milleni- Kosovo with the concentra- career in the energy sector. ing for Mechatronics. Her um Foundation information tions in Economics and Sta- She will use this opportu- interest for the energy sector session in Gracanica. She is tistics and Management and nity by helping to improve started a while ago since she very interested in energetics, Entrepreneurship and Minor the quality of lives that are is an environmental advo- especially in Solar technology in International Relations. strongly tied to water and cate. The reason why she and this is a big opportunity She applied for WE because energy security. She applied applied for WE Scholarship for her to expand her knowl- she wants to be a part of for the WE Scholarship as- Program was because of the edge about it. the contribution for improv- piring to broaden her educa- diverse fields of study which ing the energy sector in my tional horizon in the energy are combined with the inter- Favorite book is: Gifted country. sector in Kosovo. est for environment she has, hands by Ben Carson and the passion for science. Favorite book: Blood on My Favorite book: Quiet by

4 Favorite working tool: HandS by Craig Jurisevic Susan Cain Favorite book: A Thousand Pliers Splendid Suns by Khalid Favorite working tool: Favorite working tool: Hosseini Screwdriver Tape measure Favorite working tool: Vernier scale Mirela Shala comes from Pranverë Sadiku, is a 24 year Qëndresë Nasufi was born Ronita Murseli is an Junik. She holds a bachelor’s old ecologist, born and raised in Presheva and moved to 18-years-old girl from Ferizaj, degree in Computer Engi- in Lipjan. She has finished Prishtina to further continue Kosovo. She loves learning, neering, University of Prishti- her bachelor studies in Ecolo- her education in Mechanical especially if it is related to na, and she was always in- gy and Environmental Pro- Engineering Faculty. WE technology and science. She terested in the energy sector. tection, at the University of Scholarship Program was has successfully participated She applied for the Women Pristina - “Hasan Prishtina”. exactly the right program for in many competitions and in Energy scholarship be- Her interest in the energy the right cause that she was she has taken various ex- cause she wants to further sector is directly related to looking for because by tracurricular courses. She is advance her professional and reusable energy, where the being part of this program, particularly interested in new educational skills in the en- energy is created through a she aims to put her effort sources of energy and that ergy sector. She wants to be less polluted way. This comes to improve Kosovo's is the reason she applied for able to apply the knowledge as a result of her long life future energy sector. WE Scholarship Program. gained through this program desire and ambition to make for her further academic and the world a better place”. Favorite book: Elon Musk by Favorite book: Uncle Goriot professional development. Ashlee Vance by Honore de Balzak Favorite book: The Power of Favorite book: The Last Now, by Eckhart Tolle Favorite working tool: Favorite working tool:

Lecture by Jeffrey Zaslow wrench Screwdriver 2019 JULY EDITION / SPECIAL and Randy Pausch Favorite working tool: Sledgehammer Favorite working tool: Multimeter

Vlera Shkodra was born and raised in Prishtina. She went to “Xhevdet Doda” High This newsletter is published school. To her, Women in by Millennium Foundation Energy Scholarship Program Kosovo (MFK) to inform is such a powerful movement the public on the projects that will bring immeasur- implemented within Threshold Program, supported by the able positive and hopefully Millennium Challenge Corporation / Opinions and other a permanent change in information in this publication are not necessarily reflective of Kosovo. This program will the opinions of MFK, MCC, or other partners in the Threshold play a massive role in finally program / Edited by: Petrit Selimi, Rina Meta / Contributors: taking over the stereotypes Violeta Rexha, Gresa Statovci / Design and Illustrations: of women not being able to Studio PERMANENT (Nita Salihu Hoxha and Urtina Hoxha, work in the energy, engineer- Elvira Thaqi, Eleonora Susuri) / Photo: Astrit Ibrahimi / ing, tech and other “male- Contact: MFK, Migjeni Str. 21, (ex Bank of Ljubljana), Floor ish” sectors. 09, Prishtina 10000, Republic of Kosovo / Email: office@ millenniumkosovo.org Favorite book: David Walliam’s books QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER BY MILLENNIUM FOUNDATION KOSOVO MILLENNIUM FOUNDATION BY NEWSLETTER QUARTERLY Favorite working tool: Computer 6 WE / WOMEN IN ENERGY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM in energy-related fields of study. Fall,scholarships starting 2019 for Associate Degrees leaders inKosovo through providing atleast five sector andcreating newfor opportunities women encourage the employment of women in the energy Moines with Des Area Community College, we aim to As MillenniumFoundation Kosovo , inpartnership solar generation technologies, etc. wind turbine technology, power plant management, focused ondegrees related to the energy sector, like exciting program of scholarships for Kosovo women, program for the next two years. We are an starting recipients of WE / Women inEnergy scholarship the accredited institutionhostingKosovar women Area Community College (DMACC) was chosenas We are therefore very Moines pleasedthatDes a Sister State Relationship agreement back in2013. Iowa andKosovo havethey’ve aspecialbond,as signed BOND SISTERHOOD Sean Cairncross, Sen Joni Ernst Rep Eliot Engel Petrit Selimi Chief Executive Officer, US Senator and vice chair Chairman of the Executive Director of Millennium Challenge of the United States House Committee on the Millennium Corporation Senate Republican Foreign Affairs Foundation Kosovo Conference

“The Women in Energy “Today we open a new “I am very proud of the “During the development scholarship program ad- chapter of cooperation $49million Threshold of our Threshold dresses a key factor hold- between Kosovo and Iowa Program signed between Agreement with the MCC, ing back economic growth with the launch of Women Republic of Kosovo and we had identified reliable in Kosovo—the absence of in Energy Scholarship Millennium Challenge supply of electricity as women in the workforce, Program. Corporation. It’s a a binding constraint to 2019 JULY EDITION / SPECIAL especially in fields like relationship in which I - growth in Kosovo. But energy. I want to congratulate the together with colleagues in to have reliable supply Millennium Foundation Congress and Government of electricity you need By breaking down barriers Kosovo and Des Moines - have worked for years to investments in both supply in education and opening Area Community College come to fruition. and demand side. up greater opportunities for this amazing initiative for women in science, that seeks to empower I’m thrilled that one The entire energy sector technology, engineering, Kosovo women to become of the first concrete has to be reformed. This and math (STEM) fields, leaders in Kosovo energy activities to be launched energy sector is currently we can give women the sector. Helping women is WE / Women in Energy staffed over 90% by men. tools they need to thrive. obtain equality in the Scholarship Program, This is why investing in Strengthening economic workplace and helping enabling dozens of the new generation of opportunities for women their entrepreneurship is Kosovar women to study Kosovo women as leaders is fundamental to MCC very much a focus of the in US, in relevant energy in energy sector goes to achieving its mission to US government. and STEM subjects. the heart of one of the reduce poverty through Women empowerment key challenges in Kosovo’s economic growth. I’m happy to see that is of critical importance economy. Gender and Kosovo is taking decisive for economic growth Social Inclusion is also at Countries cannot succeed steps to increase and social development the very core of all our unless women succeed, employment of women of Kosovo. This program projects and activities. and programs like the and I congratulate delivers where the gender Women in Energy scholar- MFK for their plan to integration is most We’re very excited of our ship play an important role provide scholarships and needed: in the economy. cooperation with the Des in making that happen.” internship opportunities Moines Area Community for hundreds of Kosovar I congratulate Millennium College and the private women” Foundation Kosovo, the sector, as it provides a local implementing team model refocusing our led by Mr Petrit Selimi, efforts towards STEM- for this amazing initiative based capacity building. and I wish all the women We’re both expanding good luck with their landscape of expertise forthcoming studies in as well as women Iowa!” empowerment.” QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER BY MILLENNIUM FOUNDATION KOSOVO MILLENNIUM FOUNDATION BY NEWSLETTER QUARTERLY #WE celebrate women, the future of Next Event: the energy sector in Kosovo

Millennium Foundation Kosovo (MFK) The Launch of the WE / Women in Energy presented the 28 recipients of the Women in Energy Scholarship Program in Des Moines, Iowa Scholarship Program for Kosovar women who will study in energy-related fields to support the energy 19 September, 2019 sector and the overall economic growth in Kosovo. DMACC The scholarship recipients of the WE/Women in Energy attended a special ceremony together with Formal Proclamation in Support of the Hon Rep Eliot Engel, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs WE Scholarship Program to be signed by Committee of US House of Representatives, as well Governor Kim Raynolds as MFK, MCC and officials from Kosovo and US Governments. Speakers include high ranking officials from the State of Iowa, Republic of Kosovo and WE / Women in Energy Scholarship Program Millennium Challenge Corporation. is supported by the US federal agency MCC with one million USD, addressing two key objectives in support millenniumkosovo.org of Kosovo’s economic development as well as a greater gender inclusion in Kosovo energy landscape: to both bridge the gap between the labour needs in the energy sector and the lack of technical skills in the energy industry in Kosovo; as well as to increase the labour participation rate of women in this sector. WE / WOMEN IN ENERGY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM IN ENERGY WOMEN WE /

After addressing the audience, Rep Hon Eliot Engel joined MFK's GSI specialist Violeta Rexha and the MFK CEO Petrit Selimi for a group photo with all the 28 Women in Energy Scholarship

MILLENNIUMKOSOVO.ORG Recipients. MILLENNIUM FOUNDATION KOSOVO @MFKOSOVO MILLENNIUMFOUNDATIONKS MILLENNIUM FOUNDATION KOSOVO MILLENNIUM FOUNDATION KOSOVO MILLENNIUM FOUNDATION KOSOVO MILLENNIUM FOUNDATION MILLENNIUMFOUNDATIONKS @MFKOSOVO KOSOVO MILLENNIUM FOUNDATION