A visionary leader and entrepreneur, Joleza Koka is passionate about architecture, sustainable urban development, and empowering the community. Joleza’s commitment to transformational change within the organization is reflected in her capacity as Creative Director of MENA HOPE and Executive Director of Forum Faber where her work cuts across the Middle East and North Africa region.
Sustainable urbanism is at the core of MENA Hope, whereas Forum serves primarily as a cooperative system for fostering innovative urbanism and sustainable urban development practices. Drawing from a rich history of working in architecture, the media, and communication, Joleza Koka has crafted a unique skill set that encourages people to undertake creative and constructive activities.
Early Life And Educational Background
Joleza Koka comes from a diverse background that combines her passion for architecture, urban design, and social advocacy. She holds a first-level degree in architecture and urban design, which provided her with both technical skills and a critical mindset essential for tackling complex community issues. She shares, “Growing up in Tirana, I was deeply influenced by the city’s rich history and the challenges faced by its residents, which inspired me to engage actively in my community from a young age.”
Over the past decade, Joleza Koka has gained experience in media, communication, and social justice, covering both governmental as well as civil society positions. During the early days of her career, participation in community-driven activities helped her develop a strong zeal for promoting gender equality and youth involvement. This is the very essence that inspires her efforts aimed at advocating for socio-economic development and productive initiatives. Joleza Koka adds, “My commitment to urban development is evidenced by my work in organizing architecture expos and international competitions, fostering dialogue around innovative urban solutions.”
Vision Behind Joleza’s Career
Joleza Koka started her professional career in the media sector while serving as one of the strategic communication staff in the office of the Prime Minister of Albania, undertaking activities intended to reach out to the citizens on various subjects of importance. A significant milestone in Joleza’s career was organizing Tirana’s first-ever private international competition for a high-rise, multi-functional tower along the new Boulevard of Tirana. This initiative significantly altered the city’s skyline, connecting local authorities, designers, and developers in the process.
“My role involved coordinating with these parties, developing the competition guidelines, and ensuring transparency throughout the process. By facilitating these connections, I promoted innovative design solutions that addressed contemporary urban challenges while fostering a sense of pride among residents.” Joleza Koka adds.
Leadership In Architecture And Urban Development
Successful leaders in architecture and urban development must possess a vision, adaptability, and strong communication skills. Joleza Koka believes that a clear vision is crucial for guiding projects and inspiring teams, especially when navigating the complexities of urban challenges. She mentions, “My experiences have taught me the importance of being adaptable in a rapidly evolving field where stakeholder interests and technologies are constantly changing.”
Additionally, to lead effectively, communication is vital for engaging diverse stakeholders, from government officials to community members. “Over time, I have sharpened the skill of putting the message across to different audiences and ensuring all the appropriate voices are heard. Moreover, being able to feel for people is important, therefore hearing out the community to implement relevant and impactful projects is necessary.” Joleza adds.
Embracing Digital Transformation
Throughout her career span, Joleza Koka has effectively utilized technology and digital avenues to enhance teamwork and advance architectural prospects. In particular, while organizing architecture expos, she reached out to the virtual space to widen the scope and encourage meaningful exchanges among the participants located in various corners of the world. Joleza gratefully utilized interactivity and online exhibits and turned these into spaces where architects could share their work and ideas with the world.
Joleza Koka shares, “I have also utilized social media to engage the public and stakeholders, generating excitement and interest around various projects. My ability to navigate the digital landscape effectively positions me well to promote businesses and organize events that resonate with target audiences in today’s tech-driven world. By creating visually appealing content and utilizing targeted campaigns, I have successfully raised awareness of urban development issues and encouraged community participation in events.”
Advice To Beginners
Addressing the beginners in her field, Joleza Koka shares, “My primary advice for newcomers in architecture and urban development is to prioritize building a strong network and fostering collaborative relationships. Engaging with diverse stakeholders is vital for understanding community needs and ensuring that initiatives are inclusive and impactful. Attend industry events, engage in community discussions, and seek mentorship opportunities to gain insights from experienced professionals.”
To succeed in architecture and urban development, one needs to be flexible, willing to learn, and actively engage with people. New thoughts, constructive criticism, and community perspectives will aid in the crafting of appropriate and innovative projects. The combination of desire, dedication, and the resolve to acquire new skills creates effective developments that take into consideration the community.
Follow Joleza Koka on LinkedIn and learn more about her here.
Find MENA HOPE on LinkedIn and visit their website https://mena-hope.com/
Find Forum Faber on LinkedIn and visit their website https://forumfaber.com
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