Merita Bajraktari

Merita Bajraktari was born in Korça city and raised in the rural village of Cangonj in Southeastern Albania. Bajraktari’s maternal grandfather was branded a “kulak” (rich peasant) in 1948. He, his family, and others so labeled had no right of assembly, education, or free movement. This extended to the generations to come. Her paternal grandfather was also a staunch opponent of the regime and fought communism. Merita and her siblings were deprived of basic human rights  and experienced many restrictions, including education, moving, employment etc.

Bajraktari  now works as Director of Student Success  at a private university in the DC metro area. She served as the president of VATRA DC from 2009-2017. Merita volunteers with the Catholic  Diocese of Arlington and is the co-founder of the Albanian Community in the Diocese. She has a degree in Agricultural Economics and an MBA from Surrey University, UK. She is the author of a few books and is a regular contributor to Albanian language media, especially those based in the USA.  In June 2022, Merita was recognized and received the “Kalorës i Urdhërit të Flamurit” award from the President of the Republic of Albania for her  contribution to the betterment and recognition of Albanian nation’s values and traditions, through her volunteer work in the USA, in the field of history, education and culture.

Interviews

Sacred Treasures Show with Kathie Duggan – Radio Maria USA (January 10, 2022)