In the profiles of Class magazine, in all these years, fortunately, there has been a variety of characters, starting from the very popular ones to those who make the "noise" behind the scenes - those who work quietly, without seeking attention, even applause, nor other benefits of any kind. There have been dozens of well-known personalities who have shared their success in their profession with us and the public who follow them, but there are also those who want to share their weak moments with everyone. show that, the latter turn into a tremendous force when you will move forward. And, whatever path you have chosen, if it goes through achievements and failures, ups and downs, the finish will always be sweet... This time, the character who comes on the cover is from the ranks of powerful women, from those that add strength to work and human relationships. Because the latter are the best test of visionaries...
Being at the head of an institution in which the 'fire' is always burning is not easy at all, on the contrary, it becomes even more difficult when it seems that 'grace' has covered everything. But the challenge begins here. Because at the head of it is no longer a man (a post preferred and run by the male gender for many years), but by a woman. It was not at all easy for her to accept the position of ambassador - not because of the responsibilities she has more than because of the tremendous emotional weight that would be added to her by being closer to the Albanian community in Greece - a community which, as we all know , no one else compares to them in terms of problems, interests or even emotional relationships that arise naturally with each other. Luela Hajdaraga accepted the position at the head of the Albanian embassy in Athens after a career of several years in the administration and the public sector. Her role, always at the service of the citizens, would culminate in a high diplomatic function, but taking it on was not so simple: "The day I took on this task, I promised myself that my focus would be the people, so I worked every day to highlight the great work done by the Albanian community in Greece. I have tried to do the same in every job and position I have had, because I believe in the idea that with good will we can achieve many things". I promised myself that my focus would be the people, so I worked every day to highlight the great work done by the Albanian community in Greece. I have tried to do the same in every job and position I have had, because I believe in the idea that with good will we can achieve many things". I promised myself that my focus would be the people, so I worked every day to highlight the great work done by the Albanian community in Greece. I have tried to do the same in every job and position I have had, because I believe in the idea that with good will we can achieve many things".
Luela Hajdaraga was appointed as the ambassador of Albania in Athens more than two years ago, at a time when the Albanian embassy in the Greek capital was still an "iron fortress" for our community there, so it was a challenging role for anyone who would accept it. took it and carried it forward. However, Luela quickly became the voice of all Albanians and their needs. With several years of experience in international relations and an academic career, she quickly smelled the key to success in a position as delicate as it is important - trust in each collaborator: "If a leader does not believe in his team, it can rarely happen that he may succeed. That's why I continue to enjoy the success of every associate and motivate them to give their best".
Unlike the few interviews given publicly, Luela has stopped this time to talk about the challenges she has gone through during her first 2 years at the head of the Albanian embassy in Athens, but also to reveal other details from the part that is not visible – what is always there, more tiring, but also more beautiful. In an exclusive story for Class magazine, Hajdaraga shares with Class readers her powerful, but also fragile side. When the two run parallel, the power becomes extraordinary, typical of a proud name and surname it carries on its back.
- You took the post of ambassador in a relatively difficult time for all of Europe (before the pandemic), how have these two years been in charge of the Albanian embassy in Athens?
The Embassy in Athens offers you the opportunity to build relations of cooperation and joint commitment, at the diplomatic, political, parliamentary level, but, above all, puts you at the service of the large Albanian community that has been living and working there for years. It is known that the beginnings are always very difficult, but after two years in this position, I can say that this has been one of the most beautiful challenges of my professional life and I am happy to confirm that today, the level of relations between the two countries ours is more positive than ever.
- What attracted you the most when you accepted the position of ambassador?
What made me accept the position of ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia in Athens was the specific nature of the relations between the two countries and peoples, valuing the Albanian community in Greece as a bridge between them, one of the largest communities outside the Albanian territory and the Greek minority in Albania. This, in my opinion, gives an added value to the relations between our two countries.
- Albania-Greece bilateral relations, seemingly correct, are essentially delicate. What is it like to be at the head of an institution that constantly encounters two-way 'provocations'?
Besides everything, we must understand that Albania and Greece are strategic partners, share the same interests and challenges, for the benefit of countries, peoples and stability in the region and beyond. Therefore, if an ambassador wishes to cooperate with the country where he represents his country, there is the possibility of space for dialogue, overcoming even delicate moments or " bilateral provocations ". More than a duty, it is a distinct privilege for me to lead one of our most important embassies.
- Were there skeptics among politicians when you received the offer to be ambassador? What about those who thought that "this position should be entrusted to a man"?
The Albanian government has in its composition many successful women and not only the government, but also many other equally important institutions, so I think that this mentality is far from the vision of the future that we have built and offer as a model of success for other places.
- Long experience in administration in Albania, but also abroad, have they made your work in Athens easier or more difficult?
From the day I took on this task, I promised myself that my focus would be the people, so I worked every day to highlight the great work that the Albanian community does in Greece. I have tried to do the same in every job and position I have had, because I believe in the idea that with good will we can achieve many things. Trust me, if a leader doesn't believe in his team, it's rare for him to succeed. Therefore, as then in the administration, as now at the head of the embassy of Athens, I continue to rejoice in the success of each colleague and motivate them to give their best.
- Under your guidance, the Albanian embassy has opened its doors to many Albanians, but at the same time it has become more open regarding our events and dates. Can you name us some of these organizations that have left their mark during this two-year period?
Every event, activity or organization has its own importance and they marked it quite a few times during my duty in Athens, but what I would single out and call as an achievement was the lighting of the 'Omonia' square for the first time with the colors of our red and black national flag on the occasion of the November 2021 holidays, a square that personifies Albanians in their difficult beginnings. The announcement of Albanian November and the numerous activities in the premises of the Albanian Embassy during that period were described by the Albanian community as "a return to their home".
- Where do the Albanians of Greece differ from those of Albania?
In fact, I have never asked myself this question, because I believe that some traces of identity remain and always travel with us, no matter where we are in the world. In this context, the places we go to are simply an added value of our human diversity, which makes working with different cultures more dynamic.
- What are the biggest needs that the Albanian community in Greece requires the most from you?
The Albanian community in Greece, thanks to the great work, is now an important factor in the economic and social life in Greece. But what they need is the support of the Albanian state in the issue of recognizing pensions, the issue of obtaining residence permits and the provision of Albanian language lessons in the Greek education system. The first, after constant insistence from the embassy and cooperation with Albanian and Greek institutions, began to be negotiated and I hope that it will soon receive a final solution. For the other two points, we are working hard to reach a satisfactory solution.
- What are the biggest challenges you faced at the beginning of your post and what you definitely want to accomplish by the end of your term?
The biggest challenge has been establishing a relationship of trust and cooperation with the Albanian community, providing quality service related to consular services, which I think we have fulfilled together with the staff I lead. Regarding the future, it is the establishment of the Albanian Cultural Center in Athens, the creation of the Digital Information Center near the Albanian embassy, ??the provision of biometric documents to Albanian citizens serving time in Greek prisons, the return to the tradition of providing consular services in some islands distant Greece.
- What is your greatest ambition in diplomatic (or political) headquarters?
I think I have found my life's vocation because I have realized that this is where I can be the best version of myself. I don't like the word ambition, I love the word vision. The first reminds me how often, we humans are "blinded" by our own ego, while the second makes me understand that when you are clear about the passion that drives you forward, you adjust your course to make this vision concrete.
- Have you ever felt the need of a 'Lion's girl' or have you always introduced yourself as Luela?
The father is the central figure and symbol of security for every girl. I think being proud of my father has not stopped me from making my own name and place in society. But I feel very good when I see that my father, even though he left this life, is remembered with great respect by people. I think this is an added responsibility and motivation for me to continue in his footsteps.
- Did you have any 'pressure' for your father's name?
Years ago, when being a socialist or the daughter of a socialist politician, it often came under pressure, but now that is a thing of the past and I want to leave it at that.
- What is his advice that always accompanies you during work?
The hard work and persistence to see a job through to the end never leaves you unrewarded. Experience has proven to me that only strong discipline and clear goals can ensure success, advice that I often give to younger people who are full of passion and knowledge, but often have little patience to invest longer and for expected results of dedication to an objective or project.
- In your opinion, better a woman with power or a powerful woman?
A powerful woman finds strength in her chair, a powerful woman finds strength in work and human relationships. I have always been guided by the principle of the second.
- Is it difficult for a woman to deal with immigrants and their problems (even basic ones)?
I like the term Albanian community in Greece more than the term immigrant. I think that any kind of relationship or cooperation does not make being a man or a woman, but the desire to establish a correct relationship of cooperation and reciprocity.
- How do you manage your time between your role at the embassy, ??wife and mother at home?
The love for the family, the desire to have a healthy family and to be a worthy representative of Albanians allows me to find the balance and time for both. Of course, this with the support and understanding of the family.
- What do you do to keep all this in balance?
Ambition for professional success can make us forget about family well-being. That's why I always adhere to the principle that having a good work-life balance has positive effects both on the well-being of the family and the environment where you work. Therefore, I am a mother and wife in the family, and leader and colleague in the embassy.
- Have you ever thought of giving up, have you regretted it?
Being in front of a difficulty, problem or challenge, makes me find a solution and not give up.
- What is your advice for all young people who intend to one day be politicians, diplomats? A quality they should always have 'with them'...
Do you know that I often don't want to answer this question, because one of the things I liked least in my youth was the moral attitude, where the dictates of advice kept coming to my peers. It's important to me that people make choices that they believe in and that push them to become the best version of themselves. In other words, there is no success without knowing who you are and what is the contribution you can make in this world. It takes courage to go into each day believing that you and your abilities can make this world a better place. Therefore, in politics tomorrow, I would like to see these individuals, who know that the best investment is investing in themselves.
'The best version of yourself...' It doesn't take being in charge of an institution as important as an embassy to understand that your work makes you the best version of yourself. Luela has tried, tested and fulfilled herself by building healthy human relationships, often even where it seems more difficult than anywhere else. But she succeeded... At least during the first two years of her work. Not because she is a diplomat in Athens and in charge of a high-profile embassy, ??but because she believes that the best version of herself can be, wanting to improve day by day to do more, to make the world a better place. better. For yourself, for those who have trusted you, but also for those who do not equate power with a temporary chair, but with the extraordinary power of the soul to give of oneself...
Credits:
Director of photography: Orsola Mema
Hair & Make up: CLASS Makeup & Hair Studio
Design: Jessica Berisha
