Phoenix Women’s Excellence Awards 2025 Nominee: Prof. Dr. Shpresa Delija

Published by: Ashadi Wisdom Campus, Sri Lanka

Prof. Dr. Shpresa Delija, a distinguished educator, humanitarian, and visionary leader, has been nominated for the prestigious Phoenix Women’s Excellence Award 2025. Her exemplary career spans over four decades, during which she has made significant contributions to education, human rights, and women’s empowerment, both in Albania and globally. With a deep commitment to transforming lives through education, Prof. Dr. Delija has not only shaped the academic landscape in her home country but has also left a lasting impact on the international community.

A Lifelong Dedication to Education

Prof. Dr. Delija’s journey in education began in her home country of Albania, where she was born and educated. For 39 years, she has been an integral part of the Faculty of Foreign Languages at Tirana University, teaching English with a focus on Methodology, Applied Linguistics, Psycholinguistics, and English for Specific Purposes (ESP). Her expertise in these fields has helped countless students develop the skills necessary to thrive in a globalized world. As an educator, Prof. Dr. Delija has specialized in English for Law, teaching Magistrate students for more than 25 years. Through her work, she has played a crucial role in elevating legal education in Albania, ensuring that future legal professionals are equipped with the language skills required to navigate the complex legal systems.Beyond her teaching role, Prof. Dr. Delija has contributed to the academic world as a teacher trainer, author, conference speaker, and curriculum designer. She has designed and delivered professional development programs for teachers both within Albania and internationally, earning recognition as a thought leader in the field of education. Her contributions to academic conferences, both as a speaker and organizer, have further solidified her reputation as a pioneer in language education and curriculum development.

Leadership and Advocacy for Education

Prof. Dr. Delija’s leadership has been pivotal in shaping the educational landscape in Albania and beyond. As the President of ELTA Albania (English Language Teachers Association of Albania) for 12 years, her visionary leadership helped elevate the organization to global prominence. Under her guidance, ELTA Albania won two prestigious awards from IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language), marking a significant milestone for the organization and for the education system in Albania. Her tireless efforts to improve education were further demonstrated through her involvement in several European projects aimed at enhancing higher education and promoting cross-border educational collaboration.Prof. Dr. Delija was also instrumental in the development of the English Language Portfolio (ELP) for students aged 18 and older, a project accredited by Strasbourg in 2009. The ELP initiative was designed to provide students with a comprehensive tool to track their language learning progress, empowering them to take ownership of their educational journey. Her leadership in these projects not only helped improve the quality of education in Albania but also contributed to the broader European educational community.

A Champion for Teacher Empowerment and Social Change

Beyond the classroom and academic projects, Prof. Dr. Delija has dedicated much of her career to empowering others, particularly women, teachers, and students. Her passion for education extends to her work as a philanthropist and advocate for social change. In 2022, she established the first Resource Room for student teachers, a space designed to provide both academic and personal support for future educators. This innovative initiative offers a comfortable environment for student teachers to study, relax, and connect with their peers, fostering both academic excellence and well-being.As a Global Wellness Ambassador, Prof. Dr. Delija has advocated for the integration of wellness practices into education, recognizing the importance of mental and physical health in the learning process. She is also the Albanian Ambassador for ESWP Empowerment Thru Spoken Word Poetry and TAPN2U Foundation, USA. Through her work with these organizations, she has promoted the power of creative expression and empowerment, using art and poetry to inspire change and raise awareness about social issues such as domestic violence, human trafficking, and women’s rights.

Global Recognition and Achievements

Prof. Dr. Delija’s dedication to education, wellness, and empowerment has earned her numerous accolades over the years. Her exceptional contributions to the field of education were recognized with the Global Lifetime Achievement Award in Education and Empowerment. She also received the prestigious 7th Burj CEO Award for her efforts in enhancing education worldwide. Her commitment to humanitarian work was acknowledged when she was honored with the Global Humanitarian of the Year 2024 Award in the USA.These awards are a testament to Prof. Dr. Delija’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others through education, advocacy, and empowerment. Her ability to inspire and lead by example has made her a role model for countless individuals, particularly women and educators who strive to make a positive impact in their communities.

Continuing to Inspire and Lead

Prof. Dr. Shpresa Delija’s impact reaches far beyond her professional achievements. She continues to inspire, empower, and uplift women, students, and educators both in Albania and around the world. Her tireless efforts to create meaningful change in education and social justice, along with her unwavering dedication to her students, have earned her a place among the most influential figures in global education today.Her nomination for the Phoenix Women’s Excellence Award 2025 is a reflection of her exceptional leadership, her dedication to education, and her commitment to fostering positive change in the world. Through her work, Prof. Dr. Shpresa Delija exemplifies the values of empowerment, growth, and transformation, making her a truly deserving nominee for this prestigious recognition.