Blerjana is a renowned civil society development, public policy, and EU integration expert. As co-founder and executive director of SCiDEV, she leads the organisation’s strategic direction, staff, and resource management, and builds relationships with donors and stakeholders. Previously, she has advised in government and managed collaborative projects in academia, showcasing her ability to provide innovative and strategic insights across sectors. She also has experience in leading diverse teams, developing communication strategies, and enhancing research and capacity-building projects. She is a research member of the Safe Journalists Network in the Western Balkans, where she conducts research and advocates for media freedom and the safety of journalists. Blerjana holds a Doctor of Science in Communication and has conducted research in leading academic institutions in Sweden, the UK, and Austria. She has received prestigious awards and scholarships, such as the US Department of State Scholarship for the International Visitor Leadership Program. Blerjana continuously contributes to the public discourse on media, civil society development, democracy, and EU integration.