My name is Edona Zefi, and I am from the beautiful country of Albania. Leadership, to me, is about empowering others, driving change, and turning vision into action. My passion for leadership comes from a deep desire to uplift people, help them realize their potential, and create opportunities for growth. I thrive in environments where I can inspire, strategize, and execute ideas that make a difference. One of my most impactful leadership experiences was leading the American Embassy in Albania "YouthLead" Project. This initiative focused on identifying issues in the community, developing innovative solutions, and guiding a team through critical thinking and problem-solving. I led discussions, encouraged analytical approaches, and ensured that our proposed solutions were practical and impactful. Through collaboration with embassy officials and passionate peers, we built a program that empowered youth, encouraged civic engagement, and sparked meaningful action. Seeing individuals grow in confidence and step into leadership roles themselves was incredibly fulfilling. Beyond that, I have led teams in business idea competitions, where we transformed innovative concepts into winning projects. These experiences challenged me to think strategically, foster teamwork, and communicate ideas persuasively. Through market research, business modeling, and compelling pitches, we developed solutions that only won competitions. Another major outlet of impact for me has been volunteering with organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, Food Bank, and Hope for the World. Serving in these spaces has given me firsthand experience in leadership through service—coordinating food distributions, organizing community outreach programs, and helping those in need. These experiences have reinforced my belief that true leadership is about selflessness, action, and creating hope where it’s needed most. Moving forward, I want to continue inspiring and developing others. Leadership is not about holding authority—it’s about serving, guiding, and creating an environment where people can thrive. Whether through mentorship, business ventures, or community projects, I am committed to building up those around me, turning challenges into opportunities, and leaving a lasting impact.