Our board members are a diverse group of dedicated professionals, each bringing a wealth of expertise and experience from various fields. Committed to guiding our organization towards achieving its mission, they collaboratively lead with passion, innovation, and a profound commitment to excellence. Get to know the visionary minds steering our course and shaping our future.
EaglesLand Cultural Society of BC
BOARD MEMBERS
Ardian Lagji
Chair of Eaglesland Albanian Society of BCMr. LAGJI has been e member of the Albanian Society since it was created in 2006 and 2 years later was elected as a Board Member and was appointed as Treasurer of the Society.
On the general election in November 2016 Ardian was voted as Chair of Eaglesland Albanian Society of BC, duty that he is still currently is serving (re-elected on the General meeting held on November 2022).
In Albania he attended the University of Tirana from 1990-1995 and was graduated from the Economic Faculty as Bachelor of BA. From year 1989 -1999 Ardian was the CFO and later served as the Chair of the company Art-Export Import until the summer of 1999 when he, his wife and 2 sons emigrated in Canada and were settled in Vancouver.
After working in several position as accountant Ardian attended part and full time the studies at BCIT for Financial Management Diploma and later continued his studies at National Payroll Institute in Canada and was Certified as Professional Payroll Manager.
During the years of Service he has been in different position as Payroll and HR Manager as was involved as a Subject Mater Expert as a Payroll Consultant for a variety of Businesses in BC.
In 2019 Albanian Ambassador of Albanian Republic in Canada Mr. Ermal Muca awarded Ardian a Certificate of Gratitude in recognition of his contributions in promoting Albanian national values and Canadian-Albanian friendship.
Ardian has volunteered in other position and Societies in Vancouver among them as an Accountant for the non-profit Society; North-West Piano Ensemble Society since 2008.
- adilagji@gmail.com
- 604-805-0254
Estref Resuli
Board MemberMr Estref Resuli has proudly served as First Chair of Eaglesland Albanian Society of BC from 2006 -2013. A strong believer in Community values as a current Board member and Treasurer of the society, he strives to promote help, cooperation, and positive spirit within the Albanian-Canadian community.
Estref received his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Tirana in 1988.He received his Certificate in Immigration Advising from UBC in 2007 and used his knowledge and expertise by providing voluntary advise to Albanian community members in BC regarding immigration matters He graduated with distinction in Network Administration and Security Professional Program at UBC/BCIT in 2010-2011. He is currently Senior Information Technology Specialist at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Vancouver Campus.
Albanian Canadian Excellence Society Board in April 2017 has presented Mr. Resuli Certificate of Gratitude, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the community. In 2019 Albanian Ambassador of Albanian Republic in Canada awards Estref Resuli Certificate of Gratitude in recognition of his contribution in promoting Albanian national values and Canadian-Albanian friendship.
- e.resuli@shaw.ca
- 778-868-4140
Edison Heba
Antar i Bordit DrejtuesMr. Edison Heba has been a member of the "Eaglesland Albanian Society" since the days of its establishment and has served in various functions as a member of the Board, Chairman, Secretary and currently a member of the Board of Directors. Along with his passion to help strengthen the positive values and traditions that Albanians bring to Canada, Mr. Edison Heba is dedicated to his work as a trial lawyer.
Among other things, Mr. Heba's resume includes a Law degree from the University of Tirana as well as from UBC Law in Vancouver. Mr. Edison Heba has also contributed as a counselor for young immigrants where he worked for the Surrey Delta Immigrant Services Society. Also, Mr. Heba has helped in the translation of some school materials from English to Albanian that have been used in some elementary schools.
In 2019, Mr. Ermal Muca, Ambassador of the Republic of Albania in Ottawa, presented Mr. Edison Heba a certificate of appreciation for his contribution to the promotion of Albanian national values and Albanian-Canadian friendship.
From January 2021, Mr. Edison Heba has the honor and privilege to serve as Honorary Consul of the Republic of Albania in British Columbia.
Bujar Llapaj
Orchestra ConductorBujar Llapaj was born and raised in Albania. He studied music at the Academy of Arts, Tirana University, and subsequently at the Consevatoire National de Rueil Malmaison in France where he received the Gold Medal in Conducting.
A dominant figure in classical music in the Balkans, Llapaj acted as artistic director of the Albanian National Theater of Opera and ballet. He also founded and acted as conductor and artistic director of the New Philharmonic Orchestra. Llapaj was also chairman of the department of conducting and singing at the Academy of Arts in Tirane. As director of the National Opera, he premiered performances of Mozart, Rossini,Verdi,Puccini, Prokofiev etc. in addition to world premiers of works of many Albanian composers.
Llapaj conducted concerts in Paris, Rome, Athens, Israel, Pristine, Scopje etc.
In 2007 he was appointed Principal Conductor of the West Coast Symphony Orchestra in Vancouver. And Conductor and Music Director of Ambleside Orchestra in 2021 in North Vancouver.
From his new home in Canada he continues to travel abroad as a guest conductor.
During his highly acclaimed career he has received many accolades, including first prizes in the Albanian music festivals of 1985,1986,1987. He was also awarded the prestigious President's Award for his contributions to music and culture.
As an educator,he was instrumental in developing new programs in conducting and pedagogy at the Arts University, school of music, Tirane.
His dedication to the pursuit for excellence in music and music education are the hallmarks of his career.
Tina Cipllaka
Board MemberMrs. Tina Cipllaka has been e member of the Albanian community since 2012 .
Her passion is to promote and empower the community, loves to bring new ideas and enjoys to organize cultural celebrations.
In 2022 Albanian Ambassador of Albanian Republic in Canada awards Tina Cipllaka the Certificate of Gratitude in recognition of her contribution in promoting Albanian national values and Canadian-Albanian friendship.
In 2017 Tina Cipllaka attended the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia and Graduated as a Real Estate Agent .
She is currently a Realtor with Royal LePage West in Vancouver . She is also a hockey mom and supports her local hockey community.
- tcipllaka@gmail.com
- 604-782-4420
Violeta Caushi
Board MemberMrs. Caushi has been a member of the Albanian Society in BC “Eaglesland” since 2022 and at the General Meeting held on November 2022, she was elected as a Board Member.
In Albania she attended the University of Tirana from 1992-1997 and graduated from the Geological Faculty as a Hydrology Engineer. From the year 1997-2000 worked at the Ministry of Defence -Albania as a specialist in the Hydrography Department. From the year 2000-2003 worked at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs Albania, as a specialist in the Labour Department. From the year 2003-2005 worked at the Ministry of Economy Albania, as a Minister’s adviser.
In 2013 she emigrated to Canada with her family and lived in Yorkton Saskatchewan for 7 years. In 2018 she moved to BC and settled in Vancouver.
In Canada she works full time as a caregiver for her autistic son, and part time she work as a cake decorator.
Altin Zeneli
Board MemberAltin Zeneli immigrated to Canada in 1996 and has made British Columbia his home for over 26 years.
While he has lived the majority of his life in Canada, Altin is passionate about his heritage and his culture. He has been a member of “Eaglesland Albanian Society” in BC since 2009. Serving as a board member for the past 6 years, he has passionately advocated for raising awareness about Albanian culture in BC and has contributed to organizing events, such as Surrey Fusion Festival and European Festival.
Altin owns his own restoration company. He has graduated from Art College in Albania, majoring in fine arts. Altin is passionate about art and has made it a hobby visiting art museums during his travels.
In his spare time, you can find Altin spending time with his family and friends, enjoying a soccer game on TV or watching his daughter play out on the field, or checking out local wineries throughout the Okanagan.
Adison Vukaj
Board MemberMr. Adison Vukaj is the youngest member of the "Eaglesland Albanian Society of BC" association, elected to the presidency of the Association in November 2022, and charged with the task of Secretary for Youth. Adison completed his studies at CDI college for computer science and currently works for HRG Ltd. and Toro Group of Companies for more than three years. Addison is passionate about extreme sports and snowboarding.
Ardita Fishta
SecretaryArdita Fishta has been a member of the of the Albanian Society of BC since it was created in 2006, and 2 years later was elected as a Board Member and appointed as Secretary.
On the general election in November 2016 Ardita was voted Vice President of the Albanian Association. In December 2021 Ardita decided to step down from board for some needed time off. In June 2023 Ardita has returned as Associate member of the Board and she has been appointed Secretary.
In Albania, Ardita attended University of Tirana from 1989 to 1993 graduating from the Economic Faculty as Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration.
From 1994 to 2000 she worked in the Institute of the Transport Studies in Tirana.
In 2000 Ardita emigrated to Canada. She has worked as Account Manager from 2005 to present in several companies in the Financial Industry in the Lower Mainland.
Ardita and her husband volunteer twice a month in their neighbourhood since 2010 helping vulnerable people. She is a student of Fine Arts and since 2019 her paintings have been exhibited in several Exhibitions around Lower Mainland.
Under Ardita’s leadership, Albanian Association of BC participated 2 years in a row in the largest BC multicultural Festival – Fusion Fest and in 2018 Albanian Pavilion received the second place for the “Best Cultural Pavilion” at the Fusion Fest.
In 2019 the Ambassador of Albanian Republic in Canada Mr. Ermal Muca awarded Ardita a Certificate of Gratitude in recognition of he contribution in promoting Albanian national values and Canadian-Albanian friendship.