An event to
Support OriginALAlbanian Diaspora Youth
Connecting Young Albanians to Our Heritage, Identity, and Homelands
Hosted by Fadil Berisha, Avni Mustafaj, and Mark Kosmo
Fadil Berisha Studio · 603 W 44th St, New York, NY
Why This Evening
An Evening That Mattered
On June 10, the Albanian-American community came together in New York City for a special evening in support of OriginAL and Albanian diaspora youth. Hosted by Fadil Berisha, Avni Mustafaj, and Mark Kosmo, the event brought together supporters, alumni, and friends of the program for a night that was both moving and meaningful.
Through the stories of OriginAL alumni, guests were able to see and feel firsthand what this program truly represents: not simply a visit to our homelands, but a powerful journey of identity, belonging, and connection.
From the New York City event alone, we raised $96,570. For the 2026 program overall, we have now raised $131,000.
You can revisit the evening through photos here.
By the Numbers
OriginAL by the Numbers
In 2026 alone, OriginAL received applications from 29 countries — a global community of young Albanians, growing every year. Read the latest report.
The Evening
What the Evening Included
Alumni Stories
Guests heard directly from OriginAL participants about the journeys that shaped them.
Community & Connection
The evening brought together supporters, alumni, and friends of the program across generations of the diaspora.
Program Achievements
The event highlighted OriginAL's results to date and the goals that still lie ahead for the 2026 campaign.
The Evening Hosts
Fadil Berisha
Host · World-renowned Photographer
Avni Mustafaj
Co-Host · Co-Chair, GERMIN
Mark Kosmo
Co-Host · Chair, Global Albanians Foundation
Keep the Momentum
Support What Comes Next
The New York City event was a powerful milestone at which we raised $96,570. Following our recently completed June cohort, we now look ahead to the next cohorts in August and November — and to other young people still waiting for this opportunity. For the 2026 program overall, we have now raised $131,000 towards our goal of $200,000 to support 100 participants.
Support the Campaign
Help move the 2026 campaign forward and support the next generation of Albanian diaspora youth.
DonateFund One OriginAL Scholarship
Make it possible for one young Albanian to reconnect with their roots through OriginAL.
DonateFund Two Scholarships
Support two participants and help expand OriginAL's reach in 2026.
DonateRecognition
Recognized Supporters of the Evening
We are grateful to the supporters helping make this evening — and OriginAL's impact — possible.
Legacy Donors
Generational Donors
Leadership Donors
Event Supporters
With Gratitude
Additional Contributors
Listed in descending order of contribution
- A.J. Rexhepi
- Sabria & Ben Celaj
- Dino Erbeli
- Gentiana Canole
- Louis Foundos
- Martin Marra
- Pal Nikci
- Tessa Fejzula
- Adelina Sinanaj
- Altin Nonaj
- Bledar Asllani
- Burim Regjaj
- Diane Vasil
- Ed Hammel
- Giorgio Kolaj
- Albanian American Educators Association
- Korab Krasniqi
- Lorenc Mansaku
- Nevila Dudaj
- Orges Asllani
- Ismer Mjeku
- Chuck Swanson
- Adrian Tahiri
- Enkelejda Klosi
- Kushtrim Hoxha
- Michael Lleshaj
- Groshe Culaj
- Dardan Lajqi
- Amelda Pllumaj
- Enxhi Cuni
- Olta Molla
- Kendra Duli
- Mary Camaj
- Edi Dalazi
For Companies & Businesses
Corporate Contributions & Sponsorships
Corporate support of OriginAL remains a meaningful way to stand alongside the Albanian diaspora and invest in the next generation. Your partnership helps fund the journeys that reconnect young Albanians with their roots, identity, and homeland, while positioning your organization as a champion of belonging, heritage, and community.
Confirmed sponsors and supporters are now being recognized on this page, across OriginAL's communications, and in post-event materials shared with our growing global network of alumni, partners, and supporters.
