3. SHPRESA LOSHAJ'S ACTIVISM EARNS HER INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

Shpresa Loshaj can now be seen nurturing her young daughters. When she’s not doing that, she’s actively working to bring change in Kosovo, influenced by her work in public service in Canada. Before making headlines internationally for her inspiring activism, Shpresa Loshaj was a young girl with a fiery passion caught in the middle of war in Kosovo.


Her family arrived in Canada as refugees in 1999 initially settling in Vancouver. While it’s been quite the journey Loshaj says she is grateful for the peace and opportunities Canada has provided. She obtained a degree in Political Science in Vancouver and later a master's degree in Public Policy in Ottawa. Loshaj is also the co-founder and Executive Director of the Non-Government Organization ‘Pishtaret’ in Kosovo where her work has made extensive headlines for her environmental activism. Loshaj was also caught in the middle of a 100,000 (EUR) lawsuit by Austrian-based Kelkos Energy for defamation which was later withdrawn as it was hindering freedom of expression. Kelkos claimed Loshaj’s activism speaking out concerning environmental damages the company was accused of causing in Kosovo was detrimental to their reputation. Her activism has brought her international recognition. Amnesty International called the lawsuit against Loshaj “baseless”. Loshaj was recognized for her work from the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani as she was the recipient of the 'Medal of Bravery' in 2021 and the prestigious 'Human Rights Prize' from the French Republic in 2023.


Inspired by her refugee experiences, Shpresa felt a strong desire to contribute to Canada and joined the Federal Government, where she has dedicated over a decade of service, currently working within the Department of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development. She resides in Vancouver with her husband Visar and her two daughters.

Loshaj is also a passionate documentary filmmaker.