Shqipe Malushi
Shqipe Malushi is a globally recognized transformative leader, consultant, and coach with more than 25 years of experience advancing gender equality, social justice, and cultural awareness across diverse and often high-risk environments. Based in Cliffside Park, New Jersey, she works as an independent consultant delivering leadership development, change management, and empowerment programs worldwide. A graduate of New York University, where she earned her master’s degree in Arts and Humanities, Malushi combines academic insight with deep field experience to support institutions, governments, and communities in building inclusive and equitable systems.
Throughout her career, Malushi has worked extensively in conflict and post-conflict regions including Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, India, Kosovo, and parts of Africa and Europe. Her work centers on empowering women facing cultural oppression, economic marginalization, and systemic inequality, helping them take practical and culturally sensitive steps toward independence and self-determination. She has collaborated with international organizations such as UN Women and government agencies, designing and delivering training in transformational leadership, stress management, gender mainstreaming, and inclusive education. Known for her compassionate and human-centered approach, she integrates coaching, mentoring, and forum theater techniques to inspire personal and organizational change.
Beyond consulting, Malushi is also a writer, artist, and advocate for peacebuilding. She has authored multiple books, including poetry and reflections on war and peace, and created the award-winning documentary “Victim No More,” which highlights resilience in the face of adversity. Her lifelong contributions to women’s rights and conflict resolution have earned her international recognition, including honors from global forums and institutions. Through her work, Malushi continues to champion education, dignity, and hope, empowering individuals and communities to envision and create a more just and peaceful world.
• New York University - M.A.
• 2023 Laureate of Women’s Rights
• Iconic Women Leaders in Conflict Resolution & Peace Award
• 2003 Ambassador of Peace
• 1999 Nato Medal
• 2003 Woman of the Year
• 2008 Paul Harris Fellow
• 2025 Medal of Merit
• Albanian American Women's Association of Greater Chicago
• Kosovo Women's Network, KOSOVO
• Next Generation Connect, RWANDA
• Youth For Humanity, New York
• Sabra & Shatila Refugee Resettlements
• Jagori Grameen Rural-Training & Research Academy (TARA)
• Kosovo Women's Network
• Television Appearances
• Jerrahi Order of America
• Youth Academy for Training & Education
• Motrat Qiriazi Organization, Kosovo
• Albanian American Women's Association of Greater Chicago
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to listening to people and allowing people to shape my thinking. They taught me how to be a great coach. Listening was the key, and respecting people wherever they are, respecting their culture and their tradition without any judgment or discrimination. Then they open up and they succeed, and it reflects back to my success. That was the key.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say, be curious. When you're curious, you have a thousand questions, so ask and don't be afraid. Break the barriers and go beyond limitations. Trust yourself, trust your intuition, trust your heart, and the wisdom will come up and lead you straight. You can do it. It's not only outer beauty that you can seduce with, that does not last, but it is your content that you can use to move forward. Nothing can break you if you really trust yourself, because there are ways to protect yourself. But you have to be courageous, you have to trust yourself to move forward. You have to have a vision to go toward your vision. Otherwise, every wind will blow you everywhere without direction, and life does not win. Young women need to have a vision beyond their bodies.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Young women don't have the experience and impatience to listen, and they don't have yet established courage to prove that they can move forward. Society is hard to penetrate for young women. They use social media and youth to attract rather than to distract. Right now, young women are still back to wanting a husband to take care of them, which is very disappointing to me, though it's a choice. I understand it's an emotional and biological need to be protected by someone else. Technology and telephones have estranged them from reality. Human connection is being lost. Letter writing is gone, and letters used to be art. The language is being chopped to two syllables, and they are getting impoverished and they don't see it.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
First of all, to be honest is very important. Sticking to the truth is essential. No judgment and no discrimination are absolutely critical values to me. Education and culture are very important. Having a vision, moving forward, sticking to your vision, and having a belief in your vision gives me strength. I love people. Equality is absolutely important. Peace is very, very important. Service is very important because I volunteer a lot, and I use the values of my grandmother that she planted inside me - service above all. Courage is one of my values, and continuity is a must. You don't stop because of difficulties, you just overcome them.
Locations
Private Company
Cliffside Park, NJ 07010