Merita Bajraktari

Merita Bajraktari McCormack

Merita Bajraktari

Wife, mother, higher education professional. Author and educator, dedicated to learn, preserve and cultivate faith and family values.

Biography

Merita Bajraktari was born in Korça, Albania, and raised in the rural village of Cangonj in southeastern Albania. Growing up during the communist era, she witnessed significant political repression that shaped her lifelong commitment to education, religious freedom and human rights.

Education

  • B.Sc. in Agricultural Economics – UBT, Tirana, Albania.
  • MBA – University of Surrey, United Kingdom.
  • MA – Divine Mercy University, Washington DC, USA (in progress).

Career & Volunteer Work

  • Director of Student Success at a private university in the Washington, DC metro area.
  • President of VATRA DC (2009‑2017) – The Pan Albanian Federation of America, DC Chapter
  • Co‑Founder of the Albanian Community in the Diocese of Arlington (Catholic).
  • Author of several literary works and regular contributor to Albanian‑language media in the United States.

Literary Works

Poetry Collections

  • Me zërin e zemrës (2003, Shtëpia Botuese Dituria)
  • Tinguj malli Albin, 2005
  • Dritaret e shpirti Albanian Association of Bucharest, 2007

Anthologies

  • Editor of two Anthologies of literary works in Albanian

Storybooks

  • A book of short stories in Albanian and one in English.

Awards & Recognition

  • Kalorës i Urdhërit të Flamurit (Order of the Flag), awarded in June 2022 by the President of the Republic of Albania for her contribution to the promotion of Albanian values, culture, and education in the diaspora.
  • Pena e Artë – Awarded by the Association of Albanian‑American Writers for literary excellence.
  • Recognized for her contribution and volunteer work in the United States by various Albanian American organizations.
  • Featured in various TV, radio programs and newspapers.
  • Appeared in the “Sacred Treasures Show with Kathie Duggan” (Radio Maria USA, January 10, 2022).

Community Impact

  • Active in preserving Albanian cultural heritage through writing, teaching, and community leadership.
  • Promotes Albanian history and culture in the U.S. through columns, editorial pieces, and public speaking.
  • Led initiatives to support Albanian students and families in the Washington, DC area.

Media & Interviews

  • Sacred Treasures Show with Kathie Duggan (Radio Maria USA, January 10 2022) – Discussed her literary career and community work.
  • Featured in various Albanian newspapers (Dielli, Telegraf, and others) as a poet, songwriter, and community leader.

Get in Touch

Feel free to reach out via email.

Email: [email protected]