Albanian Heritage/
Mary Camaj is a young Albanian-American dancer and advocate who has been working to share the beauty and significance of her cultural heritage with the world. Born and raised in New York, Mary’s parents come from Malësia e Madhe, with her father from Hoti and her mother from Kastrati. Growing up, Mary was instilled with a deep appreciation for her family’s Albanian roots, and as she got older, she became increasingly interested in exploring and understanding what her Albanian identity meant to her. It was through dance that Mary found a passion for sharing her culture with others and discovered the joy of celebrating Albanian heritage.For the past seven years, Mary has been a dancer for Grupi Rozafati at Our Lady of Shkodra Church, under the guidance of Angjelina Nika, where she has honed her skills and deepened her understanding of Albanian dance and music. Her dedication to her craft and her love for Albanian culture inspired her to start sharing traditional dance videos on social media in the hopes of spreading awareness and appreciation for her cultural heritage. In addition to her dance work, Mary has also become an active advocate for Albanian-American youth. She has worked with various Albanian-American organizations, serving as a representative for young people and helping to organize events that celebrate Albanian culture throughout New York. Through her work, Mary hopes to provide a perspective from a younger generation that seeks to connect with their roots and celebrate their heritage.Mary’s passion for Albanian culture extends beyond her dance and advocacy work. She is currently finishing her Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Political Science at Manhattan College, where she is minoring in Business and Spanish. In the fall, she will be pursuing a Master’s degree in Political Science at Columbia University, where she hopes to continue exploring her interests in international relations and public policy. For Mary, celebrating her Albanian heritage is not just a personal passion, but also a way to honor her family and her community. Through her dance and advocacy work, she hopes to inspire others to embrace and appreciate their own cultural heritage, and to foster greater understanding and appreciation among people from all walks of life.