Interview – Dielli

INTERVIEW WITH MS. SOPHIA ZAYAS, BRONX REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE AT THE NY GOVERNOR OFFICE

July 3, 2020 by dgreca

BY RAFAELA PRIFTI/

Ms. Sophia Zayas, Bronx Representative at the Governor Cuomo’s Office of Regional Affairs, talked to the English Editor of Dielli (The Sun) about the dramatic impact of the pandemic to the community she serves and the strength of cultivating relationships that unite us. Her immigrant roots make her feel at home in the densely populated and diverse neighborhoods of the Bronx including a large Albanian-American community. She has attended Albania’s and Kosovo’s Independence Day along with Albanian representatives, officials, families and guests, who remember Ms. Zayas hand-signing of the eagle and saying in perfect Albanian, “Hej Shqipe!” a common greeting among fellow Albanians. All those memories became more endearing in the months of the pandemic that started in March followed by lockdown orders in New York, which was suddently the epicenter of a major health crisis. In those days most New Yorkers, overwhelmed and anxious, watched Governor Cuomo’s daily briefings to stay informed and learn how to manage or practice a new kind of living in the time of Coronavirus.

I conducted my interview with Sophia Zayas in two parts, starting at the end of May. At the time, some areas in the Bronx were more affected compared to other boroughs. The Regional Representative worked on the front lines with community leaders, advocates and residents. I asked her to describe the response specifically to those 5 zip codes, where at least one has a large Albanian population. “I communicated on a daily basis with local electeds, community representatives and related the feedback to Albany and to the Governor. One contributing factor of the situation was the large influx of impoverished people that highlighted health disparities. I was able to communicate the need of the significantly affected areas to the Governor, who responded by bringing more testing to the South Bronx. A good step in our response to the unfolding heath crisis was the antibody testing. It was the outcome of effective communication with churches and members of the community. At the same time, the response in Zip codes that were less affected focused on providing more PPE, more hand sanitizer from the state, and equipment to protect themselves,” said the Governor’s Bronx Representative. When I addressed a shared concern about testing capacity in New York, Ms. Zayas recalled the “rough patch between the Governor and the Federal Government to address the need to increase testing”. She added: “As a result of those efforts, COVID diagnostic testing and antibody testing are available to urgent care centers, pharmacies, churches and grocery stores, in order to get employees tested. In addition, antibody testing was brought to supermarkets, although it wasn’t promoted, it was only for random sampling. It has a great success rate and the community response was immediate. They appreciated seeing that the Governor’s Office and Department of Health were out there and concerned about their needs.” Talking about NAICHA – Housing Authority – which is overrun with cases, Sophia noted that the need came to the regional representatives and it was addressed by the Governor. “They developed a program,” said Ms. Zayas, “consisting of ready responders such as paramedics and practitioners who are currently on-site at the housing facilities. Residents can call the ready responders to their doors for their health needs.” In my next question I brought up the preparations for a possible second wave, that was much talked about in the media. She indicated that while trying to be optimistic about getting through the worst time, this is no time to put the guard down. Experts have stated that a second wave is probable. “As we go into Phase One of the reopening,” the Bronx Borough Gubernatorial official said, “Pelham Gardens which has a significant number of Albanians, has a dramatically higher Infection rates compared to the city. My job as the Regional Rep. as we’re going into phase one is to listen and console people who are in quarantine and under lockdown orders, but also to encourage mask-wearing and take preventive measures. People have been distracted because of the tragedies, looting and rioting. I’m trying to put the focus on putting a mask and social distancing and to be careful. I think we’re at a good place in terms of the COVID cases as a state. The Bronx has to be mindful of how we go about moving forward.”

She paused briefly to make a point about the protest and the health risks: “There was an uproar in our state and country. The protesters, marchers, looters and rioters on the street, are not practicing the safety measures which could mean a possible risk of an increase in infection cases. The Governor fears that if we start feeling overconfident with the low numbers now, we may become less vigilant in facing the virus. Often when people don’t read or hear about it, they start thinking the virus must be gone. That is not the case.” She believes that under the strong leadership of the Governor the community stepped up to meet the challenge of an incredible magnitude and impact. From it, she acknowledges the valuable lessons of managing a health crisis and battling a pandemic. With regard to the economic impact, I asked her to share how the community felt about the first phase of reopening, which was on June 8th while protests had erupted, violent at times, and were continuing for days in our neighborhoods. “In light of protests, we have to pay close attention to what is happening in the region. COVID-19 is still in focus, while we have to stay alert to keep people from destroying properties and businesses that communities had worked hard to build for years. Reopening of construction and manufacturing companies and certain businesses who sell food is good for the economy and the community, as we they continue to practice social distancing and common sense,” said Sophia.

We continued the second part of the interview, when 100 days of the pandemic had passed from the date the first case was identified. Bronx had been a hotspot that experienced a significant rise of COVID-19 cases, a respiratory disease caused by a highly contagious virus. In the fourth month of the global health crises, the threat of the virus has not diminished. In one of the press briefings I attended, Governor Cuomo said that there is another virus in the society, “the virus of racism”. As protesters took to the streets to demand racial equality, the riots again impacted some boroughs like Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Bronx more significantly. There were sections in the Bronx like Fordham, Grand Concourse, Burnside, that saw a lot of devastation. The excitement of the phase one of the reopening was affected by a lot of destruction of small businesses, the looting and rioting in the streets and in our own community.
“Albanian businesses were not affected by the looters and the rioters,” remarked Sophia. “Areas with Albanian businesses such as Morris Park were ready. They kept united and they didn’t allow for looters to come in their neighborhoods, whereas some Latino and Black-owned businesses were torn apart. Burnside, Grand Concourse and Fordham have minority owned businesses. Sadly, the looters ended up hurting their own community. I visited these areas with the President of The Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, Marlene Cintron, to assess the damage and assist through the Department of Financial Services, and loan programs.”

Ms. Sophia Zayas, who holds a College Degree in Business Law, is the first woman in her family to hold a state-level office position. I asked her to take me through her work day. Sophia answered: “The day of a Regional Rep is pretty unpredictable. I have been a Rep for 2 years. A pre-pandemic workday would include a range of things: such as setting out an agenda, working on regional reports, expense reports to brief the Governor, emails from Albany, scheduling maybe a conference or planning events for the Governor whether it’s visits, scoping out places, speaking to people in the community, speaking to elected officials. One of the rep’s tasks is planning a program. who do we want to see in the audience, who do we invite, what is the topic, what will the Governor address. It is very challenging and overwhelming. We are molded for perfection as the governor is a perfectionist. Staying informed about the regional issues and its needs and also communicating effectively with the elected officials is of primary importance. I ask them what issues need to be addressed or if there’s anything I could do for them. I reach out to advocates or they could reach out to me. The advocates are non-profit organizations. Community residents can reach out about housing. We do constituency work. If they’re not a part of my region I can refer them to a colleague or agency that can help them. There’s always action going on. The Reps know each other on a familial level and we work endless hours together. Our job is stressful but it comes with rewards. There are times where I’ve been upset and stressed out because something doesn’t turn out the way I want.”

I asked if she could share a moment that had made her proud.

Ms. Zayas said that the Sheridan Expressway was a huge transportation project that is still going on now. “The Governor wanted to come to the Bronx to announce it. They gave me 18 hours to build an event for the Expressway. I didn’t know how I was going to get 400 people in a room in less than 18 hours. I made calls and sent emails, reached out to people and the school we were close to. We ended up with 500 people in the auditorium. The Governor was very pleased and congratulated me so I felt accomplished in my job as a Rep,” For Sophia, part of that event comes with cultivating relationships in the community.” It was a great segue to my last question about her connections with the Albanian community and who was the first Albanian she had met in the Bronx. “The first Albanian I met was Esad Rizai. I introduced myself as the new Bronx Regional Representative. In observance of the Albanian independence. I brought the proclamation on behalf of the Governor and presented it to the Albanian-American Society Foundation. We became great friends. Albanians are very welcoming and accepting. I feel that my network of Albanians is wide, I’ve been able to cultivate relationships with the Albanian community. This past year at the Kosovo Independence event I presented the proclamation to honor posthumously Ali Rizai, Esad’s father, and the work he’s done. I brought Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul to honor Albania and Kosovo Independence at the Borough Hall at the Bronx Borough President Office. The Lieutenant Governor presented a proclamation on behalf of Governor Cuomo to the whole Albanian community and organizations. I value the good relationships of its members with Governor Cuomo. Whatever their needs might be, I try my best to provide services to keep them united.”

Interview with hair stylist Nazmi Salihu

November 13, 2016 by dgreca

By Mimoza Dajci/

We met by chance at the play “Karamel” in Manhattan- tell me Mr. Salihu- how did you grow to love this trade?/

Completely by chance. When I was very young, 15 or 16 years old in the early 80’s, my late mother Ajna, proposed to me that I should gain some professional skills after High School. One of these was hair cutting. At that time my boss helped me with my first steps and advised me that “if you want to succeed in any business, you really have to love what you are doing”. This way, one creates personality and succeeds. Almost immediately afterwards I fell in love with hair styling.

Which institution gave you your first lessons in this field?

The name of the professional academy where I learned was Aerodrom. It was located in Shkup and was the best academy in the region at that time.

When did you begin to achieve the vision of your trade which you have today, and do you view this vision as a responsibility to yourself?

After I finished the academy in Shkup, my family and I moved to Kosova, mainly because the discrimination of Macedonians towards Albanians there. We moved to the small town of Lipjan. There I set up a salon called Noli’s Hair Salon. Undoubtedly, this was a realization of my dream to be a hair stylist, and I achieved big success in this little town where I bought a house and lived with my family. Of course, if you want to succeed, you also feel a responsibility to yourself to keep up with the latest trends of the business. You also feel a responsibility toward your clients and you want to offer them the latest style. I have to emphasize that one of my biggest successes in my career was achieved in Budapest, Hungary where I participated in a hair styling competition where I placed third and was awarded. This was a big achievement for me at the time and I could not believe that I had achieved success in such a prestigious international competition.

How about your kids? Do they like your profession? Are they as talented as you in styling hair?

Yes, I must say. As a matter of fact I did not encourage them to work with me in this field, but they themselves wanted to go to school and get a diploma in hair styling. This shows that they also have a passion for hair styling. My girls and boys studied hair styling in Brio Academy in Hartford, Connecticut. So in our salon, we now have my twin girls Alma and Nora who have gained 5 years of experience thus far. Also my son Urim, who has been working with us for 4 years, in which he has learned a lot. I also want to emphasize that soon our little girl, Tina, will join us in this profession. This means that our salon is a small family business which is providing us with enough income for a good and comfortable life in America.

When are you satisfied with your creative work?

I am satisfied whenever I create a hairstyle that my client is pleased with. I consider it a success whenever my work makes another person happy.

Besides your Albanian Clients, you also have clients of other nationalities. If I may ask, can you tell us about other personalities in politics or American movie actors that are your clients and are happy with your professional hair styling?

Yes, for 9 years beginning in the summer of 2006, I worked in a salon called “Airport Hair Stylist” in Minnesota. During this time I had an opportunity to meet and to fix the hair of some well-known figures of Hollywood. Among them were Luck Welson, Jenifer Aniston, singer Kenny Rogers, and many sports figures and actors, names of whom I do not recall. I also remember styling for the famous actress that played Zuzu in the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”. But I cannot recall her name at the moment.

Mr. Salihu, during your long career in this business doing what you love, you have received much recognition, many medals, and other awards. Can you tell us about some of these honors?

During my career in this business, I have received numerous honors. I would love to mention some of those. I’ll start with Europe; In 1991 I placed 3^rd in a competition called “European Hair Show” which took place in Hungary. Here in The US, I was awarded with many awards such as: the “Future of Beauty in the World Award”, “Ambassador Stylist Program Award” and, and I also received recognition at the “Vantage Fashion Show” where I got a silver medal. Just recently, in 2016, I was awarded with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Albanian Fashion Agency in the “Week of Albanian Fashion”, organized by Mrika Krasniqi.

How long is your average day cutting and styling hair for your clients at “Noli’s Hair Salon” and do you feel comfortable with your everyday work?

Of course I feel comfortable and I do this work with a passion. On occasion I work up to 14 hours a day, from 7:00 AM up until the late evening. This normally occurs when actors come to the salon, usually to fix their hair for photo shoots or in preparation for shooting films or dramas. I am heavily involved in this preparation. In the Nil Production, for example, I fix the hair of everybody who works in the agency including many American and Albanian actors.

How does Noli stay up to date on the latest trends taking into consideration the season, the styles and colors which are current, and also the fashion and clothes that have their ins and outs?

I am in constant contact with the most famous stylists. We work very closely together on the newest styles that appear. We get involved together and we try to plan projects with the latest styles. We present models with the latest styles during each season at different hair shows all over the country.

Have you participated in competitions or shows using your styles and what did you gain in these endeavors?

Yes, I have participated in many shows and events for models where I have introduced models with my own hair styles and make-up. The gain is tremendous. Particularly in my own satisfaction, because I am very happy when my models are being considered by the other successful Hollywood agencies. This achievement is proof of my success in the field of hair styling.

Mr. Salihu, you have also worked very closely with elements of American television. How has this successful relationship with American TV come about?

Since 2008, I have handled the fixing of hair of TV moderators and their guests. Especially, I have worked closely with local channels 3 and 8.

Besides your art of styling, you also are an activist in the Albanian community. You are a patriot and a true artist. From where have you inherited these human virtues?

Due to my nostalgia for the homeland and my inability to be there, I try to do my part, to the best of my ability, to bring Albanians together through a variety of events such as hair shows, movies, and dramas. I have inherited this love for my fellow Albanians from my family, and have been taught to love and never to forget our birthplace of Albania.

What are your future projects?

Right now I am working on a film project of weekly fashion shows, which will be held in New York City in close cooperation with the Albanian Fashion Agency. At the same time, I am involved in promoting hair products from 3 different haircare companies. We are also near to unveiling new projects which I am not able to disclose at the time.

Selimi for Belgrade’s “Danas”: “We will seek membership in other organizations”

July 23, 2015 by dgreca

Prishtina, Belgrade, 23 July 2015 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo, Petrit Selimi, has given an interview to Belgrade daily “Danas”, where he emphasized that “we are that, in addition to UNESCO, Kosovo will seek membership in other international organizations”.
Below you will find the full interview.
Kosovo has been recognized by 111 members of UNESCO. Many other non-recognizers also vote for us in multilateral organizations, like they did in IMF of World Bank. We tested this six months ago when we applied for observer status in Francophonie. Despite hysterical and sad reactions of Serbian diplomats which tried to block Kosovo in Senegal, all members decided by consensus to accept Kosovo.
It was similar story in International Olympic Committee. This is a tough battle but I am saddened why Serbia is fighting to keep Kosovo isolated. Policy of trying to isolate Kosovars, is a policy that failed in the past and it even backfired for Serbia. It will backfire again. – says Petrit Selimi, Deputy head of Kosovo’s diplomacy in an interview for Danas, related to Kosovo’s bid for Unesco membership.
Danas: Why is Prishtina sure that this autumn, the mechanism of voting will be in favor of Kosovo in Executive board and General conference of UNESCO?

PS: We have worked very carefully in coordination with all of Kosovo’s international partners and always assessing when is optimal moment to apply. After careful consideration, we have already in January decided to apply now so our request can be considered at November meeting of General Conference of UNESCO. As Deputy Prime Minister Thaci indicated last week, have engaged with over 130 delegations and we have scheduled meetings with another 20 this month so after listening to the mood and interest of the national delegations, we believe that Kosovo has a very good chance to become a new member of UNESCO on the exact anniversary of this organization. UNESCO is celebrating 70 years of existence this year and Kosovo will be a nice birthday present. It’s a tough battle but our national interest is for Kosovars to have same opportunities, same tools of development and same position as all other peoples in the Balkans.

Danas: What is the answer of Prishtina on the question made by Serbian side how will the historical and religious monuments in Kosovo be protected by those that have systematically under UN protectorate destroyed them – Kosovo government has never condemned the destruction of churches – over 150 of them, of whom many are medieval?

PS: Fistly, it’s a disgusting lie that Kosovo government has never condemned the destruction of some church buildings. Actually, Kosovo government has allocated millions of Euros to repair them after the march riots of 2004. Today, it’s Kosovo police that is guarding 95% of all the Serbian Orthodox Church property and they are safely being visited by tourists from around the world.
Secondly, the only government in Balkans that has been engaged in systematic and state-sponsored destruction of religious heritage is government and army of Serbia, as proven so by several sentences in the International Tribunal in Hague. Serbian army and police completely destroyed over 300 mosques, including Bazaar mosque from 1761, Halil Efendi Mosque from 1526, Bektashi tekkes in Gjakovica from 1790, etc. So I find it very cynical and shameless to hear Djuric or Dacic speak of destruction of religious property.

Danas: Why is then Council of Europe insisting that CoE gave money for reparations of Serbian holy sites destroyed in March pogrom, which was transferred to Kosovo government, which was a formula agreed in 2005 by the Serbian Orthodox Church which signed an MoU on reparations of the Serbian churches and Monasteries destroyed.?

PS: I don’t think Council of Europe is saying any such thing. We have daily interaction with them. It’s known that Kosovo government dedicated 5 million euros for the reparations of the churches. One must add that our membership bid for UNESCO is not meant to provoke the Serbian Orthodox Church or to claim the heritage as Albanian, but to enable Kosovo’s development in education, science and culture. Heritage is a small portion of what UNESCO does. We understand that heritage is an important issue and Kosovo medieval sites currently listed in UNESCO Heritage list will always be property of Serbian Orthodox Church. Ahtisaari Plan and Kosovo constitution provides a very important constitutional protection of the SOC. Bishop Teodosije, Father Sava and many other clergymen of the church in Kosovo have been supportive of reconciliation and we must give each other hand of friendship and respect. Serbian government statements regarding Kosovo’s bid to UNESCO are not a way to build good neighborly relations. Membership of Kosovo to UNESCO will require a big effort from Kosovo diplomacy, but it’s a battle that we will win because our fight is not about politics but about enabling all people of Kosovo, regardless of religion or ethnicity access to highest international standards and mechanisms in important fields of human development. I sometimes think Serbian government started to believe in its own false propaganda. Kosovo is already member of two UN agencies of “Bretton Woods system”, namely World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Also, in September 2010, after former foreign minister Vuk Jeremic had to withdraw his unacceptable proposal for more status talks, UN General Assembly has voted on a EU-sponsored resolution that acknowledged the opinion of International Court of Justice that Kosovo Declaration of Independence did not breach the Resolution 1244 or any applicable international law and this step closed any discussions about the status of Kosovo, once and forever. Kosovo and Serbia are now talking in Brussels how to normalize relations as two independent countries. So, our application membership to UNESCO is not unusual. It will also be followed with application to many other organizations.

Interview with Seattle Seahawks Offensive Lineman, Kristjan Sokoli

May 22, 2015 by dgreca

Interview with Seattle Seahawks Offensive Lineman, Kristjan Sokoli:The Pan-Albanian Federation of America, VATRA, Washington DC branch, sat down with newly drafted NFL offensive lineman Kristjan Sokoli for an exclusive interview. The Albanian-born New Jersey Native talks about his initial contact with the sport, his upbringing and his family support. The 300-pound powerhouse is a man of integrity; he has a great career ahead of him and a jovial personality to go along with it.

• Tell us a little bit about yourself, where were you born? Your family?
A little about myself, I’m 23 years old and just graduated from the University at Buffalo with a major in management and focus in finance.

• What do you know about your family in Albania, the reasons why they left?  My family in Albania left for a better opportunity. They knew it would be a tough transition but that in the long run, it would provide us with a better life and more opportunities in the work place.

• Albania has a harsh history, has that contributed to making you a tough player?  I definitely feel motivated to work hard because I know how much my parents have been through to put us in this great position, to be living in the best country in the world. They are definitely the root of my work ethic.

• Do you ever visit Albania?  I visited two years ago for 2 weeks and look forward to visiting again. Obviously my football schedule makes it tough to travel but I look forward to going back plenty of times in the future. I love my country.

• Do you remember what America looked like to you when you first got to New Jersey?
It looked like paradise (Laughs). The cities were full of lights, the supermarkets amazed me with how much they had of everything in them, being able to eat as much as I could anytime was great (More Laughs). I definitely was not starving by any means in Albania, but just being able to eat any type of food year around, and as much of it as I wanted to, was very cool. (Big Smile)

• What does a typical day of training entail for you, and eating?  Well, with Seattle right now in Offseason workouts, it’s a bit easier than camp or the season as I’m only going from 8:30 a.m. to about 3:00 p.m. But I get up at 6:30 a.m. to get going and eat a big breakfast. My schedule on a typical busy day during the season at Buffalo was tough, classes began at 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., a quick lunch, then football (meetings and practice) from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Quick dinner, then night class from about 7:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. So the grind was real, (Laughs).

• Kristjan, when did you start playing football?  Eighth grade.

• How has your parents’ support impacted your success in football? At first they were very much against me playing cutback because of safety and general football stereotypes they had heard about. But after fighting them relentlessly on it, they realized I had a passion for it and were on board, supporting me every step of the way. Starting sophomore year of high school my dad paid for my training with Coach Reid who was a trainer my cousin Eddie got me linked up with.

• When you left Albania did you ever think you would be where you are today?  No. Man, great question, to think where I was at 9 years old and where I am now…Can someone get my story to a Hollywood director? (Laughter) I just feel truly blessed and grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been presented with and my ability to make the most of them.

• You are the first Albanian in the NFL, is that a big responsibility? What does it mean to you?  It sure is. Certainly I’m very proud of this achievement and I also understand it comes with some extra baggage, good and bad. One thing though is I’ll always do my best to remain true to who I am, the same guy that nobody knew about in high school and over looked, is the same guy I fight to remain even now that I’ve seen some success. I’m a man of faith and I have core values that I try to stand by firmly. I’m by no means perfect though and that’s something I do hope my fans will understand across the world.

• What message do you have for all your fans in America and abroad?  Thank you for your support and use my story as motivation to keep working at it every day, whatever your craft may be. And to all Albanians, I love you and I appreciate you. Work hard, be good to your family, prosper and God bless!

Interview with the americanauthor of “The Secret Rescue” -Cate Lineberry

August 19, 2014 by dgreca

The American writer, Cate Lineberry: “The secret Rescue”- is a story of a courage journey across not only a foreign landscape, but the topography of the Albanian human spirit as well”/
Cate lineberry’s first book, The Secret Rescue is An Untold story of American Nurses and Medics Behind Nazi Lines, was and Edgar Award nominee for the best Facts Crime and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller. This incredible books tells one of the most remarkable forgotten stories of World War II.Thirty Americans, including thirteen nurses, crash landed in Nazi-controlled Albania and British Intelligence officers. The riveting details of their narrative remained classified, the full story never told-until now. In November 1945, twenty-six American Army Airforces flight nurses and medics boarded a military transport plane headed toward the front lines in Italy to evacuate wounded and sick troops. The plane was caught in a violent storm and thrown off course and into the path of German fighter planes.Without a working radio or compass, the crew was forced to land in a wild, unknown terrain: Albania.Under Nazi control this brutal and poverty-stricken country was rife with chaos and danger. With the one gun among them, they began their months-long fight to survive. In the midst of a severe winter, the Americans faced life-threatening dangers: near –deadly German attack, hunger and sickness, and the constant threat of capture by the Nazis. Always on the move, the Americans hid at night with courage of the Albanian villagers, who shared what little food they had and risks death to help them. The stranded group’s only hope for rescue was putting their faith on officers working for clandestine British and American organizations.The daughter and granddaughter of nurses, the American author Cate Lineberry tells the harrowing tale of the survivors of 1943 plane crash in nazi-occupied Albania. Fear of endangering those who helped them led to the survivors to keep their story secret for years.The secrecy was to protect the Albanian people, Albanian partisans and Albanian villagers who had helped the American crew of nurses and medics, and to protect the means of escape for future downed airmen. After the war, EnverHoxha became the ruthless dictator of Albania and the americans survivors were concerned that if they named the Albanians whosaved their lives, they would be killed. The survivors later learned that one of the partisans who helped them,-KostaqStefawas imprisoned shortly after the war and was eventually executed. Now in this interview, author Lineberry tells us,- why’s- she wrote this tale of the uncommon bravery of everyday people— Americans and Albanians,—who faced extreme challenges during such a dark time in the world’s history. Everything in the book is true and was verified through interviews, personal diaries, official reports and newspaper articles.
Interviewd by Raimonda MOISIU
-It was nice to hear, that recently , you’ ve got your book published- “The Secret Rescue”. It’s really a delight to hear that you’re telling this story of heroism and courage of my Albanian people. It has been said, that your book proves to be a true story. Is this book based on true facts?
It’s been an absolute pleasure and honor to tell this story of everyday people— Americans and Albanians,—who faced extreme challenges during such a dark time in the world’s history. Everything in the book is true and was verified through interviews, personal diaries, official reports and newspaper articles.
-How much research experience did you do? What was useful about that experience for you?
I spent a lot of time researching this story to make sure I had as many facts as I possibly could to make the story come to life. I spent about two weeks in Albania retracing much of the group’s journey, combed archives in the U.S, England, and Germany, interviewed the one living American from the group of 30 who crashed in Albania, consulted military records and other accounts by the survivors who are now deceased, and interviewed as many family members related to the story as I could find.
-Where did you find your subjects? Was it hard to come up with things to write about? Where did this book begin?
I learned about the story through a historic newspaper article and was particularly intrigued by the American nurses involved in the story and the Albanian people who risked everything to help these women and men. The book begins when the American nurses and medics are on their way overseas to help evacuate wounded and sick soldiers in the Mediterranean. Half the squadron soon finds themselves on a plane in the middle of a violent storm. As they try to make their way to safety, they unknowingly cross the Adriatic and run into the path of German fighter planes. The pilots eventually find a narrow opening between mountains and crash land in Albania—a place most of them knew nothing about.
-Are there other friends who gave you ideas for “ The Secret Rescue” story?
A few family members read over the draft before I turned it in to the editor, and I had experts read over certain sections for accuracy.
– “ The Secret rescue” book, it has a particularly interesting structure. How did you come up with that structure?
I wanted readers to understand how these American men and women found themselves behind enemy lines so I start with them on their way overseas and provide background information on their training and their personal histories before the crash landing. The story continues to follow them as they encounter Albanian partisans and villagers who offer them help as they face German attacks, blizzards, and other hazards along their extremely treacherous journey. As Harold Hayes, the one living survivor, often said to me, the Americans never would have survived without the help of the Albanian people.
-What were your first impressions? How did you manage to get it published?
I was thrilled to find such an interesting World War II story that had been nearly forgotten over the years. My agent circulated my book proposal to several publishing houses, and I was fortunate enough to land with Little, Brown, a wonderful publisher and supporter of authors. I spent the next year or so finishing my research and writing the book and then turned it in to my editor at Little, Brown, John Parsley.
-Have you ever considered writing it in play for movie? Do you know anything about how to write a screenplay?
I think the story would make a wonderful movie. Hopefully Hollywood agrees.

-If this will be proved, how would you feel about “ The Secret Rescue” movie you’ve written, but somebody else is going to direct it? Do you feel that it will be yours?
It would be an honor to have the book made into a movie because it would allow so many more people to learn about how everyday Americans and Albanians showed their bravery and courage during the war. That said, film is an entirely different medium so I would expect it to be somewhat different from the book.

-Tell us about something about yourself? Where do you live? When did you first start to think about devoting yourself to writing?
I recently moved back to Raleigh, North Carolina, with my husband after spending 18 years in Washington, DC. Before writing the book, I worked at National Geographic magazine and Smithsonian magazine where I was able to pursue my passion for learning about culture and history. I’ve always loved to write both fiction and nonfiction and received my master’s degreed in writing from Johns Hopkins University.
-That wisdom must come from somewhere though… Were any of your parents interested in writing? Who encouraged you to write?
My mom was a nurse for 46 years and my dad was a neurobiologist. Both are great writers and have always encouraged me to do what I love. I’m pretty fortunate in that way.
-Why do you write? Writing what was inside of you rather than what you felt you should be writing?
Writing allows me to express myself, and nonfiction writing allows me to learn while I’m researching. I’m especially fascinated by history and the stories of little known people who have accomplished extraordinary things so it’s a gift to be able to devote much of my time to it.

Tell us something about other books you have written. What are you writing now?
“The Secret Rescue” is my first book. I’m currently working on my second book. Like this one, it’ll be historical-nonfiction.
A message for Albanian –American writers’ community?
The publishing world is a tough business but none of us can let that stop us from telling the stories that are important to us.
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.
Interviewd by Raimonda MOISIU
August, 2014, USA