An Evening of Leadership, Purpose, and Community

On April 14, 2027, Albanians for America (AFA) will host its inaugural Leadership Gala in Washington, D.C., bringing together Albanian-American business, civic, and community leaders from across the United States with Members of Congress, policymakers, public-service leaders, and friends of the Albanian-American community.

The evening will celebrate the contributions and achievements of Albanian Americans, reflect on AFA's advocacy and engagement over the past year, and recognize and thank the American representatives who have listened, engaged, and stood with our community on issues that matter to us.

More than a celebration, the Gala is an opportunity to strengthen relationships, bring our community together around a shared purpose, and invest in the future of Albanian-American advocacy in Washington.

A night to celebrate our community.
A moment to thank those who have stood with us.
An investment in what comes next.

Advocacy Cannot Happen Only When There Is a Crisis.

At a time of changing priorities in Washington and continued political and security challenges in the Western Balkans, sustained engagement matters more than ever. Over the past year, Albanians for America has worked directly with Members of Congress and their staff to strengthen congressional attention to issues affecting Kosovo and Albanian communities across the Western Balkans.

That engagement has translated into concrete initiatives and meaningful progress.

AFA's advocacy and engagement during 2025–2026 have included:

• Congressional Hearings: Engagement around two congressional hearings examining U.S. policy, regional security, and stability in the Western Balkans, including the September 2026 hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Europe Subcommittee.
• Presheva Valley Discrimination Assessment Act: Advocacy supporting congressional attention to discrimination against ethnic Albanians in Serbia, including address passivization and unequal access to public institutions and services.
• Kosovo's Euro-Atlantic Integration: Congressional engagement around initiatives supporting Kosovo's path toward NATO membership and continued U.S. participation in KFOR.
• Bipartisan Congressional Delegation: Helping coordinate the May 2026 visit of Representatives Keith Self and Suhas Subramanyam to Kosovo and the Presheva Valley, strengthening direct congressional engagement with the region.
• Congressional Albanian Issues Caucus: Continued efforts to strengthen and expand bipartisan congressional engagement on issues affecting Albanian communities.

These initiatives reflect AFA's commitment to building lasting relationships with policymakers and ensuring that Albanian-American perspectives remain part of Washington's policy discussions. Much of this work happens away from public view—through meetings, briefings, congressional outreach, and relationships built over time.

Building on This Momentum

AFA's goal is to secure the resources necessary to sustain and accelerate its advocacy over the next years.

Support generated through the Gala will help AFA:

• Deepen congressional engagement and strengthen relationships with policymakers across party lines.
• Expand our presence in Washington and maintain consistent engagement with decision-makers.
• Strengthen research and communications to support informed, credible advocacy.
• Organize congressional visits and policy initiatives that advance issues affecting Albanian communities.
• Build the capacity to respond effectively when our community's voice is needed.

The AFA Leadership Gala is one evening. What it can make possible should last for years.

Partner With AFA. Invest in Lasting Impact.

The AFA Leadership Gala offers individuals, businesses, foundations, and organizations an opportunity to support a stronger, more sustained Albanian-American voice in Washington.

By becoming a Gala sponsor, you will help advance AFA's year-round advocacy while joining a distinguished gathering of Albanian-American leaders, Members of Congress, policymakers, and friends of our community.

Sponsorship opportunities include recognition across Gala communications and event materials, participation in the evening's program, and opportunities for meaningful engagement.

Sponsorship Levels

Presenting Sponsor: The Lukaj Foundation

We are honored to recognize The Lukaj Foundation as the exclusive Presenting Sponsor of the inaugural AFA Leadership Gala 2027.

Explore the Sponsorship Guide for full details on benefits, participation, recognition, and sponsorship commitments.

Individual tickets are not currently available for purchase.

Save the Date

Join us in Washington, D.C., for an evening dedicated to Albanian-American leadership, community, and impact.

Date: Wednesday, April 14, 2027
Venue: Capitol View at 400
Address: 400 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Attire: Black Tie - Optional
Format: Seated Dinner
Guests: 250 Distinguished Attendees

Explore the Gala

Event Prospectus

Discover the vision behind the inaugural AFA Leadership Gala, learn about AFA's congressional advocacy and engagement, and explore what this event aims to make possible for the years ahead.

View / Download Event Prospectus

Sponsorship Guide

Explore available sponsorship opportunities, recognition benefits, Gala participation, and ways to support AFA's mission.

Be Part of What Comes Next.

The inaugural AFA Leadership Gala marks an important moment for our community: an opportunity to celebrate our achievements, strengthen our relationships, and invest in the future of Albanian-American advocacy.

We invite businesses, organizations, community leaders, and friends of AFA to join us in making this inaugural event a success.

Additional information about the Gala program, distinguished guests, and event announcements will be shared as the date approaches.