By Eni Muça
She is living proof that talent, determination, and family values can take you from a small city like Korça to the top of the financial world in New York. Albana Theka has been elected the 60th President of the Financial Women’s Association (FWA), one of the most influential organizations in the U.S. dedicated to empowering women in the financial sector.
Her journey from Albania to leadership positions in the American healthcare and finance system is an inspiring story—especially at a time when more and more Albanian women are seeking to break through on the global stage. In this exclusive interview, she shares with us her beginnings, challenges, the role of her Albanian roots in her leadership style, her vision for the future, and a powerful message for young people who dream big.
Tell us a bit about your beginnings. What was your journey like from Albania to New York, and how did you reach the leadership positions you hold today?
I was born and raised in Korça, where I initially attended the music school “Tefta Tashko Koço” and then the high school “Themistokli Germenji.” During my third year of high school, I heard about a study program in the U.S. and immediately decided to apply. I told my parents, and although it was a tough decision at the time, they fully supported me.
In 1999, I left Albania—a time of great transition for the country, following civil unrest and the Kosovo refugee crisis. I knew that to build the future I dreamed of, I needed opportunities that simply didn’t exist back then in Albania.
I first arrived in New York for a short orientation, and then moved to Kentucky, where I lived with an American host family and completed my senior year of high school. I graduated among the top 10 students and gave the valedictorian speech at the ceremony. After graduation, I decided to stay and pursue higher education. I won a full scholarship to St. Joseph’s College, which brought me back to New York for university.
During college, I worked at Ridgewood Savings Bank—starting as a teller and working my way up to manager within five years. At the same time, I pursued my Master’s degree and earned an Executive MBA.
My dream was to work in investments on Wall Street, but the 2008 financial crisis made that path more difficult. Still, I was fortunate that my resume landed at NYU Langone Health, one of the largest academic medical centers in New York. I started as a budget analyst and, over 12 years, rose to become Director of Financial Planning and Analysis.
In 2020, I decided to pivot professionally and focus on data and analytics, as I’ve always loved solving problems through data. I joined NYC Health + Hospitals, where I led analysts and engineers supporting the executive team with reporting and decision-making.
Today, I am Director and Head of the Data & Analytics Department at 32BJ Health Fund, where we ensure our members receive quality and affordable healthcare by managing costs effectively. I also have the honor of serving as President of the Financial Women’s Association, a nonprofit based in New York that supports and empowers women in finance.
How have your Albanian roots influenced your leadership style and work ethic?
My Albanian roots have profoundly shaped me. I grew up in a country that experienced communism, a difficult transition period, protests, and economic hardship. This taught me that freedom and success are not given—they are earned through hard work, knowledge, and courage.
My family also instilled in me the belief that education is the key to changing your life. That belief still guides me today as a leader: I work hard, treat every colleague with dignity, and try to inspire everyone to believe in themselves.
What is your vision as President of FWA, and what priorities have you set for your term?
As FWA President, my vision is to increase our impact in empowering more women in the financial sector. I’ve set three priorities for this term:
- Grow our membership by 20%
- Establish at least four new corporate partnerships
- Strengthen our digital presence and brand recognition
These goals can’t be achieved alone — they require the involvement of every member, because FWA is a community where ideas become reality through collaboration.
How do you see the challenges and opportunities for women in finance today, compared to when you started your career?
When I began, women in finance often lacked support, mentorship, and equal opportunities. Today, things have improved, but challenges remain: underrepresentation in senior roles, pay inequality, and balancing career with family life.
However, we now have more allies, more networks like FWA, and greater awareness to challenge bias. I’m optimistic that the new generation will carry this fight forward—and win.
You’ve mentioned a goal to lead FWA into its 70th anniversary with strategic changes. What does that mean in practice?
It means that FWA won’t remain just a traditional organization, but will transform into a modern, digital, inclusive platform where different generations find a voice, opportunities, and a supportive community at every stage of their careers.
The 70th anniversary is a time for reflection and renewal — we’ll create strategic committees, strengthen partnerships, and introduce innovative ideas to ensure FWA remains impactful for decades to come.
What does it mean to be a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry like finance?
To me, being a female leader in finance is both a responsibility and an opportunity. I’ve learned to speak up, claim my seat at the table, and open doors for others.
The biggest challenge is staying authentic: being strong but also empathetic; leading with vision but also humility. I believe diversity in leadership brings fresh perspectives and drives success for everyone.
What advice would you give to young Albanians who dream of building an international career in finance or management?
First, believe in yourself—don’t be afraid of challenges. Second, invest in knowledge—education always pays off. Third, seek mentors, build networks, and don’t be ashamed to ask for help.
And most importantly: never forget where you come from, because your roots are your greatest strength as you move forward.
Are you personally involved in supporting Albania’s development through diaspora networks?
Yes, I always try to be a bridge between the diaspora and my homeland. Through FWA, individual mentoring, and other projects, I support young Albanians who want to grow professionally. I believe the diaspora has a crucial role to play in Albania’s economic and social development.
Two years ago, I visited Albania and gave a presentation at the American Chamber of Commerce, where we exchanged experiences with members and local businesses.
Do you think it’s time for the Albanian diaspora to develop a joint strategy to support economic development and innovation in Albania?
Absolutely! Now more than ever, we have extraordinary talent abroad that can contribute with experience, investment, and ideas. A joint strategy would be a concrete mechanism to channel this potential into sustainable change in Albania.
In three words, how would you describe your mission at this stage in your life and career?
Inspiration. Optimism. Unity.
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