Featured Member: Antigona Mehani

A big thanks to YPAL’s Featured Member sponsor – Franklin Law Group!

-What is your day job?

Employment Services Manager- Kentucky Refugee Ministries

-Why did you join YPAL?

I wanted to be around like-minded folks who appreciated this city and wanted to do more to promote community services and outreaching through development and leadership programs.  

-How are you involved with YPAL?

Professional Member, Emerging Leader Graduate 2015, and Recipient-Young Professional of the Year 2016

-Why did you choose Louisville?

Louisville chose me and my life was forever changed. This city has given opportunities that I don’t think I would find in any other metropolitan cities. I got a great education, made lifelong friends and have the opportunity to work with people who need us the most. So why not Louisville, a city with a small town feel.

-What was your first job?

Barista at Starbucks. I loved it. I still know how to make the coffees. I never complain though when my drink isn’t right when I order Starbucks now.

-What is your career ambition?

To have the honor to represent the city of Louisville as its Mayor.

-Book recommendation?

Women Who Run with the Wolves- Clarissa Pinkola Estés

-What makes Louisville weird?

Louisville gives you the freedom to promote individuality, expressionism, local art, as well as atypical lifestyle choices and leisure activities and it has been a great home for refugees.

-Favorite thing to do in Louisville?

Attend as many YPAL networking events as I can and visit the Ali Center once a month. Also, to enjoy all these new eatery places.  

-Favorite restaurant(s) in Louisville?

Café Classico and Butchertown Grocery

-What is the best career advice you have received?

Always stay positive, stay focused, stay humble, stay hungry- those are the keys to success. Also, on your way to success lift as many people as you can. There is room for everyone to succeed. Especially, us women, we need to support each other both personally and professionally, especially now and more than ever.

-What is your favorite thing about being a YPAL member?

The opportunity to connect with community leaders and like-minded individuals in many career arenas and to engage in the Louisville community through service and outreach to develop professional leadership skills.

-Have a fun hobby(ies)?

Boxing, hiking and riding my motorcycle.

-Coolest place you have ever traveled?

I am no stranger to traveling having visited cities all over the US and abroad. I would have to say back home, which is Kosovo, and I also love Washington DC.