Laura Konda
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Laura Siliqi Konda | |
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| Born | October 30, 1961 Tirana, Albania |
| Nationality | Albanian, American |
| Occupation | Journalist, author, translator, educator |
| Known for | Longtime journalist for Voice of America (Albanian Service) |
| Spouse(s) | Gjergj Konda |
| Children | 2 (Tedi and Martin) |
| Parent(s) | Drago Siliqi (father), Drita Siliqi (mother) |
Laura Siliqi Konda (born October 30, 1961) is an Albanian-American journalist, author, translator, and educator, best known for her 21-year career as a broadcast journalist for the Voice of America (VOA) Albanian Service.[1][2]
Early life
Konda was born in Tirana, Albania. Her father was Drago Siliqi, a poet, literary critic, and director of the "Naim Frashëri" state publishing house.[3] Her mother, Drita Siliqi (née Shundi), was a professor of literature at the University of Tirana and served for several years as editor-in-chief of the magazine "Shqiptarja e Re" ("The New Albanian Woman").[4][5]
Career
Konda worked as a journalist for the newspaper Zëri i Rinisë ("The Voice of Youth") and later lectured at the University of Tirana.
In 1995, Laura emigrated to the United States with her family. In October 1998, Konda joined the Voice of America's Albanian Service, initially working on its radio programs.[1] In November 1999, she became one of the inaugural anchors of VOA Albanian's first television program, "Ditari" ("Journal").[6] The program gained a large following in Albania, Kosovo, and the Albanian diaspora.
During her 21-year career at VOA, Konda covered pivotal events in the Balkans and internationally.[6] She reported extensively on the Kosovo War and its aftermath. She was on the air to announce major milestones, including Kosovo's declaration of independence in 2008 and Albania's admission into NATO in 2009. Her reporting also encompassed the canonization of Mother Teresa, U.S. presidential elections, and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. During the Kosovo refugee crisis in 1999, she helped coordinate a special VOA phone line that allowed refugees to leave messages for relatives, an effort to reconnect families separated by the conflict.[6]
On July 22, 2019, Konda announced her departure from VOA at the end of a live broadcast.[2]
In 2021, Konda compiled and published Një jetë në fluturim (A Life in Flight),[3] a comprehensive anthology of her father's poetry, critical essays, and letters, released on the 90th anniversary of his birth.[7][8] The project was a continuation of preservation efforts started by her mother.
After retirement from VOA, Konda has written essays on literary topics for Albanian publications and translations.[9]
Personal Life
Laura Konda is married to Gjergj Konda, an economist and former minister and deputy minister of economics in Albaniana's post communist government. They have two sons. After initially living in Massachusetts, the family settled in the Washington, D.C. area.
Legacy and Honors
n recognition of her contributions toward the accomplishments of the mission and goals of the agency, the Voice of America awarded a Silver Medal.
In December 2019, the Union of Albanian Journalists awarded her a lifetime achievement award in a ceremony held in Pristina, Kosovo, celebrating her "persistent multi-year work" and high standards of reporting.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "The iconic figure of "Voice of America" delivers the last edition! He leaves after 20 years". Telegrafi. Retrieved 2019-07-22.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Journalist Laura Konda leaves Voice of America after two decades". BalkanWeb. Retrieved 2019-07-23.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Doli në qarkullim "Një jetë në Fluturim" – botim antologjik me krijimtari origjinale të shkrimtarit DRAGO SILIQI". Voice of Albanians. 5 February 2021. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
- ↑ "In memoriam Në 2 Mars 1933 ka lindur studiuesja e letërsisë Drita Siliqi – Mikja ime e shtrenjtë Drita Siliqi Nga Eglantina Mandia". Voice of Albanians. 2 March 2021. Retrieved 2021-03-02.
- ↑ "Shuhet modeli i pedagoges profesioniste, Drita Siliqi". Gazeta Telegraf. 21 August 2013. Retrieved 2013-08-22.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Rizvani, Xhemazije (8 October 2023). "Laura Konda: Je fytyra e lajmit për publikun, i mirë apo i keq qoftë ai". PortAlb. Retrieved 2023-10-10.
- ↑ "A Life in Flight". Ivanaj Foundations. 7 May 2021. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
- ↑ "Promovohet "Një jetë në Fluturim" i poetit Drago Siliqi, Laura Konda rrëfen të atin". shqiptarja.com. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
- ↑ "The Adventures of Alice in the Albanian Wonderland". Gazeta Dielli. 6 October 2015. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
External links
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