Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Guberaj.
Hi Tony, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The Albanian American Organization of Southwest Florida (AAOSWFL) was founded in 2016 as a nonprofit organization with a simple but meaningful goal: to bring Albanian families together and preserve the language, traditions, and values that connect us to our roots.
What started as a small vision shared by a few passionate community members has grown into a strong and supportive network of families across Southwest Florida. At its heart, AAOSWFL is about community — creating a place where Albanian-Americans can stay connected to their heritage while building a sense of belonging for future generations.
Our mission focuses on supporting the Albanian-American community through cultural, educational, and charitable initiatives. We work to preserve the Albanian language and traditions, create opportunities for families to connect, and advocate for the well-being of our local community. Everything we do is centered around unity, identity, and long-term sustainability.
One of the initiatives we are most proud of is Shkolla Shqipe Naples, our Albanian school program. The school recently began its second academic year in September 2025 and has become a very special part of our community. Every Friday evening, students ages 6–16 come together at North Naples Middle School not only to learn the Albanian language, but also to experience Albanian culture through community activities and traditional dance.
For many families, the school represents something much bigger than education. It’s about making sure our children grow up understanding who they are, where they come from, and feeling proud of their heritage. Seeing young children speak Albanian, learn traditional dances, and build friendships within the community has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
AAOSWFL is led entirely by volunteers who donate their time and energy because they genuinely care about the future of our community. Our board members serve with the belief that leadership is about responsibility and service — not recognition. The organization continues to grow because of the collective effort of families, teachers, sponsors, volunteers, and community members who believe in the mission.
Looking ahead, our long-term vision is to continue strengthening Shkolla Shqipe Naples while building toward something even bigger: a permanent Albanian Community Center in Southwest Florida. We want future generations to have a place they can always call home — a place where culture, language, traditions, and community continue to thrive.
Serving as President for the 2026–2027 term is truly an honor for me personally. Like many Albanian-Americans, my story is rooted in sacrifice, hard work, and family values. I grew up understanding the importance of respecting where we come from while appreciating the opportunities we have here in America.
For me, this role is not about standing in the spotlight. It’s about helping build something meaningful that will outlive all of us — something our children and future generations can continue to be proud of.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road — and I don’t think meaningful work ever is.
One of the biggest challenges in community leadership is that everyone involved is a volunteer. People have families, careers, responsibilities — and yet they still show up because they care. Coordinating energy, time, and expectations in a volunteer-driven environment requires patience and understanding.
Another challenge is earning trust. In any growing community, people want to make sure decisions are thoughtful and fair. That means listening more than speaking, moving carefully, and sometimes taking extra time to build consensus instead of rushing forward.
On a personal level, balancing leadership with family and professional responsibilities has also been a learning experience. I’ve had to become more intentional with my time and remind myself that sustainable leadership matters more than fast leadership.
But challenges aren’t setbacks — they’re part of the process. They force you to communicate better, to stay humble, and to lead with clarity instead of emotion.
If anything, the obstacles have strengthened our resolve and reinforced that when people stay focused on the mission, unity always wins.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a Mortgage Loan Originator based in South West Florida, specializing in residential financing for homebuyers, self-employed clients, and real estate investors. My focus is helping people understand their options clearly and making the loan process feel smooth and manageable.
What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built through referrals and long-term relationships. A lot of my business comes from past clients and community connections, which means a lot to me.
What sets me apart is being hands-on, responsive, and solutions-focused. I believe in being honest, prepared, and making sure clients feel confident throughout the process. I’m also proud to represent the Albanian-American community in SouthWest Florida (Naples) and stay involved in supporting the community however I can.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I am deeply grateful to the board members of the Albanian American Organization of Southwest Florida — Silva Selfollari, Ana Gjergji, Genti Puro, Lauert Spaho and Albert Mucka — for their partnership, encouragement, and unwavering dedication to serving our community. Over the past three years, we have worked side by side, and I am proud of what we continue to build together.
Shkolla Shqipe Naples teachers, Mrs.Dallandyshe Dallo and Mrs.Alketa Burimi, thank you for your support and dedication with the kids every Friday!
I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to the past board members and leaders of the organization who laid the foundation for where we are today. Your vision, sacrifice, and commitment built the path we now walk.
Most importantly, a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in our community — our generous sponsors, the young parents who faithfully bring their children to Shkolla Shqipe Naples, and the dedicated teachers who give their time, patience, and heart to educating the next generation.
None of this happens without the many community members who give their time, energy, and love. The credit belongs to all of you. This legacy belongs to the community.
And I hope more individuals will step forward to join, serve, and continue building what we have started — together.
We move forward — for our children, our culture, and our future.
And of course, to my family — thank you for your constant support. Your love and strength mean everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aao-swfl.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaoswfl/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShkollaShqipeNaples
