Our Board

Dr. Ilir Hoxha is a public health specialist and health services researcher with expertise in health systems, evidence synthesis, and healthcare quality. He holds a medical degree from the University of Prishtina, an MSc in Health Systems Management from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and a PhD in Public Health from the University of Bern. He also completed specialist training in public health at the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo.

He is a professor at Heimerer College and Managing Director of the Evidence Synthesis Group in Prishtina.

Dr. Hoxha serves as a Board Member of Action for Mothers and Children, bringing expertise in public health, research and health systems to the organization.

Dr. Agron Abrashi is a physician specializing in general internal medicine who practices in Switzerland, as well as a philanthropist and longtime supporter of Action for Mothers and Children. He has remained closely connected to efforts to improve maternal and child health in Kosovo and has been recognized for his humanitarian work and commitment to the well-being of children and families.

Dr. Abrashi has been a dedicated supporter of AMC for many years, contributing to the organization’s mission through his philanthropy, advocacy and continued commitment to improving the health of mothers and children in Kosovo.

Ardiana Bunjaku is an accomplished accounting and auditing professional with extensive experience in professional governance, institutional development and public policy in Kosovo. She has been actively engaged in national and international committees and organizations, including initiatives related to Kosovo’s development strategy, qualifications framework and tax administration.

Ardiana previously served as Chair of the Board of Action for Mothers and Children and now serves as an Honorary Board Member, continuing her longstanding connection to and support for AMC’s mission.

Dr. George A. Little is a co-founder of Action for Mothers and Children and Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. He is currently working closely with AMC and healthcare professionals in Kosovo to support the development and implementation of a Neonatal Referral System, aimed at improving the timely and coordinated referral and transport of newborns requiring specialized care.

A pioneer in neonatology, Dr. Little established New Hampshire’s first neonatal intensive care unit and has dedicated much of his career to improving maternal and newborn health. Following the war in Kosovo, he and Dr. James C. Strickler established the Dartmouth-Kosovo Alliance to help address the country’s high maternal and fetal mortality rates. Their work led to the creation of the Foundation for Healthy Mothers and Babies, which later became Action for Mothers and Children.

For more than two decades, Dr. Little has maintained a close relationship with Kosovo, supporting healthcare professionals, strengthening neonatal care and helping build lasting collaboration between Dartmouth and Kosovo’s health institutions.

Richard S. Lukaj is an Albanian-American investment banker, philanthropist and advocate for Kosovo. He is a founder and senior managing director of Bank Street, with decades of experience in investment banking and transactions across technology, media, telecommunications and other sectors.

He has also played a significant role in supporting education, economic development and philanthropy in Kosovo, including helping establish the American University in Kosovo, now RIT Kosovo.

Richard was also a founding supporter of the organization that became Action for Mothers and Children, established in honor of his late daughter Adelina. He continues to support AMC and its work to improve maternal and child health in Kosovo as an Honorary Board Member.

Philip Sigwart is an international banking and financial services executive with more than two decades of experience in emerging markets. He currently serves as Group CEO of Baobab Group, a financial services group focused on microfinance and financing for small and medium-sized businesses in Africa. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership positions with ProCredit Group, including serving as CEO of ProCredit Bank Kosovo.

His years in Kosovo established a strong connection to the country and its development. He continues that commitment as an Honorary Board Member of Action for Mothers and Children, supporting AMC’s mission to improve the health and well-being of mothers and children in Kosovo.

Dr. James C. Strickler was a co-founder and Honorary Chairman of Action for Mothers and Children and Dean Emeritus of Dartmouth Medical School, now the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. A physician, educator and global health leader, he served as dean of Dartmouth Medical School from 1973 to 1981 and later devoted much of his career to humanitarian and international health work, including with the International Rescue Committee.

Following the war in Kosovo, Dr. Strickler and Dr. George A. Little established the Dartmouth-Kosovo Alliance in response to the country’s high maternal and fetal mortality rates. Their work helped strengthen maternal and newborn health services and led to the creation of the Foundation for Healthy Mothers and Babies, a nonprofit support structure that later became Action for Mothers and Children. Through this work, Dr. Strickler helped lay the foundation for a long-standing partnership between Dartmouth and health institutions in Kosovo that continues today.

His commitment to maternal and newborn health, medical education and sustainable healthcare partnerships continues to shape AMC’s mission and work.

Elia Zaharia is an Albanian actress and singer with a background in theatre and performing arts. She studied drama in France, including at the National Conservatory of Bordeaux and Paris 8 University, and has performed in theatre, film, and television in Albania.

She serves as an Honorary Board Member of Action for Mothers and Children, supporting AMC’s mission to improve the health and well-being of mothers and children in Kosovo.