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Violeta Berisha, who was recently sworn in as mayor of the town of Fairview, in the state of New Jersey, becoming the first Albanian-American and the first woman to hold this office since the establishment of this municipality, says that she does not never thought he would run a city. Her family, originally from Puka, left Albania to escape communism in 1951.
Violeta herself was born in Italy and her family immigrated to the United States over 50 years ago when she was only 3 months old. In an interview for the Voice of America, she recounts how every American immigrant had big dreams and her ascension to the office of mayor proves that anything can be achieved.
Mrs. Berisha, who will lead a municipality of more than 15 thousand inhabitants, told her colleague Klementina Cenkollari that in Fairview, there is a small Albanian-American community, but she vows to help them, as well as the Albanians who live in the cities around. She says she is proud to be Albanian.
VOA: Ms. Berisha, last week you were sworn in as Mayor of Fairview, becoming the first Albanian-American and the first woman to hold this high office. What does this mean for you, professionally and personally?
Violeta Berisha: For me it means that a person can achieve everything he aims for. I never dreamed that I would run a city. Before that, I had held the position of counselor, which was something very special for me. And now, to be the mayor, the first Albanian as mayor, the second Albanian as mayor, but the first in the state of New Jersey, this is very special.
Voice of America: Mrs. Berisha, your family immigrated to the USA a long time ago, when you were only 3 months old. How has this journey been for your family and yourself?
Violeta Berisha: Like every other immigrant who comes to America, we all have a dream. I don't know if it was my dream to become mayor, but it is very special that I am in this position. This means that immigrants, Albanians who come to America are achieving what they thought would never be possible. I tried to be close to people. I help the development of the city. It is something very rewarding for us. I like it when people do good. I am very proud of myself for helping others, helping the city. It is a useful experience.
VOA: To whom do you dedicate this success story in your life?
Violeta Berisha: Absolutely to my parents and children. Without them, I don't know where I would be. I mentioned this during the speech I gave when I was elected. They have helped me with everything and to overcome every obstacle that I have encountered in life. It is known that different things happen to everyone in life. And if it hadn't been for them, if they hadn't pushed me to do the right thing, I don't know where I'd be.
VOA: Let's get back to your mission as mayor. What are your priorities and what do you think could be the main challenges during your term in office?
Violeta Berisha: Look, what many people see as a challenge, I see as an opportunity. I think it's going to be a big, really big thing to be able to help the city grow, help stabilize taxes, add property values, keep the city orderly and safe. I live here. I want to see my city prosper. I actually don't see that many challenges yet. I am not sure what I will face now. I think about how everywhere is the influx of immigrants coming to the city. I wouldn't want to see anyone get hurt or anything else happen to them. So, I don't see any big challenges, I even hope there won't be any, but even if there are, I'm ready to face them.
Voice of America: Ms. Berisha, let's talk a little about the Albanian-American community. How big is the Albanian community there?
Violeta Berisha: We don't have many Albanians, but there are more in the surrounding cities. The Albanian community makes up about 10% of the city's population. I am ready to help them with whatever they need, in any of the cities and who will turn to us for help in this community. I am ready to help them with everything I can. Maybe 200, 300. I'm not quite sure of the exact number.
VOA: I would also like to ask you in general about your perspective on the Albanian diaspora here in the United States, specifically, its integration into American society?
Violeta Berisha: As you know, Albanians have advanced a lot in American society. There's nothing they can't do. Now Albanians are mayors, judges, entrepreneurs, so nothing is impossible for them. So I am very proud of them. I am very proud to say that I am Albanian. /VOA
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