Anti-Trafficking Program Leader | Therapist | Mental Health & Social Justice Advocate
With over a decade of experience in mental health, social services, and human rights advocacy, Irena Kraja is a therapist and program leader committed to combating human trafficking and empowering survivors. Since 2010, she has held key roles across Albania’s civil society sector, leading projects that address trauma, gender-based violence, and systemic inequality.
Currently serving as the Anti-Trafficking Program Leader at the Mary Ward Loreto Foundation, she designs and oversees prevention and reintegration programs for survivors of trafficking. Her work includes developing intervention strategies, providing psychological counselling, leading national-level trainings for service providers, and representing MWL in Albania’s National Referral Mechanism.
Previously, she coordinated the MWL Advice & Service Centre in Tirana, where she built networks for women’s empowerment, provided direct counselling, and supported survivors abroad through online sessions.
Her academic background includes a Master’s in Counselling and postgraduate specialization in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, complemented by ongoing certifications in social innovation, trauma care, and organizational change.
Contact: irena.kraja@marywardloreto.org