Dr. Arta Istrefi is a long-time advocate for women’s empowerment in business and ICT, with over a decade of experience mentoring entrepreneurs and building bridges to global opportunities. She has mentored through UN Women Europe and Central Asia and is a member of the Leaders Circle at The Female Factor, a global women’s leadership network. Currently, Arta serves as Country Program Officer for the Swiss Entrepreneurship Program, where she supports the growth of entrepreneurial ecosystems and facilitates access to investment and international networks. She is also Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Heimerer College, where she equips the next generation of founders with the skills to innovate and scale. Arta holds a PhD in Business Administration and an MSc in Economic Development from the University of Nottingham, which honored her with an Alumni Award for her impact on women entrepreneurs in Southeastern Europe. Her research and professional focus lie at the intersection of entrepreneurship, digital transformation, innovation, and investment readiness.