Meet The Team
Arta Rexhepi
Creator, Producer & Writer of 25@25
Arta Rexhepi is the Founder and President of The Artistè Foundation, dedicated to advancing human rights through the power of arts, storytelling, and creative expression.
An Albanian-Canadian journalist, writer, and storyteller, Arta arrived in Canada as a refugee during Canada’s humanitarian response to the Kosovo refugee crisis through Operation Parasol. Her journey through displacement, loss, and personal challenges shaped her belief that art heals and has the power to transform communities which has shaped her lifelong commitment to using storytelling and creative expression as a catalyst for empathy, social change, and justice.
Arta’s professional experience includes CBC, CTV Atlantic, and CTV News Channel as a national writer, and has also collaborated with Museum of Immigration, Pier 21 producing the 25th Anniversary of Operation Parasol which led to the 25@25 project and other public works.
Drawing on her family’s rich artistic heritage and her own lived experience, she founded The Artistè Foundation to inspire dialogue, preserve cultural memory, and champion human rights through the arts.
Arber Rexhepi
Art Illustration
Rexhepi comes from a highly artistic family; he is the son of the renowned Canadian-Albanian muralist Zeqirja Rexhepi. He has been an active member of the Visual Arts Nova Scotia (VANS) community and has been involved in local advocacy for the preservation of public art in the Halifax area.
Professional Profile
Based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Rexhepi operates Arbër Inc. (formerly Rexhepi Design), where he works as a Creative Technologist. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in: UX/UI Design & Brand Identity, Web Development, Graphic Design.
Artistic Style and Focus
As a visual artist, Rexhepi is recognized for a "distinctive style of deliberate imperfections" that aims to convey powerful human emotions and dilemmas. His portfolio includes Manga & Character Design, 3D Modeling & Sculpting, Digital Painting & Animation.
Xheni Puka
IT & Operational Assistance Volunteer
I am part of 25@25 project and Artiste Foundation as an IT & Operational Assistance Volunteer, where I support website maintenance & occasionally handle IT requests. While I do not have extensive experience in this area, I approach it with great passion and dedication to the foundation. I hold a bachelor and master degree in Engineering and have over five years of professional experience in this field, currently working as a Project Supervisor in the GTA.
My greatest blessing in life is my family, and my personal passions include walking—especially along the coastline—reading, and enjoying live music. I am enthusiastic about combining my technical skills and professional experience to contribute meaningfully, and I am always eager to learn and grow in new challenges.
Ilirjana Latifi
Researcher
Ilirjana Latifi is an entrepreneur whose work bridges care, creativity, and community. She brings leadership and passion rooted in cultural empowerment.
President of the Albanian Association Kosova – Montreal, Ilirjana champions Albanian culture in Quebec. With a background in physiotherapy from the University of Prishtina and training in advocacy and peacebuilding, she embodies purpose driven leadership and creativity.
Apply Today
Join Our Volunteer Team!
Are you passionate about making a difference? We invite you to become a part of our dedicated volunteer editorial team! By joining us, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute your skills, gain valuable experience, and help create a lasting impact.
Send your CV to arta.rexhepi@artistefoundation.ca and become a part of our mission today!