Ramiz Tafilaj

Ramiz Tafilaj
Born	(1949-05-06) 6 May 1949 (age 76) Deçan, Yugoslavia (now Kosovo)
Occupations	Businessman philanthropist activist publisher
Known for	Advocacy for the Albanian cause; founder of Jalifat Publishing
Spouse	Diana Tafilaj
Children	3
Awards	President's Lifetime Achievement Award (2018); Kalorës i Urdhrit të Skënderbeut (2008); other local and cultural honors

Ramiz Tafilaj (born 6 May 1949) is an Albanian-American businessman, philanthropist, activist, and publisher. He is known for advocating greater recognition of Albanian history, culture, and human rights. ^[1]

Early life

Tafilaj was born into a working-class family in Deçan, Yugoslavia. ^[2] While he began his studies at the University of Zagreb, he emigrated to the United States in 1974, where he completed his higher education in Houston, Texas. ^[3]

Philanthropy and activism

In addition to his business ventures, Tafilaj is also a philanthropist and activist. He has supported Albanian mutual aid societies and fraternal organizations in the United States, Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Montenegro.^{[ citation needed ]} He has also lobbied for the Albanian interests in the United States and beyond.^{[ citation needed ][ specify ]} Tafilaj has founded and supported numerous publishing ventures, including the Jalifat Publishing Company, which has published works by major Albanian writers, such as Jusuf Buxhovi, Hajredin Kuçi, Faton Bislimi, Avni Spahiu, and Nuhi Vinca.^{[ citation needed ]}

Honors and recognition

In 2018, Tafilaj was honored by United States President Donald Trump with the President's Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest civilian distinction given to individuals who have dedicated over 4,000 hours of volunteer service to their communities through service and civic engagement. ^[4] Additionally, he has received recognition in his hometown of Deçan and from the Mayor of Vushtrri for his contributions to affirming the National Albanian Issue, the work done by students and supporters with scholarships, and the affirmation of Albanian culture and history.

In 2022, the Municipality of Pukë accorded him the title of Citizen of Honor for his contribution to the democratization of Albania and the liberation and independence of Kosovo. Tafilaj received the Mirënjohje award from the Albanian American Cultural Center. The award recognized his voluntary engagement in the Albanian-American community, as well as his cooperation with US institutions in Washington, DC. The award also acknowledged Tafilaj's philanthropy and publication ventures.^{[ citation needed ]}

Tafilaj has also been recognized for his humanitarian work and contributions to education, including sponsoring over 100 Albanian students for university education in the United States and assisting them with integration into American society. In recognition of his contributions to education and humanitarian work, Tafilaj was awarded the title Akademik Mark Krasniqi and Krenaria e Alpeve Shqiptare.^{[ citation needed ]}

In 2022, he was awarded the title Kalorës i Urdhrit të Skënderbeut (Eng: "Knight of the Order of Skanderbeg") by the President of Albania, Ilir Meta. ^[5]

Tafilaj has received numerous other awards for his contributions to the Albanian cause, including the Idriz Seferi award from the municipality of Gjilan and recognition from the Lidhja e Krijuesve Shqiptarë në Mërgatë and the Association of Independent Intellectuals.^{[ citation needed ]}

Personal life

Tafilaj married his wife, Diana, in the 1970s. They have three adult children; One is an entrepreneur, another is a vice president in the banking industry, and the third is a nonprofit executive.^{[ citation needed ]}

References

1. "Ramiz Tafilaj, Director, Board of Directors – International Virtual e-Hospital" . Retrieved 2025-08-14.
2. "Trump honors Albanian Ramiz Tafilaj with the Lifetime Achievement Award". Telegrafi. 2019-01-06. Retrieved 2025-09-03.
3. "Ramiz Tafilaj, Director, Board of Directors – International Virtual e-Hospital" . Retrieved 2025-09-03.
4. "Trump honors Albanian Ramiz Tafilaj with the Lifetime Achievement Award". Telegrafi. 2019-01-06. Retrieved 2025-08-14.
5. "Ramiz Tafilaj, shqiptaro-amerikani i jashtëzakonshëm, nderohet për ndihmën atdhetare dhe për rikuptimin e historisë shqiptare". Bota Sot. Retrieved 2025-08-14.