Making Policy Personal: Emiriana Stanishja MPA ’24

June 17, 2026

MPA alumni wearing graduation cap and gown

Emiriana Stanishja ’24
Degree: Master of Public Administration
Hometown: Kruja, Albania

Emiriana Stanishja arrived at the Brooks School with a clear vision of her long-term career goals: finding meaningful work in international development with a focus on economic policy and sustainable finance. Before coming to Cornell, Stanishja worked in public debt management at the Ministry of Finance in Albania.

She applied to the Brooks School hoping to broaden her perspective and develop experience working abroad. Stanishja appreciated that the Cornell MPA program enabled her to tailor her studies to her specific interests. “I was especially drawn to the concentration in economic and financial policy, as well as the certificate in environmental finance and impact investing, which aligned perfectly with my career goals,” she said.

Stanishja was particularly proud of a class project focused on green financing in developing countries. “The project aimed to explore especially how green bonds can be an effective tool for financing environmentally sustainable projects in these regions, while also identifying the specific hurdles that limit their adoption,” she said. “The goal was to propose solutions that could make green bonds more effective and accessible in driving sustainable development in developing countries.”

Stanishja says her favorite part of attending the Brooks School was getting involved in student organizations. She served as vice president of external relations for the Cornell Public Affairs Society and vice president of the Albanian Student Association. “I had the chance to develop leadership skills and connect with like-minded peers,” she said. “I also loved the inspiring faculty who were always supportive, the vibrant school traditions that brought everyone together, and the campus environment that provided a balance between academics and relaxation.”

Today, Stanishja is working as a consultant on the debt statistics team in the Development Economics Unit at the World Bank, where she focuses on ensuring comprehensive and transparent external debt data. She values the Brooks School for helping her prepare for this role. “I have built a strong foundation in both finance and policy, and the connections I’ve made with faculty, alumni, and professionals in the field have been invaluable in creating a clear and informed career trajectory,” she said.

Stanishja advises future Brooks students to take advantage of all of the opportunities the school has to offer.

“Don’t be afraid to explore different courses and find what truly interests you, even if it’s outside your comfort zone,” she said. “Building relationships with faculty and reaching out to alumni can provide insights and guidance that go beyond the classroom. Attend events and networking opportunities because they’re a great way to connect with people in your field and learn from their experiences. Also, make the most of any hands-on experiences, whether, through research or internships, they really help solidify what you learn. In essence, your time at Brooks is what you make of it, so be proactive in seeking out experiences that align with your goals.”