Erëza Vela

Senior Communications Strategist | Energy & Climate Policy

Vienna, Vienna, Austria

About

I'm a doer who hates talking about herself but loves talking about her projects. So here are some quick facts about what I've done: 1. I’ve distilled complex topics into accessible narratives and engaging communication campaigns for more iconic organizations than you can shake your phone at. I've mingled with USAID, World Bank, European Union, European Commission, UN, Millennium Challenge Corporation, Westminster Foundation for Democracy, and many more. 2. I’ve led the advertising efforts for most industries you encounter daily. From a global cement producer like Titan to Coca-Cola, Samsung, and countless smaller brands in energy, banking, construction, manufacturing, mining, insurance, retail, and beyond. 3. I’ve managed numerous teams and budgets of over $3 million. Who knew storytelling could be this lucrative? 4. I’m a media junkie. And by that, I don’t mean cute IG posts. I mean the serious, traditional media with actual news. I was an executive producer and anchor of an economic TV show for four years. Loved it. 5. Currently, I'm all about Energy and Climate. I dive into the EU Green Deal for bedtime reading. It’s more thrilling than it sounds, I promise. I even made myself go get a diploma on the EU Green Deal from the Florence School of Regulation. Because why not? 6. I stumbled into the communication world by accident. I applied for an intern position at a PR company, but the guy said I looked too fragile for the job. Three years later, I built my own creative agency and took many of his clients. 7. The UK saw something in me (beyond my fragile exterior) and granted me a Chevening scholarship for a master's degree at Goldsmiths University London. They haven't regretted it yet! 8. If I wasn't spinning stories, I'd be spinning spaghetti. My dream alternate career? Slinging linguine in a cozy island restaurant with just five tables. 9. Let's chat—about projects, passions, or the best pasta recipe. I promise, I won't bore you with bland small talk. 10. I’m a mom of two amazing and very opinionated kids.

Experience

  • Communications Expert at Energy Community
    Mar 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 4 mos

  • Board Member at Open Society Foundations
    Oct 2019 - Apr 2024 · 4 yrs 7 mos

  • Co-Founder at Red Mill Agency
    Aug 2012 - Apr 2024 · 11 yrs 9 mos

    RedMill is a Kosovo based advertising, marketing, and public relations agency. Founded in August 2012, RedMill provides a wide range of integrated communications and marketing services to numerous clients including donor community, financial institutions, government institutions, political parties and largest businesses in Kosovo. Currently it employs 20 employees. As of May 2013, RedMill started developing and producing the foremost televised talk program in Kosovo that focused on economic issues, named “Ekonomia me Erëzën”, broadcast primetime on national TV station, KTV. RedMill Agency is a member of Chartered Institute of PR, American Chamber of Commerce, Kosovo Chamber of Commerce and Kosovo CSR Network. It was founded by Erëza Vela.

  • Deputy Team Leader - EU for Kosovo Communications Services / Europe House at Pomilio Blumm
    Jan 2020 - May 2023 · 3 yrs 5 mos

    Responsible for strategically devising and implementing media and outreach campaigns, and related activities for European Union Office in Kosovo.

  • Deputy Team Leader at Europe House Kosovo
    Oct 2019 - May 2023 · 3 yrs 8 mos