Introduction
Merita Avdyli, the Founder of Successful Mothers CIC, embarked on a remarkable leadership journey as part of the first cohort of the Shpresa Leadership Programme. Passionate about empowering mothers to take control of their personal and professional lives, Merita leveraged the programme to enhance her leadership skills, expand her initiative, and create lasting community impact.
The Shpresa Leadership Programme Experience
Merita was an active participant in every session and activity of the Shpresa Leadership Programme. She fully immersed herself in the learning process, demonstrating unwavering commitment to personal and professional development. As part of the programme, she attended sessions on:
- Understanding Leadership & Civic Engagement – Learning how to effectively lead within a community setting and engage in civic activities.
- Public Speaking & Presentation Skills – Enhancing her ability to articulate her vision with clarity and confidence.
- Strategic Planning & Fundraising – Developing frameworks for scaling community projects and attracting external funding.
- Resilience & Emotional Intelligence – Strengthening her ability to navigate challenges and lead with empathy.
- Networking & Collaboration – Connecting with other leaders to exchange ideas and build impactful partnerships.
Her mentor, Jonathan Ellis, played a crucial role in guiding her through the programme. He noted her exceptional clarity in articulating her vision despite the challenges of securing funding. Together, they worked on shaping a strategic proposal that could attract both supporters and funding for her initiative.
Leadership in Key Events and Campaigns
Merita played a pivotal role in leading key events alongside other leaders from the first cohort of the Shpresa Leadership Programme. She helped organize The Mother Teresa Event and the Celebrating the First Cohort Event in Parliament, which drew an audience of over 300 attendees. These events showcased the impact of the leadership programme and celebrated the achievements of participants.
Additionally, Merita became actively involved in various campaigns as part of the leadership programme. Through these experiences, she significantly improved her political literacy skills, deepened her understanding of the system, and learned how to navigate it effectively to advocate for change.
Shifting London Start-Up Programme with SSE
As part of the partnership between Shpresa and the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE), Merita applied for and was accepted into the SSE Shifting London Start-Up Programme. She successfully completed the programme, gaining essential skills in entrepreneurship and leadership. Through this initiative, she secured a £3,000 grant, which she utilized to launch weekly coffee morning sessions for the Shpresa Women’s Support Group every Saturday at Barking Library. These sessions provided a safe space for women to connect, share experiences, and receive support, making a tangible difference in the community.
Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities
Recognizing the importance of family support structures, Merita enrolled in the Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities parenting programme as part of her leadership training. After completing this training, she took the initiative to facilitate a 13-week programme for 12 women at the Shpresa Women’s Support Group. Her ability to translate her learning into impactful action highlights her exceptional leadership and dedication to empowering others.
Becoming a Mentor for Future Leaders
Merita’s journey came full circle when she returned to the Shpresa Leadership Programme as a mentor for a participant in the third cohort. This milestone underscores her evolution from a participant to a leader who now inspires and guides others on their leadership paths.
Merita Avdyli’s success story is a testament to the transformative power of the Shpresa Leadership Programme. Her journey exemplifies how the programme nurtures leaders who drive positive social change. From expanding her initiative, securing funding, and facilitating community programmes to mentoring future leaders, Merita has demonstrated the profound impact of investing in leadership development.
Her story is an inspiration to current and future participants, showcasing that with the right support, training, and perseverance, community leaders can create meaningful and lasting change. The Shpresa Leadership Programme continues to equip individuals like Merita with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to turn their visions into reality.
