We are Shoqata Ulqini, a non-profit Albanian-American Association in the U.S. representing the city of Ulqini. Our mission is to preserve our culture, values, and identity while uniting and supporting our community at home and abroad. With your help and support, we are able to accomplish these important goals and look forward to growing as an organization and as a community. This organization belongs to us all, and we are excited for what the future has in store for us. Together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish
Preserve culture, unite community.
Strong, connected global Ulqin diaspora.
Heritage • Unity • Education • Support • Respect
Community Leader & Founder
Dzemal Lanica is a prominent Albanian-American community leader and the president and founder of the Albanian American Association of Ulqin. Born in Ulcinj, Montenegro, a city with a significant Albanian population, he immigrated to the United States in 2018 and settled in Staten Island, New York.
Community Advocate: Lanica actively advocates for the rights and interests of the Albanian diaspora, particularly those from Montenegro. He emphasizes the importance of preserving Albanian culture, history, and language, especially for second and third generations living in the United States.
Founder and President: He founded the Albanian American Association of Ulqin, Inc. in February 2022, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering cultural preservation, community building, and political outreach within the Albanian diaspora residing in Staten Island. The organization is credited with providing cultural classes to nearly 200 children and facilitating funding of $1,000,000 in donations and contributions for humanitarian and cultural initiatives.
He holds an Associate’s degree in Political Science and Government from Mesdhetari Tirana, earned between 2015 and 2018. In April 2024, he started his own business company in building industry!
Honorary Citizen: In May 2025, Lanica was declared an Honorary Citizen of New York, becoming the youngest Albanian to receive this prestigious title in the city and throughout the United States. This honor recognized his contributions and the contributions of many other Albanians to the promotion and protection of Albanian rights in Montenegro. The declaration coincided with a celebration of Montenegrin Independence Day.
Lanica’s work has been acknowledged through a City Hall proclamation for his organization’s efforts in cultural preservation, community building, and political outreach. He believes that hard work and dedication can lead to achieving dreams in the United States, and he’s committed to continuing his mission of working for the rights, identity, and advancement of Albanians worldwide, particularly in Montenegro.
Board Member
Amir Pelinku is a valued Board Member of the Albanian American Association of Ulqin. His dedication, commitment, and continued support have contributed greatly to our organization and its mission of serving and strengthening our community. We are proud to have Amir as part of the Shoqata Ulqini family.
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