Ramiz Tafilaj

Ramiz Tafilaj
Born	(1949-05-06) 6 May 1949 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 recognized for his contributions to the Albanian community in the United States and beyond. Tafilaj is known for advocating for broader recognition of Albanian history, culture, and human rights.

Early life

Tafilaj was born into a working-class family in Deçan, Yugoslavia. In 1974, he emigrated to the United States.

Philanthropy and activism

In addition to his business ventures, Tafilaj is 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. He has used his resources and influence to lobby for the Albanian cause in the United States and beyond. 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.

Honors and recognition

In 2018, he was honored with the President's Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also received recognition in his hometown of Deçan and from the Mayor of Vushtrri for his contributions to the affirmation of 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 gave 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 for his work and contribution in support of the Albanian national cause. The award recognized his voluntary engagement in the Albanian-American community and his cooperation with state institutions of the US in Washington, DC. The award also acknowledged Tafilaj's philanthropy and his publication of numerous works that reflect Albanians across the world.

Tafilaj has also been recognized for his humanitarian work and contributions to education. He has sponsored over 100 Albanian students for university education in the US and has helped them integrate 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.

In 2008, he was awarded the title Kalorës i Urdhrit të Skënderbeut by the Albanian President.

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.

Personal life

He has a wife named Diana, with whom he married in the 1970s. They have three adult children. One is an entrepreneur, another is a VP in the banking industry, and the third is a nonprofit executive.