Valbona Tika, a first-generation Albanian-American, has a deep-rooted passion for business and entrepreneurship, which she first discovered while helping her parents with their family restaurant in Iowa. Her journey in business led her to establish Lunara Digital in Chicago, a digital marketing agency offering a wide range of services, including integrated marketing, communications, web design, creative solutions, and brand strategy.
Her strong connection to her Albanian heritage is a driving force in her career. Valbona often visits her family in Kercove, North Macedonia, and deeply respects her cultural roots. This connection was further exemplified during her academic pursuit at the University of Iowa, where she earned a degree in Journalism and International Studies while supporting her family’s business.
Valbona honed her marketing skills in Chicago through various corporate roles before launching Lunara Digital. Her commitment to the Albanian community highlights her entrepreneurial journey. Her dedication is reflected in her pursuit to provide opportunities to individuals from North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Albania.
Valbona has expanded her impact on the Albanian-American community by founding an Albanian-American Mentoring group in Chicago. This initiative assists Albanian-American students and young professionals in various personal and professional development aspects, reinforcing her dedication to mentorship and community support.
In addition to her voluntary service, she has been instrumental in elevating the community’s online presence. Taking charge of the organization’s marketing and social media management, she consistently produces engaging content that resonates with the diaspora and beyond. Valbona’s remarkable skills were not confined to her business; she applied her marketing expertise to revamp the community’s website, creating a more dynamic platform for communication. Always forward-thinking, she envisions further enhancements, including interactive features and multimedia elements, to connect the Albanian-American community better.
Her philosophy for young professionals and entrepreneurs centers around the importance of surrounding oneself with a positive and supportive network. Her own story is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and the significant impact one can have on their community and beyond.
