Liljana Jonoski has been active in the civil society sector for more than 18 years and, since 2019, has served as Executive Director of the Rural Coalition—an organization working in the field of local socio-economic development. Its work encompasses capacity building of the local civil society sector, agriculture, rural development, climate change, gender equality, transparency and accountability, local youth activism, monitoring and evaluation. She works as a consultant, researcher, trainer, mentor, and facilitator, with deep knowledge and experience in regional and local development, human rights, public administration reform, youth activism, gender equality and gender-responsive budgeting, strategic planning and institutional/organizational development, financial sustainability, project management, monitoring, and advocacy. She is the author of numerous academic papers and public policy documents in the fields of law, politics, and local economic development, with a particular focus on integrating gender perspectives into national and local policies. She also serves as a researcher and author of long-term strategic documents aimed at the development of civil society organizations and local self-government units.
“Mentorship is important because it creates space for growth, learning, and personal development. A mentor is not only someone who transfers knowledge, but also someone who encourages, guides, and helps others see things from a different perspective. For me, mentorship represents an opportunity for personal and professional growth, building self-confidence, and creating a relationship that motivates and inspires. Furthermore, mentorship is important to me because I believe that real development comes through support, the sharing of experiences, and learning from those who have already walked a similar path. To me, a mentor is someone who not only shares knowledge, but also motivates, encourages, supports, and brings energy, creativity, and perspective.”