Emina Cunmulaj Nazarian is an Albanian-American entrepreneur, philanthropist and Honorary Consul of Albania to Florida whose life’s work is dedicated to service and global impact. Born in the United States and raised in Montenegro, her early experiences during the Balkan conflict shaped a deep commitment to compassion, resilience, and community upliftment.
After gaining international recognition as the first Albanian supermodel — appearing on the covers of Vogue and Elle and working alongside legendary designers such as Karl Lagerfeld and Giorgio Armani — Emina redirected her global platform toward purposeful advocacy and philanthropy.
She is the founder of Emina’s Hand Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering underserved families and vulnerable communities. Through scholarships, mentorship initiatives, humanitarian aid, and cross-border educational opportunities, the foundation invests in long-term solutions that foster dignity, access, and leadership for the next generation.
As Honorary Consul, Emina works to strengthen cultural, educational, and economic ties between Albania and the United States, championing collaboration that benefits both nations. She also serves on the boards of the Baptist Health Foundation, the Younes & Soraya Nazarian Family Foundation, and the Coordinating Council for the Albanian Diaspora, where she advocates for strategic philanthropy and community advancement.
A sought-after speaker at institutions including Harvard, Brown, and the University of Michigan, Emina inspires audiences to transform visibility into responsibility and influence into meaningful, lasting change.
Emina currently resides in Coral Gables with her husband, Sam, and their three children.