An Albanian woman originally from Shkodër is seeking a seat in the Connecticut State Senate, bringing her experience as an immigrant, entrepreneur, mother and local elected official to the November 2026 election in the United States.
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Sarelli is already involved in local government in Westport, Connecticut, where she serves as an elected member of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM). She participates in four committees covering public protection, education, parks and recreation, and planning and zoning.
Beyond her work in local government, Sarelli has maintained an active role in the community and nonprofit sector. She served for four years as president of Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport and currently sits on the boards of several nonprofit organizations.
A Family Story Connecting Connecticut with Albania
One of the most distinctive aspects of Sarelli's background is her family's connection to Albania and its tradition of reconciliation.
According to the biography published on her official campaign website, her father was involved in mediating between families affected by blood feuds in Albania, helping them find a path towards reconciliation and peace.
Sarelli says her father's example shaped her understanding of public service and the importance of listening, building trust and finding common ground between people with different perspectives.
These principles are also reflected in her campaign message, which emphasizes dialogue and cooperation across political and social differences.
From Shkodër to the United States
Alma Sarelli comes from Shkodër and has built her life in the United States while maintaining strong ties to her Albanian heritage.
She and her husband, who is originally from Ulcinj, have four children. While raising her family, she pursued her studies in Business Management at the University of California, Berkeley.
Today, she and her husband jointly run a national event entertainment production company, combining entrepreneurship with their family and community commitments.
Her professional experience and involvement in local institutions have helped shape her public profile in Westport, where she has also served on nonprofit boards and participated in civic and philanthropic activities.
From Shkreli to Sarelli: The Story Behind Her Surname
There is another personal detail in Alma's story that connects her American life with her Albanian identity.
Her original surname is Shkreli, not Sarelli. She changed it during the early years of her family's life in the United States because Americans often found the Albanian surname difficult to pronounce.
Now, she says, the time has come for Albanians to recognize her family once again by its original surname, Shkreli.
Her candidacy for the Connecticut State Senate represents another chapter in the journey of an Albanian family that built a life in America without abandoning its roots.
From her father's work in reconciling families in Albania to her own involvement in community life in Connecticut, Sarelli's story brings together two generations and two countries through a shared emphasis on public service and community engagement.