ANGELA KOSTA AND CHANEL BASHHYSA, OF ARBËRESH HERITAGE, WIN THE “DIVINELY WOMAN” INTERNATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD AT THE ITALIAN SENATE

On March 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM, the prestigious Sala Zuccari of the Italian Senate hosted the third edition of the International Excellence Award “Divinamente Donna,” organized by the VerbumlandiArt APS Association.

Among the distinguished women recognized from diverse fields—art, literature, culture, journalism, entrepreneurship, and contemporary society—the International Excellence Award for Culture was presented to renowned international cultural promoter, translator, and writer Angela Kosta. She was honored with the following citation:

"For her outstanding cultural and literary contributions, capable of building bridges across peoples, languages, and diverse sensibilities, in the spirit of dialogue and peace… Poet, writer, journalist, and tireless cultural promoter, Angela Kosta has given words an international dimension, transforming them into a tool for unity and awareness. Her profound and refined literary work addresses universal themes such as identity, exile, human dignity, and women’s condition, giving voice and light to contemporary female experiences. Through her cultural initiatives and collaborations with international artistic institutions, she has elevated culture as a creative force for dialogue, respect, and collective growth. For the coherence of her career, the quality of her work, and for making culture a means of emancipation and intercultural exchange, she represents an authoritative example of intellectual excellence and human sensitivity."

The award was also presented to ten-year-old Albanian author Chanel Bashhysa for her debut book, “Michelle and Her Princess Dream,” which is gaining remarkable popularity in Italian bookstores. Her citation reads:

"For her sensitivity and extraordinary creativity at such a young age, transforming imagination into a story that inspires and captivates. In 'Michelle and Her Princess Dream,' Chanel Bashhysa, at just ten years old, delivers a delicate and radiant tale, where desire is not only fantasy but also the drive for growth, courage, and self-confidence. Through the purity of a child’s perspective, she reminds us that every girl can be the princess of her own destiny—not by a crown, but through the strength of heart and the beauty of values. By giving voice to the magic of childhood, inspiring other girls to believe in their dreams, and proving that talent knows no age when fueled by genuine passion, she emerges as a promising new voice in literature and a symbol of hope for the future."

In her acceptance speech, Angela Kosta thanked the VerbumlandiArt APS Association, its President Regina Resta, and the Honorary Scientific Committee:

"This award carries responsibility and encourages me even more—not only to promote, but also to continue building cultural bridges even where I have not yet reached, so that the Albanian language, literature, and voice are recognized across the most distant countries and continents. This honor is for all of us—not just Albanian women, but everyone contributing to contemporary art and culture, both in our country and throughout the diaspora."

The 2026 Jury composition underscores the prestige of the Divinamente Donna Award, celebrated for its dedication to literary and artistic excellence, scientific research, social engagement, and the promotion of women’s voices worldwide. To ensure authority, diversity of vision, and the highest quality in selected works, the extraordinary Jury included prominent cultural figures from Italy and abroad, with Angela Kosta serving as the representative for the Foreign Authors category.