Rina Hajra-Gjoka is thrilled to take on her new role as Assistant Professor of Theatre Voice at The University of Central Florida. Her specialties include voice and speech, filmmaking, and devising new works. She is a proud member of the Voice and Speech Trainer’s Association (VASTA), and she has extensive training in the Kristin Linklater vocal technique. Her research interests span the actor’s voice and accents, the intersection of her heritage and artistic practice, and the role of storytelling and filmmaking in addressing social justice.

Her award-winning film, My Sekret War (Phoenix Film Festival, Dea Open Air Festival in Albania, Los Angeles Film Awards, etc.), chronicles the life and redemption of a young child of the Kosovo War. Her documentary debut, Kept Promise (2025), will premiere at the Fan Noli Film Festival in Boston in June 2025. Rina holds an MFA in Acting with a focus on the creation of new works from The Ohio State University. Her past acting credits include Lumen Repertory Theatre in Jacksonville, FL, voice-over narration for Kept Promise, accent coaching for Florida State College at Jacksonville, and directing at the Wexner Center for the Arts in Columbus, OH.