Dea Merkaj is the Head of Education, Training & Employment (ETE) at Aspire. With over 11 years of experience in youth services, she has dedicated her career to helping young people—particularly those facing complex challenges—access opportunities to thrive.

Her background spans frontline support, programme development, and strategic leadership, all driven by a deep commitment to empowerment, inclusion, and long-term impact.

In her role at Aspire, Dea leads the organisation’s efforts to design and deliver high-quality education, training, and employment pathways. She works closely with partners, employers, and community stakeholders to build tailored support systems that meet the diverse needs of Aspire’s clients. Dea oversees service delivery, develops innovative programmes, and ensures that every person Aspire supports has the tools and confidence to move forward in life.