Arben Istrefi is the Sterling District School Board Representative. He is currently the Chief Operating Officer at CYDEO, a tech education company on a mission to create tomorrow's tech workforce by re-skilling those who are looking for a better life. CYDEO has served thousands of students in over 24 countries and builds programs that focus on “life outcomes” for those who need it most.
Before joining CYDEO as a startup in 2018, Arben spent nearly fifteen years as an IT and management consultant in the public sector. He has led technology teams and programs across city, state and federal government. He has also co-founded and served in leadership positions in a number of nonprofits. His passions lie in uplifting and mentoring culturally diverse youth, helping them to chart their own individual leadership journeys, creating spaces that build confidence in combination with skills, and helping them find their voice in the process. He is one of the 2023 NOVA 40Under40 Honorees, a recognition of 40 regional leaders under 40 who are making a difference in their communities through their work, volunteerism and service.
Arben is an alumnus of Harvard Business School (HBS) and graduate of the HBS General Management Program. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Seton Hall University’s School of Diplomacy. He is also a State Department alumni and Critical Language Scholarship recipient. He was born and raised in New Jersey, but has lived in the DC area since 2012. Arben currently lives in Ashburn, VA with his wife and son.
School Board Information
Schools Represented within Sterling District
