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International Center of the Capital Region Announces 2026 Achievement Awards Honorees and 70th Anniversary Honorary Chair

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:43:45 GMT

ICCR celebrates outstanding leaders whose achievements have strengthened the Capital Region through innovation, service, philanthropy, education, and global engagement as the organization marks its 70th Anniversary.

The International Center of the Capital Region (ICCR) is proud to announce the distinguished individuals and organizations who will be recognized at the 2026 Achievement Awards , celebrating outstanding leadership, service, and the many contributions that strengthen the Capital Region through global engagement.

This year's awards ceremony will hold special significance as ICCR celebrates its 70th Anniversary of connecting our community to the world through citizen diplomacy, international exchange, and cultural understanding.

Leading this milestone celebration as Honorary Chair is Dr. Michael Brophy, President of Hudson Valley Community College , whose longstanding commitment to education, community partnership, and global engagement has made a lasting impact throughout the Capital Region.

The 2026 Achievement Awards will honor exceptional leaders in six award categories:

Business & Entrepreneurship: James Kennedy
Community Service & Philanthropy: Maria Montero Silva
Distinguished Career: Anshu Chandra
Global Leadership: Dr. Dina Refki
Emerging Global Leader: Dr. Lilly Miaw
Global Citizenship Organization: Swatantra & Srinivas Mitta Foundation Inc.

In addition, ICCR will present a Special Recognition to Ambassador (Ret.) Robert Gossende in appreciation of his extraordinary career advancing international understanding and public diplomacy. This recognition is distinct from the Achievement Award categories and honors Ambassador Gossende's lifelong commitment to building bridges between nations and communities.

"Each of this year's honorees represents the very best of what makes our region thrive," said Beth Wales, Executive Director of the International Center of the Capital Region. "Through leadership, innovation, public service, philanthropy, education, and global engagement, they have enriched our community while demonstrating the power of international connections to strengthen our region."

For nearly seven decades, ICCR has celebrated individuals who have come to the Capital Region from around the world and have helped make it a more vibrant, welcoming, and prosperous place to live, work, and learn. The Achievement Awards continue that tradition by recognizing those whose accomplishments inspire others and reflect the values of citizen diplomacy, inclusion, and cross-cultural understanding.

The 2026 Achievement Awards will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026 , bringing together community leaders, business executives, educators, nonprofit organizations, elected officials, international partners, and supporters to celebrate this year's honorees while commemorating ICCR's 70 years of service to the Capital Region.

Sponsorship opportunities, tickets, and additional event information are available on the Achievement Awards webpage.

Join us as we celebrate remarkable individuals and organizations whose leadership reminds us that global connections truly begin here.

International Center of the Capital Region and University at Albany to Host “2026 Engage America: A Century of American Diplomacy” on October 6

Thu, 14 May 2026 18:02:06 GMT

This special public program will explore the human side of American diplomacy and the critical role diplomats play in advancing U.S. interests, supporting American citizens abroad, strengthening global partnerships, and promoting international understanding.

The evening will feature a presentation by retired U.S. Foreign Service Officer Tom Selinger titled Portraits of American Diplomacy. Drawing from the oral history archives of the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training (ADST), Selinger will share compelling stories of American diplomats — including individuals from New York — who have:

rescued Americans during international crises,
opened global markets for American businesses and agriculture,
strengthened alliances that protect collective security, and
advanced democratic values around the world.

As the United States approaches its 250th Anniversary, the program will also highlight stories from the earliest days of American diplomacy, including how American diplomats in Paris helped secure international support vital to the success of the Revolutionary War.

Following the keynote presentation, attendees will hear from a panel of former diplomats and foreign affairs experts from New York’s Capital Region who will reflect on their own experiences in international service and discuss the continuing importance of diplomacy in an increasingly interconnected world. Both Ambassador (ret.) Donna Welton and Ambassador (ret.) Robert Gosende is a featured panelist.

Guests will also have the opportunity to view a special exhibit developed by ADST showcasing key moments in American diplomatic history.

“This program offers the community a unique opportunity to better understand how diplomacy impacts our daily lives — from economic opportunity and national security to humanitarian assistance and global cooperation,” said the International Center of the Capital Region. “At a time of increasing global complexity, fostering public understanding of diplomacy and international engagement is more important than ever.”

The program is presented through the World Affairs Councils of America network and supported by the Una Chapman Cox Foundation, which promotes excellence in the U.S. Foreign Service and greater public understanding of diplomacy.

The event is open to students, educators, professionals, community members, and anyone interested in global affairs, history, public service, international careers, and America’s role in the world.

Event Details

2026 Engage America: A Century of American Diplomacy
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
University at Albany Performing Arts Center Recital Hall
University at Albany Uptown Campus
Albany, New York

Registration information is available at:
https://iccralbany.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F45712

About the International Center of the Capital Region

The International Center of the Capital Region promotes international understanding and cultural exchange throughout New York’s Capital Region through global education, international visitor programs, public diplomacy initiatives, and community engagement opportunities that connect local and global perspectives.