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