RECAP: 2025 Annual Achievement Awards

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2025 International Center of the Capital Region (ICCR) Achievement Awards on November 5, 2025. It was an unforgettable afternoon celebrating the resilience, leadership, and cultural contributions of individuals who immigrated to the Capital Region and are making our community a better place! These awards shine a light on community leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and visionaries whose global journeys and local impact exemplify ICCR’s mission to build bridges through culture and kindness.

Please visit the 2025 Honoree biographies below and please check back for information on the 2026 Achievement Awards. ICCR will be celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2026, and we look forward to hosting a gala for this special milestone. Nominations for 2026 Achievement Award honorees will open in January 2026, so please subscribe to the ICCR News Alerts by scanning this QR code:

2025 Achievement Awards Photo Gallery

Photography Credits: Sarah Busso Photography

Meet the 2025 Honorary Committee Members

Congressman Paul D. Tonko
Senator Patricia A. Fahy
Hon. John T. McDonald III, RPH
Phil Barrett, Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors
Christine Guerin, ICCR Board President
Dr. Lilly Miaw, ICCR Board Vice President
Scott Styles, ICCR Board Secretary
Mike O’Brien, ICCR Past Board President
Li Barrett, ICCR Board Member

Dr. Philip Fusco, ICCR Board Member
Thomas Gatto, ICCR Board Member
Anton Konev, ICCR Board Member
Mary-Ellen Piche, ICCR Board Member
Al Salinero, ICCR Former Board Member
Chungchin Chen, ICCR Former Board Member
Albany Rotary Club
Bonnie Beard
Daniel Butterworth, Executive Director of RISSE

Diane Conroy-LaCivita
Dale Getto, Capital Area School Development Association (CASDA)
Junior Hitlall, Caribbean Day
Nony Melia, Festival of Nations Co-Vice Chair
Dr. Chibao Miaw
Jeff Miller, Ameriprise Financial
Mizanur Rahman, Festival of Nations Co-Vice Chair
Jeff Saran, CLU, Sunmark Wealth Management

2025 Honorary Committee Members

Albany District Chapter of the Links, Inc.
Di Ma
Emma Starpoint Autism Support Network, Inc. and Cui Group

Festival of Nations
Gul Safi
Khan Family

Rachel Hye Youn Upright
Wei Qin
Yousaf Sherzad

2025 Event Co-Chairs

We are proud to be guided and supported by two esteemed community leaders who embody ICCR’s mission of building bridges through culture and kindness:

John Eberle
President & CEO, Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region
A respected advocate for compassion, inclusion, and philanthropic leadership across the Capital Region.

Manoj Ajmera
Chairman, Festival of Nations
A longtime cultural ambassador and tireless promoter of international friendship and heritage.

Their leadership reflects the spirit of this event: globally inspired, locally rooted, and community-driven.

2025 Master of Ceremonies

Tom Eschen
Anchor/Reporter CBS6 News

With years of experience telling stories that matter to the Capital Region, Tom brings both professionalism and warmth to the state. His commitment to highlighting the people and organizations that strengthen our community makes him an ideal host for the 2025 ICCR Achievement Awards

2025 Honorees: Changemakers Who Inspire Global Understanding

We are proud to recognize honorees in five inspiring categories.

Category 1: Business & Entrepreneurship

Honors a foreign-born community member who has created economic opportunities through business and entrepreneurship. The 2025 Honorees in Business & Entrepreneurship are:

Category 2: Community Service and Philanthropy

Honors a foreign-born community member who has enhanced community programs by giving back through volunteerism and philanthropy.

Category 3: Civic Engagement & Citizenship

Honors a foreign-born community member who has demonstrated leadership in civic engagement, government, and citizenship.

Category 4: Distinguished Career

Honors a foreign-born community member who has achieved exceptional career accomplishments in the for-profit or non-profit sectors in his/her professional field.