Editor’s note: On Nov. 8, The Troy Record published the following article about the International Center of the Capital Region’s annual awards luncheon held Nov. 6 in the BTC Meeting Rooms.
TROY, N.Y. — The International Center of the Capital Region (ICCR) recently hosted its third annual Achievement Awards Luncheon.
The event recognizes extraordinary contributions by foreign-born members of the community who have enriched the Capital Region through volunteerism, advocacy and civic leadership, according to a press release announcing the Luncheon. Held at Hudson Valley Community College’s Bulmer Telecommunications Center, it brought together community leaders, supporters and honorees to celebrate the positive impact of cross-cultural dialogue and inclusion in the region.
The event was co-chaired by ICCR past board president Michael O’Brien and past vice president Fred Erlich, both long-standing advocates for ICCR’s mission, the college’s release said.
This year’s honorees were recognized for their achievements across five categories:
Business & Entrepreneurship Award — Kelechi and Obie Nwagboso, founders of KEOBI Restaurant, for creating economic opportunities and cultural vibrancy through their culinary enterprise.
Community Service & Philanthropy Award — Dr. Hnin Wai Lwin Myo, founder of the Myanmar Multiethnic Sociocultural Association, honored for her volunteerism and contributions to community enrichment.
Civic Engagement & Citizenship Award — Sol Kapunan, Founding President of Kalayaan 1521 Council Inc., recognized for his leadership and commitment to civic engagement.
Distinguished Career Award — Steve Ridler, Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, for outstanding achievements and contributions in his professional field.
Volunteer of the Year Award — The Streznewski/Reilly Family, Bess Arden, Barbara LaMarche, and Maryellen Rudolph for their exceptional dedication to ICCR’s mission through volunteerism, including hospitality, event planning and web design.
Two organizational awards were also presented this year: RISSE received the Global Citizenship Award for fostering inclusivity and global understanding, while Consumer Directed Choices, Inc. was awarded the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging Award, with an additional individual recognition for Hongwei Zhang, Senior Vice President of Operations.
During the luncheon, ICCR announced the launch of its Digital Future Fund, a campaign aimed at raising funds to enhance ICCR’s online presence and digital infrastructure, including the development of a new website, officials said.
To commemorate this new initiative, Thoroughbred Advisors presented ICCR with a ceremonial check for the first $1,000 toward this effort. This campaign will help ICCR introduce digital improvements to better serve its growing community and broaden its outreach efforts.
“Today, we honor individuals and organizations whose dedication and contributions strengthen our community, while also looking toward a future that allows ICCR to expand our mission digitally,” said ICCR Executive Director Holly Planells McKenna in the release. “We are deeply grateful to Thoroughbred Advisors for their foundational gift and look forward to building a brighter, more connected digital future for ICCR.”
“We’re honored to support ICCR’s Digital Future Fund, as this campaign embodies the spirit of community growth and inclusivity that aligns closely with our values,” said Conor Boyd, Founder and Managing Partner of Thoroughbred Advisors in the release. “We believe that a strong digital presence will empower ICCR to reach and impact even more individuals, fostering connections across cultures and supporting meaningful dialogue within our community.”