Through this celebration we not only honor past and present generations, but we inspire future generations with the important contributions of honorees.

The formal ceremony includes remarks from state officers, lawmakers, and the public. Along with the prestigious Immigrant Day awards, three special memorial awards will be presented.

 Milagros Acosta has been a force for positive change in Connecticut's Latino communities since her relocation to the United States in 2000 from Lima, Peru. A dedicated advocate and community leader, Milagros has spent her career uplifting those in need and providing a voice for the underrepresented.

She graduated from Springfield College in 2013 with a degree in Human Services, showcasing her commitment to serving others. Since 2016, Milagros has held the position of Bilingual Senior Constituent Engagement Coordinator at the Connecticut General Assembly, where her role involves engaging with constituents and ensuring that their voices are heard in the legislative process.

Milagros began her career in media in 2006, starting as a radio host at 840 “La Gigante” in Connecticut. Her pioneering spirit led her to produce the state's first youth radio show, connecting with younger audiences and providing a platform for their voices. Her career then shifted to the Department of Health and Human Services in Hartford, Connecticut, where she worked from 2007 to 2014. In her role as a coordinator and family social worker for the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program, she organized the Annual Grandparents and Families Fair for seven years and served on the Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.

In 2011, Milagros played a significant role as an instructor and translator for the “Making the Most of the Second Time” course alongside Dr. Louis Loomis. She also represented grandparents at the “Fourth Grand National Rally” in Washington, DC. Her work with grandparents extended into schools, juvenile courts, and child support hearings, advocating for legal custody and support for grandparents raising their grandchildren.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Milagros's commitment to community service is profound. From 2004 to 2014, she coordinated the Religious Education Program at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Hartford, overseeing sacramental preparations and teaching in both English and Spanish. This decade-long dedication to religious education is a testament to her commitment to guiding others through faith and compassion.

Milagros has been recognized for her work by Hartford's Mayor and other elected officials, reflecting the impact she has made in the community. She also serves as a commissioner for the West Hartford Housing Authority and as a Justice of the Peace, furthering her advocacy for families and children in Connecticut.

Milagros Acosta's journey from Lima to becoming a respected leader in Connecticut is a story of resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to service.

Asim Etem was born and raised in Romania, always dreaming of a new life in the United States. After spending about 20 months in a refugee camp, his dream came true when he immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 16. Despite facing numerous challenges, Asim's determination to succeed and his desire to become a stand-up and well-respected citizen fueled his journey.

To support himself, Asim took on various jobs, including dishwashing, lawn care, snow removal, and construction. It was during this time that he discovered his passion for cooking, which eventually led him to become a chef. By the age of 23, he had not only become an American citizen but also established his own business. This achievement marked the beginning of his commitment to supporting others who faced similar struggles.

As a teenager, Asim played a key role in organizing soccer games and other events to foster a sense of community among Romanian immigrants in the U.S. These efforts helped individuals grow both personally and as a community. Today, he owns a restaurant where he actively engages with the Romanian community and offers guidance to newcomers, providing them with the support and resources he once needed.

Asim believes in paying it forward, sponsoring numerous events and contributing both financially and with his time to Romanian churches in his community. His dedication to assisting others in their personal growth and development is a central part of his life's mission. Through his restaurant and community work, Asim continues to inspire others and support them in their journey toward success in a new country.

 Carlos A. Mouta's journey is a testament to the impact that immigrants can have on their adopted communities. Born to Portuguese parents in Mozambique, Carlos moved to Hartford, Connecticut, in 1975 at the age of 14. Despite facing cultural and lang uage challenges, he graduated from Hartford Public High School and continued his studies at Post College and Central Connecticut State University.

Carlos's professional journey began in the Circulation department at the Hartford Courant, but his true passion lay in real estate. He joined Prospect Management as a property manager, overseeing more than 600 apartments under real estate developer Al Piedemonte. In 1989, Carlos founded Parkville Management, formerly known as Westside Property Management, marking the beginning of his influential career in the property development sector.

Under Carlos's leadership, Parkville Management has grown to own and manage over 400 apartments and condominiums and more than 7 million square feet of commercial and industrial space. The company's footprint includes most of the major commercial buildings in the Parkville community, contributing significantly to the area's revitalization. Carlos has also shown a commitment to preserving history by converting former industrial sites into mixed-use developments, allowing residents to live, work, and play within these transformed spaces.

Beyond his work in real estate, Carlos is actively involved in the community. He serves on the Board of Directors for Connecticut Children's Hospital and is engaged with several nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving Parkville. His contributions were further solidified with the successful launch of Parkville Market, Connecticut's first food hall, which opened during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Carlos's achievements have not gone unnoticed. He was listed in the Hartford Business Journal's 2020 Power 50 and recognized as one of the Top 5 to watch in 2020. His ongoing project, the redevelopment of the former Whitney Manufacturing Company, promises to bring 189 residential units and an additional 80,000 square feet of commercial space to the community. 

Carlos A. Mouta's story is one of resilience, vision, and dedication to community development. As the Immigrant of the Year, he is a beacon of inspiration for those who seek to create positive change through hard work and a commitment to giving back.

 Harinder and Maninder Randhawa's story is a remarkable testament to the perseverance and determination of immigrants who come to the United States seeking a better life for themselves and their families. Originally from Punjab, India, Harinder was the first of his family to make the bold move to America in the 1980s, followed by his wife, Maninder, years later. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language, and starting over in their careers, they remained steadfast in their pursuit of the American dream.

Harinder Randhawa began his journey by taking modest jobs, working in underprivileged areas, and facing barriers due to his academic titles from India not being recognized in the United States. However, his tenacity eventually led him to become a successful business owner. Starting with a Domino's franchise in Connecticut, Harinder, with the help of his brother Gurdev, transformed this venture into a thriving business, eventually expanding to several franchises. Harinder's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish multiple pizzerias, including Papa Roni's in Windsor Locks, and liquor stores such as All Star Wine & Liquors in Manchester, CT, and another in Avon, CT.

Despite the success with franchises, Harinder's inherent drive for independence led him to start his own businesses, where he could have full creative control. Through his ventures, he has contributed significantly to the local economy and provided jobs for other immigrants, giving them an opportunity to work towards their own dreams. Many of his employees have gone on to start their own businesses, continuing the cycle of empowerment.

Maninder Randhawa also demonstrated immense resilience and success in her career. After working various jobs to make ends meet, she joined the U.S. Postal Service, where she has worked for over 30 years, eventually rising to the position of Postmaster. Throughout her career, she has diligently served the state of Connecticut, and her success in her professional life has been mirrored by her invaluable support to her husband's businesses. Even after a full day's work, she would often help manage their businesses, proving to be the backbone of the Randhawa family.

Together, Harinder and Maninder have raised three successful children. Gurchetan, their eldest son, is a physician at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, while their daughter Rachna and youngest son Sukhraj have both excelled in their corporate careers. The Randhawa children credit their success to their parents' sacrifices, hard work, and unwavering support.

In addition to their professional achievements, Harinder and Maninder have made significant contributions to their community and the Sikh Punjabi culture in Connecticut. They have opened their home to other immigrant family members, providing support as they establish themselves. They have been active in cultural events, contributing to festivals like Diwali and Vaisakhi, sponsoring Punjabi singers, and participating in their Gurudwara (Sikh Temple), where they have cooked and served Langar (community meals). 

Through their hard work, commitment to their faith and culture, and dedication to their family and community, Harinder and Maninder Randhawa have become pillars in the Connecticut community and role models for immigrants everywhere. They serve as a beacon of hope, proving that with resilience and determination, the American dream is attainable. 

  Leonid Sigal, the Hartford Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster, is being honored as the Immigrant of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the world of music and his exceptional career as a violinist, conductor, and educator. Sigal's journey from Moscow to the United States is a story of remarkable talent, dedication, and a passion for music that has earned him critical acclaim and admiration.

Born in Moscow, Russia, Leonid Sigal began playing the violin at the age of five and soon demonstrated extraordinary talent. He was accepted into the prestigious Gnessin School of Music, and later graduated with excellence from the Tchaikovsky Conservatory. His early performances were marked by virtuosity and musical sensitivity, earning him recognition in various competitions and the 1993 Meadows Artistic Scholarship Award.

In 1995, Sigal moved to the United States, where he continued his studies under Erick Friedman and attended masterclasses with renowned violinists Isaac Stern and Pinchas Zukerman. He was invited by Michael Tilson Thomas to a prestigious fellowship at the New World Symphony, where he served as one of the principals and also received coaching in conducting. Sigal's career flourished with performances across the globe, including recitals, chamber music, festival, and orchestral appearances in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Germany, Great Britain, France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Russia, Japan, and South Korea.

His collaborations with esteemed artists such as Mstislav Rostropovich, Evgeny Kissin, Edgar Meyer, Joseph Silverstein, James Ehnes, Roberto Diaz, and William Wolfram reflect his status as a passionate chamber musician. In 2007, he became the Artistic Director of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra's Sunday Serenades chamber music series at the Wadsworth Atheneum, further establishing his influence in the music community.

As a soloist, Sigal's performances with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra have garnered high praise, with repertoire including Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy, Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, and concertos by Mozart, Brahms, Sibelius, Barber, and Shostakovich. His recording of Stephen Michael Gryc's Violin Concerto "Harmonia Mundi," commissioned by the HSO, is a testament to his talent and commitment to new music.

Sigal's contributions to music extend beyond his performances. He serves as concertmaster and assistant conductor of the Atlantic Classical Orchestra, is a faculty member at the University of Hartford's The Hartt School, and has held various roles with the Florida Philharmonic, the San Diego Symphony, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. His work with the Emmy Award-winning and nationally syndicated program "All Star Orchestra" underscores his versatility and leadership in the classical music world.

Leonid Sigal's remarkable journey from Moscow to the United States embodies the spirit of the Immigrant of the Year award, showcasing the profound impact that immigrants can have on their communities and the arts. His dedication to music, coupled with his passion for teaching and mentorship, has made him a revered figure in the American classical music scene. His story is an inspiration to all, illustrating that with talent and perseverance, one can achieve greatness and leave a lasting legacy.

Adrian Sylveen, an award-winning musician, is being recognized as the Immigrant of the Year for his significant contributions to music and his remarkable career as a conductor, violinist, and artistic director. His journey from Poland to the United States has been marked by extraordinary achievements and a deep commitment to promoting classical music.

Sylveen is the artistic director of the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra and the Connecticut Lyric Opera, where he has made a substantial impact on the classical music scene in Connecticut. Over his career, he has conducted approximately 35 operatic titles and has an extensive orchestral repertoire, showcasing his versatility and depth as a musician.

Sylveen's international experience spans across the United States, Poland, Italy, Israel, Cuba, Switzerland, Germany, and the former Soviet Union. He has worked with renowned ensembles such as the Israel Chamber Orchestra, Holguín Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra da Camera di Greve-In-Chianti, Olsztyn Philharmonic, Elbląg Chamber Orchestra, and the Central Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra. His leadership and musicality have earned him recognition and respect among his peers and audiences worldwide.

From 2011 to 2013, Sylveen was a conductor for the Magnum Opus series with the New Britain Symphony – The Connecticut Virtuosi. He is also the founder of the Classical Orchestra of Pila in Poland and the Hartford-based Moniuszko Choir, established in 2016. His creative vision and dedication to music have led him to launch and direct successful musical initiatives.

Sylveen has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the American Council for Polish Culture's Primus Inter Pares Award, presented by the President of the Republic of Poland. He was granted permanent U.S. residence for "Extraordinary Abilities in the Arts," further emphasizing his significant impact on the music industry.

His educational background includes a Master of Music and an Artist Diploma from the Yale University School of Music, as well as a diploma with distinction from the Paderewski Music Academy in Poznan, Poland. Sylveen has participated in several international festivals, including those in Weimar and Łancut, which have contributed to his musical growth and expertise.

Since 2012, Sylveen has been on the faculty of the Virtuosi Summer Music Institute in Farmington, Connecticut, and has served as the Artistic Director of the Greve Opera Academy and Chamber Music Festival in Greve-In-Chianti, Italy, since 2015. His dedication to education and fostering musical talent has had a lasting impact on aspiring musicians.

Sylveen has collaborated with many exceptional artists, including Brunilda Myftaraj, Eckart Lorenzen, Luca Rinaldi, Theodore Arm, Jurate Svedaite, Carl Tanner, Jorge Pita Carreras, Michael Wade Lee, Steven Frederiks, Stefan Szkafarowsky, Neal Larrabee, Dmitri Novgorodsky, Rafael Lewandowski, and many others. These collaborations reflect his commitment to excellence and his desire to bring the best in classical music to audiences around the world.

Adrian Sylveen's journey from Poland to the United States is a testament to the remarkable contributions immigrants can make to the arts and their adopted communities. His talent, passion, and dedication to music have inspired many, and his influence continues to grow as he champions classical music both in the United States and internationally.

Myra M. Oliver Memorial Award Honorees: Rep. Kate Farrar & Rep. Leeper

 State Representatives Kate Farrar and Jennifer Leeper are this year's recipients of the Myra M. Oliver Memorial Award, recognizing their outstanding dedication to supporting refugees and immigrants in Connecticut. Their commitment to public service and advocacy for newcomers exemplifies the spirit of Myra Oliver's legacy, a champion for immigrants' rights and social justice.

Since taking office in November 2020, Representative Kate Farrar, serving the 20th District, and Representative Jennifer Leeper, serving the 132nd District, have worked tirelessly to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for immigrants and refugees in Connecticut. Their visionary leadership and collaborative efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of those seeking safety and opportunity in the state.

Representatives Farrar and Leeper's advocacy has resulted in over $5 million in funding to support refugees and immigrants, offering them a crucial lifeline as they rebuild their lives. In response to the humanitarian crises in Afghanistan and Ukraine, the representatives collaborated with key organizations such as the Connecticut Institute for Refugee and Immigrants (CIRI), Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS), and Jewish Family Services (JFS). Their collective efforts led to an additional $1 million in the state budget for short-term and supplementary rental assistance, providing essential support for those in need.

Through their steadfast commitment, Representatives Farrar and Leeper have ensured that these funds not only offer immediate relief but also establish ongoing support within the state budget, promoting the integration and success of newcomers in Connecticut. Their work has strengthened the social fabric and economic health of the state by enabling refugees and immigrants to become self-sufficient and contribute to their communities.

Beyond their legislative achievements, Representatives Farrar and Leeper's dedication extends to fostering a sense of community and belonging among newcomers. By championing policies that uphold the dignity and rights of immigrants, they have become leading voices for compassion and inclusivity in Connecticut's political landscape.

The Myra M. Oliver Memorial Award is a fitting tribute to these two distinguished legislators who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the principles of service and advocacy. Representatives Farrar and Leeper's contributions not only honor Myra Oliver's legacy but also inspire others to continue the vital work of supporting and empowering refugees and immigrants in Connecticut. Their leadership is a beacon of hope for those seeking a better life and a brighter future in their new home.  

Angela R. Andersen Memorial Award Honoree: Alona Voronova

Alona Voronova is receiving the Angela Andersen Memorial Award for her extraordinary work in immigration law and refugee advocacy, particularly her unwavering commitment to supporting Ukrainian refugees. This award, named after the late Angela Andersen, recognizes individuals who demonstrate dedication and compassion in promoting immigrant and refugee rights in Connecticut. Alona's tireless efforts to help immigrants and refugees rebuild their lives embody the spirit of Angela Andersen's legacy.

Throughout her internships and her time as a part-time worker during her second year of law school, Alona distinguished herself as a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of immigration in Connecticut. Her profound understanding of immigration law and her deep-rooted passion for justice and fairness drive her to serve those in dire need on a pro bono basis. This commitment aligns with a pledge she made to her law school, underscoring her sense of duty to the community.

One of Alona's most notable achievements is her role in facilitating the inclusion of Ukrainian and 24 other languages in Connecticut DMV's driving tests, demonstrating her commitment to easing the integration process for immigrants and refugees. Her advocacy efforts at the legislative level have had a tangible impact, reflecting her innovative approach to public service and her dedication to helping others.

Alona's contributions extend beyond her legal expertise. She co-founded and leads the Connecticut for Ukraine Refugee Matching Program, where her fluency in Ukrainian and meticulous attention to detail have greatly contributed to a high application success rate for Ukrainian refugees seeking asylum. This initiative showcases Alona's capacity to transcend language barriers, foster trust among refugees, and efficiently manage the asylum application process.

Her involvement in a public communications campaign has been instrumental in raising awareness about the plight of Ukrainian refugees and garnering community support. Alona's ability to connect with diverse audiences has enhanced the impact of outreach efforts, including the successful organization of the Independence Day of Ukraine in Hartford. Her personal connection to Ukraine, through her brother's service on the front lines, fuels her commitment to fundraising and supporting her homeland through the Moya Ukraine nonprofit.

Alona's recognition as a leader within the local Ukrainian community reflects her unique blend of professionalism, integrity, and compassion. Her dedication to making a positive impact, her linguistic skills, and her legal expertise render her an exceptional advocate for immigrants and refugees. Alona's unwavering commitment to her work and her community makes her a deserving recipient of the Angela Andersen Memorial Award. 

 Salma Khatoon Farid Award Honoree: Violeta Kovaci

Violeta Kovaci's journey began in Albania, where she earned her BA in English from the University of Tirana. In 1996, she made Connecticut her home, bringing with her a passion for education and a deep sense of community. Her pursuit of academic excellence continued in the United States, where she earned two Master of Education degrees, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and growth.

As a teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Violetta has touched the lives of countless students, guiding them through the complexities of learning a new language and helping them integrate into their new communities. Her dedication to education goes beyond the classroom, as she has served on the Connecticut TESOL board and has initiated various programs to support those in need.

 One of Violeta's most impactful achievements is the founding of the Hartford High School Model United Nations club. This initiative reflects her commitment to inclusivity, leadership, and global consciousness, empowering students to engage with world issues and develop a sense of responsibility towards their communities. The heartfelt stories and accolades from her students speak volumes about the transformative impact she has had on their lives.

 Violeta's work embodies the spirit of the Salma Khatoon Farid Award—compassion, perseverance, and a commitment to helping others. Her leadership in organizing support for those in need, along with her tireless advocacy for education, has enriched the lives of her students and their families. Her influence extends beyond the classroom, fostering a sense of unity and empowerment within the Hartford community.

 As we honor Violeta Kovaci tonight, we celebrate not only her remarkable achievements but also the inspiration she provides to all who know her. Her journey from Albania to becoming a respected educator and advocate in Connecticut is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to community support.

 Please join us in congratulating Violeta Kovaci, a true luminary and a fitting recipient of the Salma Khatoon Farid Award. Her contributions to education and the Hartford community exemplify the values we hold dear, and her story is a beacon of hope and resilience.