Abrar Kahn, Kahn Construction & Development

In 1968, at just 16 years old, Abrar Khan arrived in the United States from Hyderabad, Pakistan. He didn’t speak English and hadn’t wanted to leave—his dream had been to stay and cultivate his family’s farmland. But even as a child, his entrepreneurial spirit was undeniable. When he was eight, he launched his first business renting out a tire strip for a neighborhood playground. By his early teens, he was supporting farmers and builders through profit-sharing arrangements, helping procure tools, fuel, and seed—always guided by curiosity, ingenuity, and an instinct for business. At 18, just two years after arriving in New York, Abrar bought his first property in Castleton, outside Albany. While studying electrical engineering at Hudson Valley Community College and working as a maintenance man at the Twin Towers in downtown Albany, he converted the property into five rental units—living in the boiler room himself while renting out the rest. Through grit, vision, and a tireless work ethic, he steadily expanded his real estate portfolio. He renovated buildings with his loyal team, whom he considered family. Over time, his portfolio grew to include more than 90 residential and commercial properties across Albany. He won national grants for historic preservation and community revitalization. Later, he and his son founded a real estate development company, buying land and building homes from the ground up. His acquisitions have included the historic Hinckel Brewery, several strip malls, and—most recently—his third shopping mall, which he plans to transform into an experiential community hub. A lifelong believer in family, entrepreneurship, and giving back, Abrar has inspired a new generation: all three of his children are entrepreneurs, as are several nieces and nephews. His wife is an active voice in the community, including as host of Voice of Pakistan on RPI radio. Together, they are committed philanthropists, supporting charities for refugees, women, and vulnerable populations both locally and abroad. Abrar Khan’s life is a testament to what can grow from humble beginnings: vision, dignity, and a legacy that lifts others.

Amina Karic, Esq. LaFave, Wein, Frament & Keric Partner

Kamina Karic is a Partner at LaFave, Wein, Frament & Karic. She joined the firm in October 2019. She is dedicated to advocating for individuals who have been injured, helping them pursue justice and find meaningful answers. Amina earned her bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University, where she majored in International Relations and Political Science, with a minor in French Language and Literature. She went on to receive her Juris Doctor from Albany Law School. She is admitted to practice in the State of New York, State of Vermont and before the United States Supreme Court. Throughout her career, Amina has argued cases before the Appellate Division, Third Department, and the New York State Court of Appeals. Her legal work reflects a strong commitment to serving clients with diligence and compassion. Originally from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Amina is fluent in Bosnian/Serbo-Croatian and other languages spoken across the former Yugoslavia. She also has conversational proficiency in French. Outside of her legal practice, Amina enjoys traveling and spending time with family in Vermont. She is also active in her community, volunteering with children and adults with developmental differences, and supporting inclusive social activities.

Mohammad Jumma Barak, Founding Sponsor of the Afghan American Community Center in Albany

Born in 1970 in Afghanistan, Mohammad Jumma Barak immigrated to the United States in 1989 in search of a better future. Since then, he has built a life centered on hard work, service, and community leadership. A successful small business owner in the Capital Region of New York, Mr. Barak runs a thriving furniture store and is well respected for his integrity and generosity. In addition to his business achievements, Mr. Barak has been a dedicated community leader. Since 2015, he has served as Chairman of Masjid As-Salam in Albany, where he leads initiatives focused on youth engagement, interfaith dialogue, and community outreach. Under his leadership, the masjid has become a welcoming center for spiritual growth, educational programs, and social support. He is also one of the founding sponsors of the Afghan American Community in Albany and has been deeply involved in supporting refugee families as they resettle and rebuild their lives in the United States. Mr. Barak comes from a large family, with five brothers and five sisters. He is married and has five children—two sons and three daughters—who are actively involved in supporting his business and community work. His life is guided by values of compassion, unity, and service.

Jinah Ahn, Founder & Owner, Sunhee’s Farm & Kitchen and Sunhee’s Community Place

Jinah Ahn is a Korean American born in Incheon, South Korea, and raised in upstate New York. She graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and obtained her JD from Albany Law School in 2023. She was a case manager and taught English and employment education with Catholic Charities Community Services in New York City, and was also a Job Developer at the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants in Albany. She then took her experience to start a social venture in the form of a farm-to-table Korean restaurant in Troy, New York. Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen opened in May 2016 and has since provided employment opportunities for immigrants as well as in-house educational services such as English classes and computer literacy programs. Jinah was named as an honoree of Albany Business Review’s 40 under 40, Women on the Rise, and Power 50. She currently works as a first-year Associate with the law firm Whiteman Osterman and Hanna LLP in Albany, New York.

Etwin Bowman, Retired, Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) at University at Albany

Etwin Bowman, born to the parents of Mr and Mrs. Rudolph Mapp, was raised in Barbados and has devoted her life to education, youth empowerment, and community service. After a 16-year career at the Royal Bank of Canada, she moved to the United States in 1985. Two years later she got married to the late Regent Dr. Joseph Bowman. The union produced two daughters, Amber and Alicia. Mrs. Bowman earned degrees in Business Management and Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology. For nearly two decades, Mrs. Bowman led the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) at the University at Albany, mentoring hundreds of underrepresented students toward careers in STEM and licensed professions. Her leadership extended beyond the university—serving on the Board of Trustees for the Albany Leadership Charter High School for Girls, as Vice President of the Capital District Caribbean American Cultural Association, and as a long-time member of the Albany District of The Links, Inc. and Macedonia Baptist Church. A proud Barbadian-American, Mrs. Bowman exemplifies excellence in foreign-born leadership and service, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of scholars and community leaders.

Peter Balint, Retired Executive

Peter Balint is a retired executive with a background in both domestic and international markets. He served as the first Managing Director of NYNEX International in Europe, based in Geneva, where he led market development. Having immigrated to the U.S. at age 13, Peter’s personal experience with cultural challenges has been a key reason for his involvement with the Asian Arts New York (AANY) board. He authored a memoir, “The Shoe in the Danube”, about his immigrant experience as a Holocaust survivor. Peter served on active duty in the U.S. Army for three years, achieving the rank of Captain. He holds a degree in French from Siena College and has completed graduate-level courses from Yale, Princeton, and Baruch. Peter has participated in international business seminars and lectured at the University of Idaho and INSEAD in France. He volunteered for Grandmaster Jiang Jianye’s Health Preservation Association (HPA) and the Capital District Tai Chi and Kung Fu Association. Peter has also served in leadership roles as Commander of the Lake George Power Squadron and Treasurer of the Fan Association of North America (FANA). A practitioner of Tai Chi for over 25 years, Peter is married to Sandra Balint, a Tai Chi Master and longtime supporter of the local Chinese community.