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The South Asian Business Council of Virginia (SABCVA) celebrated the graduation of participants from its AI and Cybersecurity Internship Program at a sold-out conference held March 29, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Dulles.
According to a statement from SABCVA, the event underscored the organization’s expanding efforts to create workforce opportunities in high-demand technology sectors while promoting community empowerment. The ceremony recognized young professionals who completed intensive internship programs offering hands-on experience in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, two fields that continue to drive innovation and economic growth across the United States.
The conference drew hundreds of attendees, including Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, State Senator Kannan Srinivasan, Delegate Atoosa Reaser, and Loudoun County Treasurer Henry Eickelberg, along with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community advocates. Certificates were presented by former Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura and Eickelberg, highlighting the “importance of this initiative within the broader workforce development landscape.”
In addition to honoring the graduates, SABCVA presented the Best Leadership Award to Sadiq Ahmed, a Solutions Architect in AI who represents organizations such as Microsoft at national and international levels, in recognition of his mentorship of interns.
“His guidance and expertise played a critical role in helping students gain confidence, technical knowledge, and practical experience, bridging the gap between education and career readiness,” the statement noted.
SABCVA announced that it has facilitated 100 internships in AI and cybersecurity, specifically designed for individuals with limited or no prior experience in these fields.
“These internships are shaping the careers of our youth, and several participants have already secured positions with leading companies,” said Samara Mansoor, program leader.
Mansoor Qureshi, Chair of SABCVA, added: “This is just the beginning. Over the next two years, we plan to expand our internship programs to reach 1,000 students across Virginia. Every young professional deserves access, mentorship, and the opportunity to build a meaningful career—and we are committed to making that a reality.”
The program emphasizes not only technical training but also mentorship, networking, and real-world exposure, helping participants transition into career pathways that were previously out of reach.
SABCVA leaders noted that the initiative forms part of a broader mission to address workforce gaps and expand inclusive access to emerging industries.
“We are committed to creating real opportunities for our youth,” SABCVA leadership stated. “This is more than internships—this is about building futures, developing leaders, and empowering our community for long-term success.”
Building on the program’s success, SABCVA announced several upcoming initiatives aimed at expanding its impact across Virginia, including 100 summer internships in AI and cybersecurity with interview opportunities, an AI and cybersecurity hackathon for emerging innovators, women empowerment workshops focused on leadership development, a college summer program on public speaking and career readiness, civic engagement workshops, and business workshops covering funding, grants, loans, and federal contracting.
These initiatives are intended to strengthen connections between talent, industry leaders, and economic opportunities across the region.
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