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The South Asian Business Council of Virginia brought together entrepreneurs, executives, investors, government officials and community leaders for its EMPOWER VIRGINIA 2026 conference on September 20 at the Hyatt Regency Dulles in Herndon.
Approximately 1,000 people attended the daylong event, including more than 200 CEOs, entrepreneurs, senior executives and business leaders, according to SABCVA. The nonprofit organization said the conference focused on entrepreneurship, workforce development, government contracting, innovation and professional networking.
Organized under the leadership of SABCVA Chairman Mansoor Qureshi, the event was centered on the theme “Lead, Connect, Grow.” Its program included a CEO Leadership Forum, a luncheon for business leaders, speed networking, a startup pitch competition and an awards ceremony.
The CEO Leadership Forum featured Anil Sharma, CEO of 22nd Century Technologies Inc.; Salil Sankaran, president of AMPCUS Group; Srini Bayireddy, CEO of Navitas; Mike Clancy, senior vice president at Oracle; Saif Mirza and Kumail Khas, founders of Big Impact Tech; and Caleb Max, CEO of the National Artificial Intelligence Association.
Mel Ghani, CEO of First Frontier Group, and project manager Abigail Sabio moderated the forum.
Panelists discussed building sustainable companies, responding to business setbacks, developing effective teams and using technology to support growth. The conversation also addressed the federal contracting process, including identifying government buyers, developing competitive proposals and building relationships with prime contractors.
Government contracting was a major focus of the conference. SABCVA’s broader programming includes information about federal, state and local contracting, proposal development and certification programs such as the Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned Business program; the 8(a) Business Development Program; HUBZone; the Women-Owned Small Business program; and the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business program.
Another session brought together more than 80 entrepreneurs and CEOs for structured networking and rotating-table conversations. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, Virginia state Sen. Kannan Srinivasan and Virginia state Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim were among the participants.
A larger speed-networking session allowed attendees to introduce their businesses, exchange information and discuss possible partnerships, employment opportunities, contracts and investments.
The conference also included a startup pitch competition moderated by Max. Entrepreneurs presented their ideas to judges and an audience of investors, executives, government officials and business leaders.
Ashish Yadav, chair of SABCVA’s Innovation and Strategic Growth Committee, developed and led the competition. He also coordinated the selection of participants and the judging process.
Kavya Shree Mohankumar of Kintic won first place, followed by Harsha Rajasimha of Jeeva Clinical Trials in second place and Manvender Pal Singh of Wakao in third place.
Other finalists included Dhruv Miriyala of O-Seal, Trilok Kantheti of Impart DX, Moaz Shaikh and Ahmed Kaizer with a chatbot venture, and Vihaan Sethi and Aranav with Traffic AI.
During the awards ceremony, SABCVA recognized individuals and organizations for their work in business, leadership and community service. Samara Mansoor, chair of the organization’s Youth Advisory Committee, moderated the program.
Professor Nilima Mehra received the Hall of Fame Award for her contributions to broadcasting, media, education, humanitarian service and community leadership.
T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman received the Social Impact and Community Service Award, while Khalid Wardak received the Community Service Award. Ranbir Bhutani and Sadiq Ahmed received leadership awards, and Bayireddy was named Entrepreneur of the Year.
Big Impact Tech, represented by Mirza and Khas, received the SABCVA Business Excellence Award. Anna Sudha Community Kitchens received the Nonprofit Award for its work supporting individuals and families through community-based programs.
The conference also highlighted SABCVA’s workforce-development efforts, which include internships, mentorship, technical training, career-readiness workshops and assistance with resumes, interviews and LinkedIn profiles.
The organization said it has supported more than 100 internships in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Its Mission 1000 Internships initiative seeks to expand opportunities in technology, business, finance, civic engagement, entrepreneurship, leadership and workforce development.
According to SABCVA, the initiative is intended to connect students and emerging professionals with practical experience, mentors, employers and professional networks.
Organizers said the conference was prepared over several months with assistance from committee members, volunteers, sponsors, speakers, judges, exhibitors and interns. Nina Singh, Ashish Yadav and Sajani Rao helped oversee event coordination, while other team members supported networking, government engagement, media relations and digital promotion.
Students from George Mason University’s Pakistani Student Association also volunteered during the conference.
Qureshi described the event as a collective effort involving SABCVA members and community partners.
“I want to sincerely thank every person who helped make EMPOWER VIRGINIA 2026 possible. This success belongs to the entire SABCVA team, not one individual. I am incredibly grateful to our volunteers, our George Mason University PSA volunteers, our speakers, CEOs, government and community leaders, judges, moderators, sponsors, exhibitors, media partners, interns, and everyone who gave their time, energy, ideas, and support,” he said.
He also thanked the sponsors and partners, who believed in SABCVA’s mission and investing in the community.
“SABCVA is built on people helping people,” he said, adding, “When we come together, we can create opportunities that could not be created alone.”
