Elaisa Vahnie, executive director of the Burmese American Community Institute (BACI), has been named as one of Indiana’s Fifty Global Leaders in the past 50 years by the International Center for his leadership and contributions to elevating the State of Indiana on the global stage.
With the initiative of Mayor Richard Lugar, the first International Conference on Cities held in 1971 brought together hundreds of delegates from around the globe to share their research, expertise and ideas on how to lead, connect and grow cities.
Leaders in Indianapolis embraced the challenge posed in the conference to take the city onto the world stage. The International Center said that Mr. Vahnie is one of 50 leaders who answered the call and who has dedicated considerable time and resources toward Indiana’s international growth.
“We are honored to recognize Elaisa Vahnie for his leadership and unwavering commitment to serving the Burmese American community in central Indiana,” said Martin Baier, president & CEO of the International Center. “Under his stewardship, the Burmese American Community Institute has helped elevate our entire region through its impactful programs while providing a platform to elevate and integrate Burmese into our community.”
“This honor is a recognition of the entire team at BACI and the entire Burmese American community in Indiana,” said Mr. Vahnie. “I am deeply humbled and honored by this recognition, and profoundly grateful to the International Center, Senator Richard Lugar, and state and city leaders for creating an environment where everyone is welcome and can dream the American dream.”
Dr. Ro Ding, chair of the board of directors of BACI, said, “I would like to express my appreciation to the leadership of our Executive Director Elaisa Vahnie who selflessly and tirelessly provides extraordinary leadership, founded in dedication and passion, to the Burmese American Community Institute, to our shared community and to society. His leadership and dedication is a force for good that is visible to everyone in the community. He is most deserving of this award.”
