Accompany Capital Celebrates Its 14th Annual Immigrant Heritage Week Awards
by Thinley Wangchuk
This year, we celebrated the 14th annual Accompany Capital Immigrant Heritage Week Awards, bringing together clients,strategic partners, funders, and community leaders to recognize the extraordinary contributions immigrants and refugees make to New York City’s economy and cultural life. Making the evening even more special was the opportunity to honor our awardees in person for the first time since 2019 at Civic Hall , while guests from across the country joined us virtually via Zoom.
After a lively opening reception, Accompany Capital Executive Director Yanki Tshering welcomed guests, noting how meaningful it was to celebrate at a moment when the new city administration has been so clear and vocal in its commitment to immigrant New Yorkers. She then introduced keynote speaker Bhairavi Desai, co-founder of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, describing her as “a visionary, a changemaker, and an inspiration to everyone who believes that finance can and should be a force for justice.”
Desai then delivered a stirring keynote address that reflected on decades of organizing, the dignity of work, and the power of collective action to create lasting economic change, inspiring guests with her vision, determination, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Honoring the NYTWA and Founder Bhairavi Desai
Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Julie Su then presented this year’s Accompany Capital Economic Equity Award to the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, which Bhairavi Desai accepted on behalf of the organization, welcoming NYTWA members onstage to share in the recognition.
Since its founding in 1998, NYTWA has grown into a powerful advocate for nearly 15,000 taxi drivers. Under Desai’s leadership, the organization played a pivotal role in securing medallion debt relief, a landmark achievement that has helped thousands of drivers rebuild their financial futures. Accompany Capital was honored to contribute to that effort through the refinancing program that emerged from this hard-won victory.
Special Guests
We were also honored to be joined by an outstanding group of public officials, 
including Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Julie Su, who presented the award to Bhairavi Desai, Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Kenny Minaya, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Faiza Ali, New York City Taxi and Limousine Commissioner Midori Valdivia, Council Member Shekar Krishnan, and Mayra Molina representing Council Member Justin Sanchez, along with other distinguished guests. Their thoughtful remarks reflected a shared commitment to supporting immigrant and refugee communities across New York City. Throughout the evening, they presented awards and celebrated the extraordinary contributions each honoree has made to our city’s economy, culture, and civic life.
Of course, the evening’s most memorable moments came from the stories of our honorees, whose journeys reflect the diversity, determination, and creativity that continue to shape New York City.
Honoring Shekar Krishnan
And finally, we were especially pleased to honor City Council Member Shekar Krishnan with the Community Catalyst Award, presented by AC Board President Kwame Marfo. With Accompany Capital’s Jackson Heights office located in District 25, our team has seen firsthand the positive impact of his leadership.
For our Jackson Heights staff, it was particularly meaningful to honor a public servant who has consistently championed the neighborhood they serve every day. Whether leading the City Council’s Committee on Oversight and Investigations, previously serving as Chair of the Committee on Parks and Recreation, or advocating tirelessly for constituents, Council Member Krishnan has been a steadfast voice for the Jackson Heights community.
The stories of this year’s honorees remind us why New York remains a city of opportunity, innovation, and cultural richness. We are proud to celebrate the entrepreneurs, community leaders, artists, and emerging professionals who create jobs, strengthen neighborhoods, and inspire the communities around them.
Their achievements reflect the enduring impact immigrants and refugees continue to have on the future of New York City.
Our Awardees
Onur Safak, owner of ZOI Mediterranean Cuisine and Green Blend NYC, received the Job Creator Award from Commissioner Kenny Minaya. Through his growing restaurant businesses, Onur has created more than 100 jobs, fostering economic opportunity while building gathering places that bring communities together.
Tenzin Nyandak, founder of Studio Nyandak, received the Green Stewardship Award from AC Board Member Peter Brest. Through architecture and design projects grounded in cultural stewardship, authenticity, and social responsibility, Tenzin demonstrates that sustainability and design excellence can go hand in hand.
Rafael Luis Correa, owner of Zecca Glass, received the Made in New York Award from Mayra Molina. Through the manufacture and installation of high-quality glass products for homeowners and developers throughout the city, Rafael exemplifies the craftsmanship and innovation immigrant entrepreneurs contribute to New York’s built environment.
We were also proud to recognize two recipients of our New Beginnings Award, whose journeys embody resilience, determination, and service, and who received their awards from Commissioner Faiza Ali.
Zarifa Adiba, who, through her work as an Afghan-born musician, writer, and activist, has become a powerful voice for communities navigating displacement and new beginnings, while her commitment to art, education, and empowerment continues to inspire others facing similar challenges.
Jawad Ahmad arrived in the United States with his family in 2021 and has already built an impressive record of achievement. A pre-med biology major at SUNY Binghamton, certified EMT, and mentor to low-income students through the university’s Educational Opportunity Program, Jawad exemplifies the promise and potential of the next generation.
