2026 Immigrant Day Awards

Honorary Consul Dana Bucin was present at the Immigrant Day Celebration at the Connecticut State Capitol on Thursday, April 23 2023, event organized by the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity (CWCSEO) and the Connecticut Immigrant & Refugee Coalition (CIRC). Alongside Governor Ned Lamont, Attorney General William Tong, several other officials, and community leaders, the Honorary Consul helped recognize immigrants and supporters of immigrants who made extraordinary contributions to our state.

Among the three extraordinary leaders whose impact reaches far beyond their professions, we want to give a special shout out to Iuliana Roata, recipient of the Salma Khatoon Farid Memorial Award, for her transformative leadership in education and unwavering support of immigrant students and families

The program beautifully reflected the significance of the moment—from the Presentation of Colors by the Governor’s Foot Guard and a moving National Anthem, to powerful remarks from state leaders and a keynote by Attorney General William Tong - recipient of the Amicus Immigrantium Praemium - affirming the importance of justice, opportunity, and belonging.

Grateful to my fellow presenters, to the inspiring honorees, and to all who filled the room with purpose and pride.

A special thank you to the organizers and sponsors who made this celebration possible, including the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity, and Opportunity, Connecticut Immigrant & Refugee Coalition (CIRC), IRIS: Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services, the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, Harris Beach Murtha, PKF O’Connor Davies, and Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants.

In times when the narrative around immigrants is often distorted, yesterday was a powerful reminder of the truth: immigrants are not just part of our communities—they are shaping our future.