Annual Forum

Welcome to the 13th Annual BAPA Forum!

The BAPA Forum is a yearly gathering of the Bosnian American community—an opportunity to exchange knowledge, share resources, and celebrate educational achievement. Whether you’re just starting your career or well-established in your field, this is a space to connect, collaborate, and grow.

Join us for a 10/10 weekend!

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Dates: October 9–11, 2026

Forum Weekend Overview

More detailed information will be announced soon!

Friday, October 9 — Networking Mixer (Location & Time TBD)
Saturday, October 10 — Forum Day | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Full agenda and speaker lineup coming soon!
Saturday Evening — Networking Mixer (Location & Time TBD)
Sunday, October 11— Networking Mixer (Location & Time TBD)

Forum Registration

Register for the forum below. Early bird admission is $60 – available until May 31st – and student admission is $35.
If you’d like to sponsor someone’s attendance, you’ll be able to add a donation during checkout.
Need financial assistance? Email us at bapanetwork@gmail.com—we want to make this forum accessible to all.
Please use a valid personal email address—your ticket confirmation will be sent there.
Note: Tickets are non-refundable.

Register for the 2026 Annual Forum

Congratulations to our 2026 Scholarship Recipients!

Farah Sertović

Farah is a third-year at the University of Richmond, weaving together a double major in Economics and Global Studies with a minor in Music, a combination that reflects her belief that understanding the world means engaging with it fully. She recently took stage at the University of Richmond Arts & Sciences Symposium to present her first series of ethnomusicological research, exploring how Indonesian music and the arts move through transformational religious experience. On campus, she serves as Student Manager at the Center for Student Involvement, spins Balkan tunes as a radio DJ on WDCE 90.1 FM, advocates as a member of the University of Richmond NAACP Chapter, and fosters a community of belonging through spiritual programming with the university’s chaplaincy. This summer, she is stepping into the world of expert networking as a Client Service Associate at AlphaSights in New York City. But beyond any title or internship, what drives Farah is something simpler and larger all at once: a deep desire to help others through volunteering, nonprofit work, research, humanitarian efforts, and policymaking.

Armin Kalfić

A rising senior at Lake Forest College, majoring in Finance and Data Science with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Born and raised in Bosnia, he came to the United States for college and has consistently been named to the Dean’s List while serving as a Research Assistant and Math Tutor. Outside of campus, he has experience in Private Wealth Management through financial planning and most recently serves as a Risk Intern at CME Group Headquarters in Chicago, where he has been exposed to global financial markets. He is also engaged with the Bosnian community through the Sabah and BECCA Youth Centers. After completing his undergraduate studies, Armin plans to continue gaining experience, with the goal of leaving a lasting impact in global finance.

Iman Agić

Originally from Sarajevo, Iman is a double major in Computer Science and Theatre & Dance at Lewis & Clark College, with a concentration in Cybersecurity and Data Analytics. A Shelby Davis Scholar from UWC Mostar, Iman’s path has taken her from Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United States, and then across the world through Semester at Sea, a multi-country study program on a ship. During the program, she conducted UX and product research across 10+ countries in Europe, Asia and Africa, bringing a global lens to how technology is designed, accessed and used. Her work connects code, creativity and community care, from software engineering, cybersecurity and applied AI to storytelling and performance, with a focus on building technology that is useful, thoughtful and grounded in real needs. She was awarded support from the Nielsen Social Change Innovation and Projects for Peace Initiative for projects focused on product accessibility in public elementary schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Iman hopes to grow as a software engineer and cybersecurity researcher while using technology to support public service, mentor students and build stronger bridges between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the U.S.

Hana Kalco

As a fourth-year PhD candidate in Biomedical Engineering at Boston University, Hana studies complex communication between tissues during injury and aging. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Rochester. Her research in the Connizzo Lab challenges traditional views by positioning tendon as an active participant in joint-wide inflammation, with a focus on how age and sex influence healing outcomes. Her work has been presented at national conferences including ORS, ASBMR, and BMES, and she is particularly interested in translating these findings into targeted, immune-based therapies. Beyond the lab, Hana is deeply committed to mentorship and outreach as a Perry Initiative Fellow, where she leads hands-on programs that inspire students from first-generation backgrounds to pursue careers in STEM.

Karanfil Cerić

Karanfil Cerić is a third-year medical student at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and a graduate of the University of Michigan, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences. He is a Junior Director of Bosnian American Medical Professionals (BAMP), a nonprofit dedicated to improving healthcare access and education within the Bosnian-American community. His research efforts have spanned from biochemistry research at the University of Michigan Medical School to clinical case reports to community research initiatives with BAMP. While undecided for residency, his current interest aligns with internal medicine and a possible subspecialty afterwards.

Layla Hurley

Layla is an incoming first year undergraduate student at the University of Indiana, Bloomington. She is studying Finance in the Kelley School of Business ACE honors program, with a focus on wealth management and socially impactful ideals. She is a passionate member of the Kiwanis Organization, an international qualifier for the Distributive Education Clubs of America, as well as a violinist in her school’s Symphonic Orchestra. Layla is pursuing her passion with the Kelley Institute for Social Impact, where business and philanthropy align.

Meet the Panel

Zana Jasarević

Zana Jasarević is an Expert Technical Program Manager at Microsoft, where she leads strategic cybersecurity, vulnerability management, and enterprise risk initiatives across XBOX. Her work supports some of the industry’s most recognizable franchises, and she has been honored to be credited in multiple game releases, including titles within the Call of Duty, Diablo, and World of Warcraft franchises. In addition to her work at XBOX, she serves as Co-Lead of Women in Gaming (WIG), helping drive community engagement, mentorship, and professional development programs that support and empower women across the organization.

Prior to Microsoft, Zana worked at Ernst & Young (EY), where she helped lead the Women in Technology (WIT) program while managing a portfolio of 40+ Partners and Principals across industries including biomedical sciences, transportation, and technology.

A proud Bosnian-American, former refugee, and first-generation college graduate, Zana is passionate about helping others recognize their potential and achieve goals they never thought possible. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Georgia State University and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Drawing from her own journey, she is committed to creating opportunities for future leaders, fostering inclusive communities, and empowering individuals to grow in STEM disciplines. Through servant leadership, operational excellence, and a dedication to continuous learning, she strives to leave every team, organization, and community stronger than she found it.

Emina Pelja

Emina Pelja is the founder of Balkan Bred, a clothing line started in 2018, dedicated to preserving Balkan heritage in a nostalgic and stylish way. She also drives high digital growth strategies at Advocate Health, where her work earned an eHealthcare Leadership Award for Best Search Engine Marketing Campaign.

Vedrana Skopljak

Vedrana Skopljak is an Operations Support Manager with extensive experience driving operational excellence, supporting sales organizations, and improving business processes. Throughout her career, she has partnered with cross-functional teams to streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and create solutions that help organizations operate more efficiently and effectively.

Originally from Bosnia, Vedrana moved to the United States in 1999. She is passionate about building strong relationships, fostering collaboration, and continuously learning and growing both personally and professionally.

Outside of work, Vedrana is a proud mom of two, an enthusiastic traveler, and a dedicated swim mom who rarely misses a meet. She is excited to share her experiences and insights as part of our panel discussion.

Thank you to our 2026 forum sponsors!

2026 Gold Sponsor

Founded in Jacksonville, Florida, Hrustic Brothers Inc. has grown from a small dump truck operation into a leading provider of transportation, recycling, and excavation services across Northeast Florida. With over 20 years of industry experience, the company is committed to innovation, sustainability, and delivering exceptional service to its clients and community. At the heart of Hrustic Brothers’ mission is a strong dedication to environmental responsibility. The company operates one of the region’s top concrete recycling facilities, diverting hundreds of thousands of tons of material from landfills each year and transforming it into valuable resources that support local infrastructure projects. As a family-owned and operated business, Hrustic Brothers Inc. values integrity, teamwork, and community involvement. The company is proud to support nonprofit organizations that share its commitment to building stronger, safer, and more sustainable communities for future generations. To learn more visit http://www.hrusticbrothers.com/

2026 Silver Sponsors

ZL Travel Agency is a local travel planning service based in Ankeny, Iowa, that specializes in custom family getaways, all-inclusive resort escapes, cruises, European Tours & Airfares, destination weddings, and honeymoons. Learning more at http://www.zltravelagency.com

2026 Bronze Sponsors

Ish Essence is a holistic beauty and wellness studio dedicated to helping people reconnect with themselves through intentional self-care. From scalp and hair wellness to organic facials, every treatment is personalized to create a relaxing experience while supporting healthy skin, healthy hair, and lasting confidence.

S-E Maks Consulting helps the Georgia community with Healthcare and Medicare services, including free marketplace quotes, open enrollment help, and Medicare consultations. Health Open Enrollment for 2027 is November 1, 2026 – January 15, 2027. Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15, 2026 – December 7, 2026.

Zana Bibic Agency is a local Allstate Agency with almost 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. Zana is passionate about helping individuals, families, and businesses find the right protection and peace of mind. Zana is committed to providing personalized service, trusted advice, and reliable solutions to meet your unique needs.