Eleventh Annual Forum
Detroit 2024
The 2024 BAPA Forum was held in Detroit, MI, where we featured our scholarship recipients Alem Hadžić, Hannah Bagarić, Naila Muhamedagić, Mirnad Osmanović, and Imman Kajtazović. The student presentations were followed by a panel discussion that included Ibro Muharemović, Amila Osmanović, Jelena Z. Arnautović, DO, and Zlatan Čizmić, MD. The discussion covered topics around the power of networking, sustainability and corporate social responsibility, and the future of work. The forum featured two engaging breakout sessions - the first being a networking bingo that included prizes from our amazing sponsors, Balkan Bred, Mesadorn, Nermina’s Jewelry, Asima’s Sweet Treats, and Neira Pekmez Designs! The second breakout session was led by our Board Member, Elvisa Alikadić, LMSW, and it allowed attendees to recognize and practice reframing self-critical thoughts, and fostered community support. This activity also provided attendees an opportunity to recognize and celebrate their personal strengths and achievements.
The 2024 BAPA Forum wouldn't have been possible without the following sponsors: Amir Ribić (Gold Sponsor), Metis Soft Tech (Gold Sponsor), Hrustić Brothers (Silver Sponsor), The Hodžić Family (Silver Sponsor), Kud Behar Detroit (Bronze Sponsor), IMBiH (Bronze Sponsor), Merak Soul Band (Bronze Sponsor), Wide Transport Inc. (Bronze Sponsor), New Cold Metal Construction (Bronze Sponsor), and The Durić Family. Thank you all for your support!
Tenth Annual Forum
Jacksonville 2023
The 2023 BAPA Forum was held in Jacksonville, FL, where we celebrated our 10th annual forum! During the forum we featured our scholarship recipients Hanadi Dreca, Nejla Kravic, Ella Daudbasic, and Benjamin Selimotic. The students presentations were followed by a panel discussion. The panel included Indir Avdagic, Almas Sehic, and Jasmine Avdagic-Carpenter. The discussion covered topics around Creativity & Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Management. The forum featured two engaging breakout sessions—one for speed networking and another for cultural appreciation—providing our attendees with ample opportunities to connect and interact. To conclude the 10th annual forum, Falcon Ventures took center stage, shedding light on the venture capital landscape in the Balkans, with a special focus on Bosnia & Herzegovina.
The 2023 BAPA Forum wouldn't have been possible without the following sponsors: Falcon Ventures (Gold Sponsor), The Duric Family (Silver Sponsor), IMBiH (Bronze Sponsor), The Hodzic Family (Bronze Sponsor), The Husic Family (Bronze Sponsor), and The Kapo Family (Bronze Sponsor). Thank you all!
Ninth Annual Forum
NYC 2022
The 2022 BAPA Forum was held in New York City, where we featured our scholarship recipients Azra Tokovic, Tajra Karabasic, Selma Cemerlic, and Hajrudin Muhic. Each student gave a presentation sharing how they planned to utilize their scholarship awards. In addition, we had two keynote speakers, Alema Galijatovic-Idrizbegovic and Hanka Grabovica. Alema shared her journey to her present-day role as Vice President of the Nonclinical Drug Safety Department at Merck. Hanka spoke on her experiences as a certified trainer, coach, and speaker in leadership and how she utilizes her skills to give back to the Bosnian American community. The forum also included breakout sessions by industries, allowing folks with similar professional backgrounds to connect.
Eighth Annual Forum
Seattle 2021
In 2021, the BAPA forum went back to being in person! The forum was held in Seattle, Washington. During the eighth forum, BAPA had the honor of welcoming scholarship recipients Zerina Mulaosmanovic Said and Merima Tricic. Following the scholarship presentations, we had a local speaker Vedad Mahmulyin and a virtual keynote speaker Dr. Amra Sabic-El-Rayess.
Seventh Annual Forum
Virtual 2020
As 2020 led many organizations to alter their working models, BAPA’s annual forum had to follow suit. In an all-virtual environment, the 7th Annual BAPA Forum program commenced with presentations from our scholarship recipients, Ema Mujic & Melika Konjicanin. Their presentations on Maternal & Child Health Epidemiology trends in BiH, as well as the impact of architecture in public space & communities in BiH were fascinating additions to our diverse programming. Our keynote speaker, Mirza Cifric, CEO and cofounder of Veritas Genetics, talked about the evolving trends in genetic research & genetic mapping. He believes the growth in technology and biotech industries in BiH will foster an environment for learning & growth for the next generation. The forum concluded with multiple networking workshops – including industry specific and general networking. While we were saddened that we could not meet in-person, the virtual environment helped open new doors and opportunities for attendees from all over the world to connect.
Sixth Annual Forum
Chicago 2019
During the weekend of the 6th annual BAPA forum, we had the honor to welcome the 2019 BAPA scholarship recipients, Raza and Elma. Elma educated us about how food and physical therapy affect health, and Raza educated us about the details of private equity. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Emir Kamenica, who is a Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, engaged us further in a thoughtful discussion of the benefits and pitfalls of creating and producing versus consuming. Our program also included two networking-style workshops. Our speed networking session helped us connect participants in a short time period. Our industry-specific networking workshop allowed participants to challenge themselves and their peers with actionable goals and plans for their careers.
Fifth Annual Forum
Washington D.C. 2018
The fifth annual BAPA forum program commenced with the presentations of our 2018 scholarship recipients regarding their chosen career paths. We were excited to have Amra, Hanna and Meliha officially become part of BAPA’s growing network. Further, there were a number of networking workshops, presentations, and opportunities to meet fellow attendees, and grow your own network in North America and beyond. Finally our keynote speaker Ajla Delkic, President of the Council for Bosnia and Herzegovina (ACBH), headquartered in Washington, D.C., talked about how communities affect the world of business and politics. We concluded in the evening with a networking event. The fifth annual BAPA forum was held in the offices of the Advisory Council for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Fourth Annual Forum
Phoenix 2017
The fourth annual BAPA forum took place in Phoenix, AZ. This is the first year our scholarship recipients were invited to present as part of the annual forum. Ena Barisic, Bajram Metjahic and Azra Osmancevic each introduced the audience to the ways they have connected to the Bosnian-American community. Furthermore, the theme of civic and community engagement was weaved through the presentations of Ida Sefer Roche, Amanda Hukanovic and Chris Mathieu. Finally our keynote speakers Marina Ridic and Dr. Esad Boskailo tasked us witha call to action. The forum was followed by dinner and brunch to continue the conversations.
Third Annual Forum
St. Louis 2016
The third annul BAPA forum kicked off with the “Value of Networking” workshop at Fontbonne University. At the workshop, Nidzara Pecenkovic walked us through an exercise, to not only think about the contributions we want to make to our communities, but also set tangible benchmarks to achieving our goals. After the workshop, we heard from Jusuf Sarancic about the Mostar Summer Youth Program , as well as Professor Ben Moore about the Bosnia Memory Project. In the evening, Bosnian-American Professional Network (BAPN) hosted a reception, appropriately titled “The Power of Mentoring” at the Grbic Restaurant. BAPN was a fantastic host and the reception a great success. We had students, BAPA officers, and industry professionals from a number of different states (and Canada!) who attended the reception that evening. A few of us slipped out of our private space to enjoy a delicious dinner at the Grbic Restaurant. The following day, we gathered at Café Madeleine for a delicious Sunday brunch. This was a great opportunity to get to know each other in a more subdued setting, process the events of the day before, and contrive ideas for future forums and networking opportunities.
Second Annual Forum
Los Angeles 2015
The 2nd annual forum took on a unique format with BAPA attending Bosana's annual benefit. Bosana Foundation provides marginalized youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the tools, funds and resources to make positive life choices that enable them to maximize their personal potential. In addition to being one of the main sponsors, we tasked ourselves with attracting a new audience to the benefit. Friends joined us from various cities including NYC, Washington D.C., Chicago, Waterloo, Denver, Grand Rapids, Salt Lake City and Toronto. In the spirit of supporting Bosana, we saw the opportunity to connect to our homeland by sponsoring the next generation of leaders in BiH while networking with fellow attendees and building a stronger foundation for future collaborations and partnerships. The BAPA experience at Bosana 2015 will be dearly remembered.
First Annual Forum
Salt Lake City 2014
BAPA’s 1st forum featured Bosnian American authors who shared their unique background and expertise. The weekend commenced with a fundraising reception where professionals mingled and socialized with featured authors. The fundraiser benefited Bosana Foundation, which offers scholarships and professional development to college students in Bosnia & Herzegovina. “This is in line with our strategy to strengthen the connection to Bosnia & Herzegovina,” said Kanita Lipjankic, BAPA founder and then chair. The event’s keynote speaker Kenan Trebincevic, author of The Bosnia List, discussed his poignant memoir about his childhood in Brcko at the breakout of the Bosnian war. The City Public Library sponsored presentation was followed by a Q&A session and a book signing. Mr. Trebincevic was joined by three additional Bosnian writers for a panel discussion focused on immigrant and identity issues of Bosnian Americans, especially in relation to writing, literature, and language. The event was sponsored by the Utah Humanities Book Festival and featured: Ajla Terzic, author of Lutrija and Mogla Je Biti Prosta Prica; Jasmina Dervisevic-Cesis, author of The River Runs Salt, Runs Sweet; and Elvis Hadzic, author of “The Curious Case of Benjamin Zec.”