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Lifetime Achievement
Louis V. Foundos
(Ilia Fundo)
Lou Foundos has dedicated a lifetime to service, leadership, and the advancement of the Albanian American community. Born in 1943 as Ilia Fundo in Korçë, Albania and the youngest of 3 siblings, Lou’s early life was shaped by global events. While visiting Greece in 1944, the Albanian borders closed, and his family remained in Greece until 1948, when they immigrated to the United States in pursuit of a better future. A gifted student, Lou graduated from the prestigious Bronx High School of Science in 1961 and went on to earn a degree in Electrical Engineering from City College in 1966. He later completed an MBA at Harvard University, laying the foundation for a successful career in business. Lou began his professional journey at a large engineering firm, but his entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to invest in a small business. At Ballantine Laboratories, he served as V.P. of Operations and Treasurer until its sale in 1979. He then became President of Fluid Data, a firm he ran alongside his brother until its sale in 1996. In the late 1990s, Lou transitioned into real estate, serving as a lead investor and managing partner in multiple residential and commercial properties across New York City and the Bronx. Throughout his life, Lou has remained deeply committed to the Albanian American community. He became active in the Albanian American National Organization the 1950s and went on to serve at the national level as Treasurer, President, and longtime Chairman of the Scholarship Committee. It was at the National Convention of the AANO in Chicago that Lou met his wife Linda (Sutter), marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership rooted in shared values and community spirit. He has also been a cornerstone of St. Nicholas Albanian Orthodox Church in New York, serving on its board for over 60 years and holding numerous terms as Parish Council President. Lou was a founding member of the National Albanian American Council (NAAC) and provided mentorship to the Albanian Professional Entrepreneurs of New York (APEN), helping to guide the next generation of Albanian American leaders. His work in Albania has been equally impactful. In the late 1990s, Lou opened a hotel and founded a clothing factory in his hometown of Korçë, both of which remain operational today. In 1999 he was involved in refurbishing and reopening the historic Majestik Cinema. In 2006, Lou helped organize the first AANO convention in Tirana, celebrating the organization’s 60th anniversary and creating a meaningful bridge between Albanians in the diaspora and those in the homeland. Currently, Lou is playing a key role in helping to establish the first American university in Albania, a satellite campus of Rochester Institute of Technology. Set to open in Tirana in September 2025, the university will launch with 150 students in STEM programs. Lou is actively leading fundraising efforts to build state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories for the inaugural campus. One of Lou’s greatest joys is to see the Albanian community grow and thrive. Lou Foundos’s life stands as a testament to vision, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to community—both in the United States and Albania. We are proud to honor him with this Lifetime Achievement Award.
Albanian of the Year
Avni Mustafaj
Avni Mustafaj is a distinguished leader, advocate, and strategist whose lifelong commitment to the Albanian people—both in the Balkans and throughout the diaspora—has made a lasting impact on diplomacy, education, civic engagement, and humanitarian aid. Currently serving as a lobbyist for the Kosovo Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora in Washington, D.C., he has worked tirelessly to strengthen Kosovo’s presence on Capitol Hill. His efforts include high-level meetings with U.S. State Department officials, members of Congress, and Foreign Affairs Committee staff, all while maintaining active coordination with Albanian-American leaders across the United States. As Executive Director and later President of the National Albanian American Council (NAAC), he was instrumental in shaping U.S. foreign policy in support of Kosovo and Albanian rights in the region. He played a vital role in advocating for U.S. intervention during the humanitarian crisis in Kosovo, met with President Clinton at the White House, and contributed to the drafting of the Ohrid Agreement that secured rights for Albanians in North Macedonia. Under his leadership, NAAC secured over $10 million in U.S. government grants to train hundreds of women leaders in the Balkans—many of whom now serve as senior government officials, diplomats, and prominent activists. His deep commitment to education began as Deputy Director of RIT-Kosova in Prishtina, where he helped establish a U.S.-affiliated university that continues to empower young leaders in the region. As Executive Director of the Open Society Foundation for Albania, he oversaw more than $12 million in programs—including the foundational Albanian Education Development Program, which built or renovated over 275 schools, serving approximately 70% of Albania’s students today. His leadership during the Kosovo War extended to humanitarian efforts as Vice President of the Kosova Relief Fund. He organized nationwide food drives, distributed aid in refugee camps, and mobilized U.S. media and public support through outreach and advocacy. He has also served as campaign manager for Vedat Gashi’s NYS Assembly campaign, co-chaired Germin, an organization that connects Albanian diaspora professionals with opportunities in the homeland, and helped launch youth engagement programs such as OriginAL and Diaspora Flet—bringing together hundreds of young Albanians from over 27 countries. From the front lines of political advocacy to the grassroots of community service, Avni Mustafaj has demonstrated an unwavering passion for advancing Albanian causes around the world. His visionary leadership and lifelong dedication embody the very spirit of this award.
Community Service Award
Beti Beno, Esq.
Beti Beno, Esq. was born in Tirana, Albania, and immigrated to the United States in her late teens. Since arriving in the U.S., she has dedicated herself to excelling in the legal profession while remaining deeply committed to supporting and uplifting the Albanian-American community. Her life’s work reflects a powerful blend of professional excellence, cultural preservation, and compassionate service. Ms. Beno has served as President of the Albanian American Women’s Organization “Motrat Qiriazi” since 2016. Under her dynamic and visionary leadership, the organization has expanded its reach and impact, strengthening its mission to promote Albanian heritage, support immigrant families, and empower Albanian-American women through education, advocacy, and mentorship. She has spearheaded initiatives such as scholarship programs, professional development workshops, and cultural events that celebrate Albanian identity and foster intergenerational connections. During her tenure, AAWO has been honored with numerous commendations from the New York City Council, the New York State Senate and Assembly, and members of the U.S. Congress. A practicing attorney for over 22 years, Ms. Beno is the founder of Beti Beno Law, P.C., a respected law firm based in New York specializing in immigration law, real estate, matrimonial matters, and estate planning. Since opening her firm in 2003, she has helped hundreds of immigrants, particularly from the Albanian diaspora, navigate the complexities of the U.S. legal system and achieve their dreams of legal residency and citizenship. Her clients often speak not only of her legal skill, but of the compassion, respect, and personal attention she brings to every case. In addition to her work with AAWO, Ms. Beno has played an active role in the Albanian-American faith community, serving as a board member of St. Nicholas Albanian Orthodox Church. Her engagement reflects a lifelong dedication to preserving Albanian cultural and religious traditions and strengthening community bonds. Beti Beno is widely regarded as a role model for younger generations of Albanian-Americans. Through her tireless work and generous spirit, she has helped countless individuals and families find stability, pride, and a sense of belonging. For her unwavering commitment to service and her transformative impact on the lives of others, Beti Beno is a truly deserving recipient of the Community Service Award.