WHAT WE DO

Alisa Yurchenko is an accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in brokerage, management, and client relations across Uzbekistan, Russia, and the United States.

She graduated in 2001 from Nizami Tashkent State Pedagogical University in Uzbekistan. Her career began in brokerage, where she developed strong expertise in finance and client communications.

From 2010 to 2014, Alisa served as General Director of two companies—Svečnoy Dvor LLC and Remeslennaya Masterskaya LLC in Moscow, Russia—successfully managing operations and driving business development.

She further advanced her career in client relations at MezhtransAvto and Aviatim LLC. In 2021, she founded MetaTransit LLC, a company specializing in international logistics and transportation services, which she led until relocating to the United States.

Since 2023, Alisa has been serving as President & CEO of the Council for Cross-Cultural Affairs, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, where she leverages her extensive professional background in brokerage management, executive leadership, and client relations to advance the organization’s mission. Her dedication to strategic growth, effective team leadership, and nonprofit service continues to benefit the communities she represents.

John Kehriotis is the President and founder of JMK Investments, Inc. With over thirty years of real estate experience, John has been involved in the brokerage of over one billion dollars in real estate sale and lease transactions, spanning the residential, office, apartment, retail and R&D sectors. John currently owns, operates or manages over 2,000 apartment units in the Bay Area and Sacramento. John also has a highly successful track record in real estate development, most notably the Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade. In addition, John is a minority Owner of the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association. As an avid lifelong sports fan, John was able to turn dream into reality. With such an extensive and diverse business background, John brings unique insight and perspective to all of his business dealings.

Sergey Ivannikov is the Founder & CEO of Russian American Media, a leading multimedia company serving California’s Russian-speaking community. After immigrating to the United States in 1995, he mastered a new language, earned a degree in computer engineering, and launched the first digital print shop serving Slavic businesses. He soon founded Russian American Media, which grew into a full-spectrum advertising and media enterprise, publishing the first Slavic business directory, a Russian-language newspaper, and an English-language magazine.

Under his leadership, the company has also become a key organizer of major multicultural community events, uniting business, civic, and political leaders with thousands of families and young people each year. Sergey’s work reflects his dedication to celebrating cultural heritage, fostering integration, and building bridges across communities.

He is a Founding Member of the Slavic–American Chamber of Commerce, active in local Chambers, and has served on numerous boards, including the Los Rios Foundation, Sacramento District Attorney Multi-Cultural Community Council, Capital Public Radio, CalExpo State Fair Multi-Cultural Board, Gateway Community Charters Foundation, Global Heart Care, Smile For A Lifetime Foundation, APAPA PAC, and Solving Sacramento. His philosophy is to preserve cultural identity while strengthening unity, helping immigrant communities thrive as vibrant contributors to American society.

John Kabateck is the California State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), where he has spent nearly two decades championing the rights of small businesses across the state. Representing thousands of entrepreneurs, he has worked tirelessly to protect small businesses from higher taxes and regulations, fight harmful Proposition 13 reforms, reduce burdensome mandates, and stop abusive “shakedown” lawsuits that threaten mom-and-pop operations.

With a career spanning both government and advocacy, John has served as appointments secretary to Gov. Pete Wilson, director of external affairs for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and chief of staff to a legislative leader in the State Capitol. He also served as vice president and senior legislative director for the California Restaurant Association before joining NFIB, where he is recognized nationally as a strong voice for America’s small businesses.

In addition to his leadership at NFIB, John founded Kabateck Strategies, advising clients ranging from technology and public safety to veterans and health care organizations. A native Californian raised in Glendale, John attributes much of his success in building relationships to his family’s Hollywood background. He and his family now live in Sacramento, where he volunteers with St. John’s Program for Real Change and Shriners Hospital for Children.

Marie Fleming is a business strategist and CEO of Gold Bridge Capital Solutions, where she advises entrepreneurs on access-to-capital strategies, credit readiness, and commercial project financing. She also works with Pacific Community Ventures (PCV) to expand opportunities for small businesses.

As an Ambassador to the Natomas Chamber of Commerce, Marie builds partnerships among employers, lenders, and service organizations to create equitable pathways to education, jobs, and entrepreneurship. A former consultant with America’s SBDC in Sacramento, she has a strong background in program design, community outreach, and small business support.

With expertise in governance, finance oversight, budgeting, reporting, and internal controls, Marie is committed to helping organizations operate with transparency and accountability. Since 2025, she is serving as Treasurer on the Board of Directors of the Council for Cross-Cultural Affairs, Inc., where she contributes her skills to strengthen financial stewardship and organizational impact.

Her focus on financial literacy, access to capital, and measurable outcomes has strengthened opportunities for low-income, refugee, and immigrant communities across California.

Aziza Ibragimkhodjaeva is the owner of Caravan Uzbek Restaurant, a celebrated establishment in Sacramento that has become synonymous with authentic Uzbek cuisine and culture. Founded with the mission of sharing the rich culinary traditions of Uzbekistan, Caravan is more than just a restaurant—it is a cultural gathering place where food, music, and hospitality come together to create a unique experience for the community.

Under Aziza’s leadership, Caravan has earned recognition for its commitment to quality, authenticity, and warm service. Guests are welcomed as family, enjoying traditional dishes prepared with care, from flavorful plov and samsa to fresh-baked bread from the tandoor oven. Through these culinary traditions, Aziza helps preserve and promote Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage while introducing new audiences to its flavors and customs.

Beyond running a successful restaurant, Aziza is deeply engaged with the local community. She participates in multicultural festivals, supports cross-cultural initiatives, and opens Caravan’s doors as a space for connection, dialogue, and celebration. Her vision is to ensure that Caravan continues to be not only a dining destination but also a bridge between cultures—bringing people together around the table in the spirit of friendship and hospitality.

Galina Dorris serves as the Legal Representative on the Board of Directors of the Council for Cross-Cultural Affairs, Inc., where she provides strategic guidance on legal matters, compliance, and governance. With a strong background in law and organizational policy, she plays a vital role in ensuring that the Council operates with transparency, accountability, and integrity.

Her professional expertise spans areas such as contract review, nonprofit governance, and regulatory compliance. By combining her legal knowledge with a deep commitment to community service, Galina helps safeguard the Council’s operations while supporting its mission to empower diverse communities and foster cross-cultural understanding.

In addition to her legal work, Galina is recognized for her collaborative leadership style and her ability to anticipate and address potential challenges before they become obstacles. She is dedicated to building a solid foundation for the Council’s long-term sustainability and growth, ensuring that its programs and initiatives remain impactful for years to come.

Victor Migalchan serves as Public Relations Representative of the Council for Cross-Cultural Affairs, Inc. With extensive experience in media, communications, and community engagement, he plays a key role in shaping the Council’s public image and strengthening its connections with diverse audiences.

Victor is an accomplished filmmaker, producer, and international media professional whose projects bridge cultures and promote positive storytelling. His background in journalism and broadcasting has equipped him with a deep understanding of how to effectively communicate across cultural lines and highlight the voices of underrepresented communities.

In his role with the Council, Victor leads efforts in outreach, media partnerships, and public communication strategies that advance the organization’s mission of cross-cultural understanding. He is dedicated to building meaningful relationships with community leaders, businesses, and media outlets, ensuring that the Council’s programs and initiatives reach and inspire a broad audience.

A strong advocate for cultural diplomacy, Victor brings creativity, vision, and a global perspective to the Council, helping expand its influence and impact both locally and internationally.

Pavel Gorbenko serves as the Program Director of the Council for Cross-Cultural Affairs, Inc., where he oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of the organization’s key initiatives. With strong leadership skills and a deep commitment to community development, he ensures that the Council’s programs are impactful, sustainable, and aligned with its mission of empowering diverse communities.

His professional expertise spans project management, organizational development, and cross-cultural engagement. Pavel has successfully led community projects, youth initiatives, and cultural events, helping to create opportunities for education, civic participation, and collaboration across different backgrounds.

In his role as Program Director, Pavel is responsible for building partnerships with nonprofit organizations, businesses, and local leaders, expanding the Council’s reach and strengthening its influence in the region. He is passionate about designing programs that not only meet immediate community needs but also foster long-term growth, leadership, and inclusion.

Dedicated, organized, and visionary, Pavel brings both strategic direction and practical oversight to the Council’s work, ensuring that every project makes a meaningful difference.

Mila Karpekina serves as Events Coordinator for the Council for Cross-Cultural Affairs, Inc., where she provides organizational support for community programs, cultural festivals, and special projects. In her role, she assists with logistics, scheduling, and volunteer coordination to ensure events run smoothly and successfully.

Passionate about teamwork and community service, Mila contributes her energy and organizational skills to help create welcoming and impactful experiences for participants and guests.

Evgeniy Kim serves as Production Manager for the Council for Cross-Cultural Affairs, Inc., where he oversees the technical and production aspects of the organization’s programs and events. His responsibilities include coordinating staging, sound, lighting, and other production elements to ensure high-quality execution.

With strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills, Evgeniy plays an essential role in bringing the Council’s projects to life and creating professional, engaging experiences for the community.

Oleg Ivannikov serves as Creative Design Manager for the Council for Cross-Cultural Affairs, Inc., where he is responsible for the organization’s visual identity and creative materials. He develops designs for print, digital, and event productions, ensuring that all communication reflects the Council’s mission and professionalism.

With a strong eye for detail and a passion for creative expression, Oleg plays a key role in shaping the look and feel of the Council’s programs and events, helping to engage audiences and strengthen community impact.

Egor Volfovich serves as Digital Communications Manager for the Council for Cross-Cultural Affairs, Inc., where he oversees the organization’s online presence and digital outreach. His work includes managing social media platforms, website updates, and digital campaigns that highlight the Council’s programs and community impact.

With expertise in digital strategy and communications, Egor ensures that the Council effectively connects with diverse audiences, expands its reach, and strengthens engagement through innovative online storytelling.

C.C. Yin is a renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader, best known as the founder of one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the United States—APAPA (Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association)—and as the successful owner of 32 McDonald’s franchises. After immigrating to the United States from China, he built a thriving business career while dedicating his life to civic engagement and community empowerment.

Through APAPA, C.C. has inspired and mentored countless young leaders, advancing civic education, voter participation, and representation for Asian Pacific Islander Americans. His vision established a national platform for leadership development and public service that continues to expand across the country.

A tireless advocate for education and cross-cultural understanding, C.C. Yin has been honored by numerous civic, business, and government organizations. His leadership reflects the values of hard work, integrity, and service, making him one of the most respected voices for immigrant success and community empowerment in America.

Heather Luzzi is the District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Sacramento District Office, where she leads efforts to support more than 1.5 million small businesses across 22 Northern California counties. Appointed to this role in 2017, she oversees SBA programs and services that provide entrepreneurs with access to capital, counseling, federal contracting opportunities, and disaster assistance.

Heather’s career with the SBA spans over two decades, during which she has served in key leadership roles focused on strengthening small business ecosystems and driving economic development. Her work has empowered countless entrepreneurs—especially women, minorities, and veterans—by equipping them with resources to grow and sustain their businesses.

As District Director, Heather collaborates with chambers of commerce, lenders, educational institutions, and community organizations to expand opportunities for entrepreneurs. A passionate advocate for small business success, she is recognized for her dedication to building stronger, more resilient communities through innovation, mentorship, and partnerships.

Rich Desmond serves as a Sacramento County Supervisor, representing District 3, which encompasses the unincorporated communities of Arden-Arcade, Carmichael, and Foothill Farms, as well as portions of Fair Oaks and North Highlands. Elected in 2020, he has dedicated his leadership to improving public safety, strengthening local infrastructure, addressing homelessness, and supporting economic growth for families and businesses in the region.

A Sacramento native, Rich built a distinguished career in public service before joining the Board of Supervisors. He served for nearly three decades in law enforcement, including as a California Highway Patrol Commander, where he earned recognition for his integrity, professionalism, and commitment to community safety.

As County Supervisor, Rich works closely with residents, nonprofits, and business leaders to find practical solutions to complex issues, ensuring government remains responsive and accountable. His vision is rooted in collaboration, service, and strengthening the quality of life for all who call Sacramento County home.

Mona Foster is the Founder and Executive Director of the Sacramento Aloha Festival, one of the region’s most vibrant cultural celebrations highlighting the traditions, music, dance, and spirit of the Pacific Islands. Through her leadership, the festival has grown into a widely recognized event that brings together thousands of people each year to experience authentic Polynesian culture and community.

With a strong commitment to cultural preservation and education, Mona has created a platform where families can connect with heritage while fostering cross-cultural understanding. Her vision for the Sacramento Aloha Festival goes beyond entertainment—she has built a community space that supports youth development, local artists, and cultural organizations, ensuring that Pacific Islander traditions are passed on to future generations.

Mona is recognized as a passionate advocate for cultural diversity and inclusivity. Her leadership reflects a dedication to strengthening community bonds, celebrating heritage, and sharing the values of aloha—love, unity, and respect—with the greater Sacramento region.

Basim Elkarra is the Executive Director of the Sacramento Valley Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. Since taking on this role in 2004, he has worked to protect civil liberties, promote mutual understanding, and build coalitions that strengthen diverse communities across Northern California.

A dedicated community leader, Basim has launched initiatives in youth leadership, civic engagement, and interfaith collaboration. Under his guidance, CAIR-SV/CC has become a trusted resource for civil rights advocacy, immigrant support, and community empowerment. He is recognized nationally for advancing programs that promote justice, equality, and cross-cultural understanding.

Basim also serves on multiple nonprofit and civic boards, contributing his expertise in coalition building, community outreach, and leadership development. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to giving underrepresented communities a voice, while fostering unity and collaboration across California’s richly diverse population.

Larissa Gonchar is the Principal of Community Outreach Academy (COA), one of the leading charter schools in the Sacramento region dedicated to academic excellence and cultural enrichment. Under her leadership, COA has grown into a thriving educational institution serving more than a thousand students, with programs that emphasize bilingual education, strong family involvement, and community values.

With a career rooted in education and community leadership, Larissa has been recognized for creating an inclusive learning environment that empowers students from diverse backgrounds to excel academically and personally. Her vision has made COA a model for integrating rigorous academics with cultural awareness, preparing students to be both successful scholars and engaged citizens.

In addition to her work in education, Larissa is a strong advocate for family engagement and community development. She is dedicated to fostering opportunities for immigrant families, building partnerships with local organizations, and ensuring that every student has the tools and support to reach their fullest potential.

Fred Teichert is the Executive Director of the Teichert Foundation and a member of the family leadership team of Teichert Construction, one of California’s oldest and most respected construction and materials companies. Founded in 1887, Teichert has played a vital role in building the state’s infrastructure, from roads and bridges to community development projects.

In his role with the Teichert Foundation, Fred oversees the company’s philanthropic efforts, supporting nonprofit organizations, schools, and community initiatives throughout Northern California. His leadership reflects a strong commitment to corporate responsibility, ensuring that Teichert’s legacy extends beyond construction into meaningful investments that strengthen communities.

A passionate advocate for civic engagement, Fred has served on numerous nonprofit and civic boards, contributing his expertise in leadership, fundraising, and community partnerships. Through his work, he continues the Teichert family tradition of combining business success with public service, helping to build not only strong infrastructure but also strong communities.

Azizza Davis Goines is the President & CEO of the Capital Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC), where she leads efforts to promote economic growth, equity, and opportunity for African American–owned businesses throughout the region. Under her leadership, the Chamber has expanded its programs in business development, access to capital, and advocacy, ensuring that minority-owned enterprises have the tools and resources to thrive.

With decades of experience in leadership, community development, and civic engagement, Azizza has become a trusted voice in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across Sacramento’s business community. She has built partnerships with government agencies, corporations, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen the region’s economic landscape while creating pathways for entrepreneurs and future leaders.

A dedicated advocate for small business success, Azizza has been recognized for her commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and community empowerment. Her vision continues to guide the Chamber as a catalyst for growth and as a powerful advocate for a more inclusive and prosperous economy.

Moe Golshani is the Founder and Director of Bamdad Radio, a leading Persian-language radio station in Northern California that has become a trusted voice for the Iranian-American community. Through Bamdad Radio, Moe provides a platform for news, culture, music, and dialogue, helping preserve heritage while fostering connection among generations of listeners.

With decades of experience in media and broadcasting, Moe has built Bamdad Radio into more than just a station—it is a cultural hub and a bridge between communities. His dedication to free expression, cultural preservation, and civic engagement has made him a respected leader and advocate for immigrant voices.

In addition to his work in broadcasting, Moe is actively involved in community service and multicultural initiatives. His vision is rooted in using media to strengthen understanding, unity, and collaboration across California’s diverse population.

Kevin Barri is a 36-year financial services veteran, formerly a region bank executive for Wells Fargo, responsible for leading more than 1,000 consumer banking employees at 110 branches in 26 Northern California counties. In that role, Barri worked closely with local and state-elected officials, and community leaders and non-profit organizations. He currently serves on the board of Sierra College Foundation, Marconi Learning Center, and Paseo Grande Charter School. Barri earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from California State University, Fresno, and graduated from Pacific Coast Banking School.
Barri has served on many local non-profit boards over the last 25 years including Salvation Army, Soil Born Farms, TEDCorp, El Dorado Food Bank and as past board chair for El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce. He resides in El Dorado Hills with his wife Rachelle.

Tiffany Le Ma represents New York Life, bringing expertise in financial planning, wealth management, and life insurance solutions. She is dedicated to helping families and business owners achieve long-term security and stability, with a focus on building trust and guiding clients toward financial success.

Alina Mukhopadhyay Co-Founder & CEO, MISI Community Solutions Alina Mukhopadhyay is the Co-Founder and CEO of MISI Community Solutions, a leading organization dedicated to addressing housing insecurity, healthcare access, and workforce development for vulnerable populations. Under her leadership, MISI has supported more than 7,000 individuals and earned national recognition as a 2025 Inc. 5000 honoree (#235 nationwide, #2 in Greater Sacramento, #10 in Government Services, #40 in California). She has been honored with multiple awards, including the Sacramento Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business Award, a California Senate Certificate of Recognition, and a Congressional Certificate of Special Recognition. Beyond MISI, Alina holds leadership roles across several ventures. As Vice President of Sales at DevCool, she drives innovation and builds strategic partnerships in the IT sector. She is also a Realtor at USKO Realty and Equinox LLP, where she has been recognized as a Top Performing