Building One Community (B1C) Announces Leadership Transition

May 10th, Stamford, CT—After nine years of dedicated service, Anka Badurina, PhD, the Executive Director of Building One Community, has announced her decision to step down to focus on her family and personal goals, effective June 30th. Elena Perez has been appointed the New Executive Director, and the transition process will begin immediately.

Anka, who has been with B1C since 2015, leaves a legacy of compassion and strategic leadership. Under her guidance, B1C has flourished and become a pillar of support within the immigrant community. She exits B1C leaving behind a position of strength, an esteemed reputation within the community, and robust financial health. Today the magnitude of the organization's positive impact in the immigrant community has been felt state-wide and especially in Fairfield County. B1C has successfully served more than 17,000 immigrants from 124 countries since its inception in 2011.

“This decision was not made lightly, as my time with B1C has been a deeply fulfilling chapter of my life. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support, dedication, and collaboration throughout my tenure. Working alongside such passionate individuals and organizations has been an incredible privilege. I am thrilled to pass the baton to a trusted and respected colleague,” said Badurina.

“Anka has assembled a formidable team that is ready to take B1C’s mission to the next level. Her contributions have been immense and invaluable, and she will be greatly missed by the entire B1C family. We thank her for her leadership and vision in building B1C into the well-respected, leading immigrant community organization it is today,” said Eleanor Riemer, Board Chair.

Riemer added, “While it is never easy to say goodbye, I cannot think of a better person to pass the torch to than Elena Perez. Elena has the passion, expertise, and commitment to lead B1C through its next phase.”

Elena Perez, the current Development and External Relations Director at B1C, brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit and for-profit management and a deep commitment to B1C's mission. She is a seasoned global leader with over two decades of marketing, communications, and development experience in multi-cultural environments, dedicated to mission-driven work and community service. She is also an immigrant to the U.S. who has lived in six countries and speaks five languages.

For years, Elena has worked side-by-side with Anka, fully ingrained in the B1C community internally and externally. Elena has been pivotal in establishing partnerships and fostering relationships crucial to B1C’s success. She has also been leading our external efforts to showcase the positive narrative of immigrants in Stamford and beyond. Her strategic vision and dedication to serving the community make her the ideal candidate to lead B1C into its next chapter. Her transition to Executive Director signifies continuity and a seamless progression for B1C.

"I am honored and excited to take on this new role. B1C holds a special place in my heart, and I am committed to building upon the strong foundation that Anka, the team, and our community have achieved. I've had the pleasure to forge strong relationships with B1C participants, volunteers, partners, donors, and government officials. Together, we will continue to work tirelessly to positively impact the lives of the immigrant community we serve," said Elena Perez.

B1C’s Board of Directors deeply thanks Anka Badurina for her exceptional leadership and wishes her the best in her future endeavors. As B1C embarks on this new chapter under Elena's stewardship, the organization remains steadfast in advancing the successful integration of all immigrants and their families into the community.

For more information about B1C, please visit the website www.b1c.org.

About Building One Community

Building One Community (also known as B1C) is a nonprofit organization established in 2011 that provides a comprehensive resource center for immigrants in the greater Stamford area. The mission of Building One Community is to advance the successful integration of immigrants and their families. Since its inception, the organization has served more than 17,000 immigrants from 124 countries. B1C provides free services that educate, employ, empower, and engage immigrants and the broader community. Programs offered include ELL (English Language learning) classes, Family and Individual Support Services, Immigration Legal Services, and Workforce Development Programs. Community Volunteers, donors, and partnerships are an essential component of the growth of Building One Community. More information may be found at www.B1C.org.