What do you want to know about BAPA?
Frequently Asked Questions
BAPA stands for Bosnian American Professionals Association. We are a 501c nonprofit organization geared toward business professionals throughout the United States who identify as Bosnian and/or Herzegovinian. We are a nonpartisan organization focused on fostering a national community of diaspora professionals by providing resources to help Bosnian Americans grow in their careers.
BAPA offers opportunities for Bosnian diaspora members to connect with fellow industry professionals. Our networking opportunities include an annual forum that features keynote speakers and monthly Fildžan Kahve meet-ups that are in person and online. Additionally, we award scholarships to outstanding students, helping them finance their education.
In 2013, Kanita Lipjankić noticed a need for Bosnian professionals to more effectively learn about and from one another. She founded BAPA to serve as a conduit for this connection, with the first BAPA forum taking place in Salt Lake City, Utah. Our founder had a vision that we continue today through initiatives like financial aid, professional development workshops, and collaborations with other cultural organizations.
BAPA’s current chair is Adina Husić. Other members of the board are listed here: Our Team.
Each year, BAPA hosts a forum in a different US city. Our forums provide a space for Bosnian professionals and students to connect with one another while learning from keynote speakers who have dedicated themselves to empowering the Bosnian community.
Along with keynote speeches and panelist conversations, our forums offer workshops covering a range of topics, from AI in the workplace to conflict resolution strategies. Recipients of BAPA’s scholarships give presentations on their research. Throughout the forum, attendees are encouraged to network with fellow participants. Additionally, BAPA coordinates lunches and dinners for attendees to befriend one another in more casual settings.
Typically, our forums take place in the fall of each year.
Generally, yes. Most years, we are able to reserve a limited number of hotel rooms in advance of the forum for a discounted price. Those seeking to take advantage of lower accommodations pricing can do so by purchasing their forum ticket well in advance and noting their interest in lodging with BAPA-approved hotels.
One ticket for the forum costs $50.00. We do offer discounts for students with proof of enrollment at an accredited institution. Additionally, we have limited funding that can cover the entire ticket price for those experiencing significant financial hardship. Contact us to learn more.
Every month, a BAPA board member leads an in-person or virtual meeting called a “Fildžan Kahve.” During our Fildžan Kahve meetings, we provide a space for Bosnians to sit down, relax, and share stories with one another. They’re a great way to meet friends! Some of our Fildžan Kahve meetings are more focused; our most recent one featured a board member advising MBA applicants on how to strengthen their application materials.
We’re happy to have you! You can get involved in a variety of ways, from donating to volunteering to serving as a board member.
Donations are crucial to helping BAPA maintain its current programming and create new initiatives. You can provide a one-time or recurring donation here: Donations.
Learn more about our volunteer needs here: Become A Volunteer.
Then, reach out via our Contact Us Form. In the subject line, indicate your interest in being a volunteer. Paste your resume or CV in the body of the email, and mention BAPA initiatives you’d like to support.
BAPA board members belong to one of six committees: Scholarship, Membership, Marketing & Technology, Homeland, Governance, or Events. Read more about board member expectations and committee responsibilities: Board of Directors Membership.
Then, submit your application here: Board of Directors Application.
BAPA dedicates much of its fundraising efforts to a scholarship fund. With these funds, we award scholarships that assist undergraduate and graduate Bosnian Americans as they navigate the educational system. Many Bosnian Americans are first-generation students, meaning they face unique challenges as they pursue their academic and career goals. Our scholarships are meant to alleviate some of the financial burden of higher education, all while integrating recipients into the strong network that BAPA provides. This scholarship cycle is our tenth year of awarding aid to outstanding students who have gone on to exemplify BAPA’s values regarding stewardship, mentorship, and cultural connection.
BAPA offers two kinds of scholarships: the BAPA Scholarship, and the Bosana Foundation Scholarship, which is sponsored by the Bosana Foundation.
The BAPA Scholarship is available to American citizens only. The award amount of this scholarship depends on the fundraising we are able to accomplish in a given year. Applicants can be undergraduate or graduate students (high school seniors can also apply). Recipients of a BAPA Scholarship are expected to attend the annual forum and present on their academic interests.
The Bosana Foundation Scholarship is sponsored by the Bosana Foundation. Both American and Bosnian citizens can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be undergraduate students. There is no expectation that Bosana Foundation Scholarship recipients must present at the annual forum, although recipients are encouraged to do so.
In a typical year, we award 4-5 scholarships that are about $5,000 each. Award amounts vary depending on the money we are able to fundraise during the year.
BAPA Scholarship recipients are expected to collaborate with select BAPA board members and mentors to pick a project to present in person at the annual forum.
Board members of the Scholarship Committee are looking for academically and socially exceptional students. Competitive applicants are heavily involved in the Bosnian community, dedicated to their own career goals, and submit well-written, compelling essays and short answers as part of their application packet.
The 2025 application opens in March, and the deadline to apply is April 10th, 2025.