Amira Rizvanovic

Biography

Amira Rizvanovic is an accomplished financial executive whose journey from war-torn Bosnia to executive leadership in the United States is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the power of determination. Born in Bosnia, Amira's childhood was shaped by the Bosnian War of 1992–1995. She lost her father to the war in 1992 and experienced her first year of school in a war zone. In March 2002, she immigrated to the United States with her mother and brothers, reuniting with extended family in Utica, New York, and beginning a new chapter filled with uncertainty and opportunity. Arriving without speaking English, Amira entered eighth grade and dedicated herself to learning the language, studying day and night to overcome the challenges of adapting to a new country. Her determination paid off when she graduated from middle school with the President's Award for Educational Excellence during President George W. Bush's administration. Amira continued pursuing her education while working full-time, beginning her career in the financial services industry at BNY Mellon in its OFAC department. She earned her bachelor's degree in 2010 from Utica College, then affiliated with Syracuse University, and subsequently advanced her career through roles at LeverPoint in private equity accounting and NRLA, where she progressed from Senior Accountant to Controller. In 2017, Amira joined the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) as Controller, advancing to Associate Director of Finance in 2019 and Chief of Finance in 2024. Today, she oversees the financial operations of an organization serving approximately 55,000 members, with an operating budget of approximately $24 million and an investment portfolio exceeding $70 million. Committed to lifelong learning, Amira began pursuing her master's degree at SUNY Polytechnic Institute in January 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. Balancing graduate studies, a demanding career, and family responsibilities, she graduated in May 2021, demonstrating that personal and professional growth need not stop when life becomes challenging. As a wife and proud mother of two daughters, Amira considers her family her greatest motivation. She hopes to inspire her daughters and other women to recognize their strength, embrace opportunities, and never allow their circumstances to limit their ambitions. For Amira, success is not defined solely by professional accomplishments, but by the obstacles overcome, the opportunities created, and the example set for future generations. Her message to women everywhere: "We didn't come this far just to come this far. Never let your beginnings define your future. Dream big, set your goals, and work toward them every single day, one step at a time. And when life knocks your crown out of place, straighten it, hold your head high, and keep moving forward."