2026 6abc Philly Proud Community Leader Awards celebrating AAPI Month
As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 6abc recognizes three (3) individuals making a difference in our local community by 'serving our most vulnerable'. Congratulations to Councilmember Nina Ahmad, PA State Senator Nikil Saval and Dunkin' Franchisee Owner & Chairman of the Dunkin' Ad Committee Perry Shah. Plus, join Anchor Nydia Han and the honorees discuss the ways that serving others builds a stronger, more connected community.
Nina Ahmad is an at-Large Philadelphia City Councilmember, a scientist and an advocate for equity and community empowerment. She made history as the first South Asian American, first Muslim woman, and first immigrant in recent history elected to Philadelphia City Council. Dr. Ahmad earned her PhD in chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania and previously worked in molecular genetics research and academia. Her current policy priorities include public health, child welfare, civil rights, advocacy, and economic, opportunities for all. Her most popular initiatives are focused on human trafficking prevention and workplace protections for menstruation and menopause accommodation. nd most recently, her efforts are focused on establishing a Child Welfare Commission.
Pennsylvania State Senator Nikil Saval is a father, a husband and a writer. His work can be found in the New York Times and The New Yorker. He's penned two books - book 'Cubed: A Secret History of Workplace' and 'Rage in Harlem: June Jordan & Architecture'. But what we truly know him for, is for being a community organizer, a voice for the people as a State Senator representing Pennsylvania's first senatorial district. As democratic Chair of the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee and Chair of Philadelphia's Senate Delegation, he focuses on housing, transit, wage equity, climate issues, and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he lead the creation of the whole home repairs program helping repair nearly 3,000 home statewide. In 2025, he helped lead the fight to prevent SEPTA service cuts that would have impacted thousands of workers and businesses. Senator Nikil consistently has an eye on what's truly needed in our community, and is always willing to be a voice and fighter for those that have less resources.
Pramodkumar "Perry" Shah is a highly respected Dunkin' franchisee owner and a leader with more than 30 years of experience helping shape the brands' growth and innovation. Since purchasing his first Dunkin' Restaurant in 1990 he expanded to own 12 Dunkin' locations across the Philadelphia region, while serving in key leadership roles, including Chairman of the Dunkin' Philadelphia Advertising Committee for 19 years, representing more than 600 restaurants. One of his signature initiatives, through the 'Dunkin Joy and Childhood Foundation' is the "Roast Hunger Program", which has raised over 3 million to fight food insecurity. Beyond business, Perry is deeply committed to philanthropy, having donated significantly to the Philadelphia Children's Alliance, which supports children who have experienced abuse.
