In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in May, MassLive asked readers to nominate AAPI leaders doing important work across the state.

Over the course of this month, profiles of these leaders have been published on our website and social media pages. Here they are collected in one place.

The list includes business owners, activists, political figures and artists. They were identified for their inspirational leadership in their communities and organizations and are being recognized for their accomplishments and commitment to inspire change.

If you know if an Asian American and Pacific Islander leader in Massachusetts you think deserves to be recognized in the future, please fill out this form.

Darcy Borecki

Age: 34

Community: Springfield

Her story: The Springfield Fire Department’s success, with its mission to deliver top-tier emergency response services to residents, workers, and visitors in the City of Springfield, rests in the capable hands of Darcy Borecki.

At its core, Borecki’s work saves lives.

Borecki never envisioned herself working in public safety, but she loves it!

Borecki serves as an administrative analyst for the Springfield Fire Department, tasked with identifying departmental needs, co-managing the inventory control process, researching grant opportunities, and soliciting funding to support a variety of programs and projects.

“I manage all of our grants and each of their unique cycles,” she said. “Whether it’s securing funding to procure a set a new jaws-of-life or upfitting our firefighters with the equipment and PPE that they need, the work I do is critical to my team.”

The 34-year-old, self-proclaimed Springfield girl at heart, graduated from Cathedral High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business management from Westfield State University.

Borecki started at the Springfield Fire Department during the middle of the pandemic in October 2020

“It was a new beginning for me,” she said.

Borecki attributes success at the Springfield Fire Department to a commitment to being authentic and taking pride in her work.

“I am incredibly blessed to have managers that support my growth and ideas, to have teammates that have become family, and to work in an environment that keeps me sharp.”

For anyone with a dream to work in public safety Borecki said don’t be afraid to be yourself.

In her words: “Be intentional about your goals and the spaces you put yourself in. Build relationships, and always be kind.”

— Aprell May Munford

Jerren Chang

Age: 31

Community: Boston

His story: Jerren Chang is on a mission to heal civic culture. The New York native and alumnus of Duke University, Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School is the CEO and co-founder of GenUnity, a Boston-based community leadership nonprofit that brings people of different backgrounds together via locally-focused programs to drive systemic change.

Since its founding in 2020, GenUnity has supported more than 150 everyday leaders who are now expanding access to culturally competent healthcare, promoting housing security through legislation to combat discrimination, and creating new programs to support people in low-income communities of color in becoming first-time homeowners.

Chang says growing up as a first-generation Asian American in an affluent New York suburb made him keenly aware of how the lived experiences of people of color are often overlooked, even by people with good intentions. He brought that lens with him to social impact work at McKinsey & Company global consulting firm and later to an economic development position at the Chicago Mayor’s Office.

When Chang arrived in Boston to attend school at Harvard, he started thinking about the need to build deep partnerships between residents closest to the issues and staff at institutions who want to create positive change. From there, GenUnity was born.

In his words: “A common entrepreneurial phrase is, ‘Fall in love with the problem.’ It’s a great reminder that too often we jump to a solution without understanding the root causes of an issue or the systems surrounding it. By focusing on the problem, we bring a humble inquiry and learning mindset that is essential, especially if we want to address our society’s most entrenched inequities.”

— Hadley Barndollar

Abby Chin

Age: 41

Community: Arlington/Boston

Her story: Abby Chin is no stranger to being the only woman, or Asian-American, in the room.

A graduate of the University of Colorado, Chin worked her way up from a “diversity hire” in production at ESPN to eventually become an on-air reporter and host in Alabama and Oregon. While attending the first post-pandemic press conference for another top tier franchise in the NBA, Chin noticed that she was the only woman at the conference.

“From that moment on, I’ve made it my mission to discover, engage and foster young women in sports media while creating and strengthening relationships with women and allies within the industry,” she told MassLive.

Chin has been the long-time sideline reporter for the Boston Celtics, bridging the gap between fans and one the most successful squads in NBA history.

“I bring a unique perspective to interviews and conversations with players, coaches various community leaders featured throughout the season,” Chin said.

In addition to getting the scoop, Chin’s work also helps accentuate the importance of diversity and representation in sports media while fostering a greater sense of inclusion and belonging in the community.

“Beyond what you see on camera, I recognize the significance of my role as a mother and a woman of Asian descent in the sports media world,” she said. “I strive to bring a strong, well-prepared voice, inspiring young girls and diverse communities to find representation and empowerment within professional sports and media.”

A key contributor to the multi-Emmy Award winning regional broadcasts, Chin also covered major events for national networks from the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang on NBC to NBA Summer League on NBATV.

But perhaps Chin’s greatest accomplishment, is being a mother to her two young children, Mabel and Silas.

In her own words: “Working in a male-dominated industry can be at times intimidating, frustrating and discouraging. Recognize that your perspective and experiences bring valuable diversity to the field. Embrace your uniqueness and use it to your advantage in telling stories and connecting with audiences.”

— David Cifarelli

Helen Chin Schlichte

Age: 91

Community: Boston

Her story: Helen Chin Schlichte’s track record of public service is as far-reaching as it is long-lasting.

She enjoyed a lengthy state government career as a public administrator, serving under 12 governors and 13 secretaries of Administration and Finance, and becoming “a fixture on Beacon Hill,” as the Boston Globe once described.

She has volunteered in leadership positions for a wide variety of organizations around Greater Boston, including the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston.

She served decades on the board of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and cofounded the South Cove Manor Nursing Home — a Quincy nursing home for the Chinese community — and the Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation — the state’s first and only philanthropic fund dedicated to supporting the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

But well before all that, Chin Schlichte leaned into public service while growing up in Boston’s Charlestown neighborhood.

Her father, who came to America in 1918 at 14 years old, had absorbed English and became a sought-after aid to relatives and friends who faced language barriers.

As she grew up, Chin Schlichte would go with her father to visit older Chinese men who lived in the country alone, unable to bring their families to America because of the Chinese Exclusion Act, then in effect. She and her father would accompany people to medical treatment at local hospitals, helping those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to communicate their ailments to the doctors in English.

“After a while, I got to know how to work the bureaucracy,” Chin Schlichte said by email. “I also got to know the benches and how hard they are!”

When her father died of cancer in 1948, at 45 years old, Chin Schlichte and her siblings continued helping relatives navigate the system.

Later, as one of the first Asian Americans in a high-level management position in state government, Chin Schlichte had the chance to introduce more Asian Americans to careers in the government, preaching the philosophy “that a life of public service is very noble indeed.”

“A number of these folks were very successful in their positions; now there’s a nice cadre of Asian Americans in state government,” she said, particularly noting senior members of Gov. Maura Healey’s administration.

“My nearly five decades of meaningful work in state government was possible because of the countless number of folks, women and men, who gave me a helping hand, who helped to shape my experiences by encouraging me, by providing me with opportunities to serve, by taking a chance on me,” Chin Schlichte said. “Most importantly, they helped me dare to be creative, to take risks, to challenge the system even while abiding in an environment of complex rules.”

In her words: “Here are some basic yet important ways of being, behaving and thinking:

• Make the most of the opportunities that come along;
• Let people know who you are but have humility;
• Work hard; Listen;
• Be honest; Be transparent; Have a good code of ethics;
• Have a strong work ethic with a good moral compass;
• Have respect and dignity for all.”

— Will Katcher

Kerwin Chong

Age: 48

Community: Attleboro

His story: As a tattoo artist, Kevin Chong said he is constantly competing with other “mainstream” art forms like pottery, pin-striping, glassmaking and murals. While tattooing has a similar method and application, there is still a stigma behind it. So Chong strives to change people’s perception of tattooing by creating beautiful and meaningful tattoos for his clients.

Chong understands how personal tattoos can be both personally and professionally. The tattoo artist, who has many meaningful tattoos, said tattooing is “a celebration or memorializing of your loved ones. It also helps self-confidence and healing.”

Chong especially sees how tattoos have a positive impact on his clients.

“When I see the client’s reaction after a session, it touches them and I appreciate the result,” Chong said. “Sometimes it’s bittersweet especially when they lost someone and they get a tattoo to memorialize them, they get teary and at the same time it helps with healing.”

Chong has been the owner of Nu-Ink Tattoo Studio in Attleboro for 10 years. But before he set up his shop, the 48-year-old was once “a tourist from humble beginnings.”

At 21, Chong emigrated from the Philippines to the United States in 1997. He became a student, got his working visa, then got naturalized as an American citizen.

Chong obtained an associates degree from Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester before getting a bachelors in Graphic Design from Fitchburg State College.

He told MassLive the key to his success as a business owner involved “hard work, perseverance, integrity, staying humble and being a forever student of this craft.”

In his own words: “Corny as it is but don’t stop believing! Stay humble and grounded. Good character and integrity is a must.”

— David Cifarelli

Anthony Dear

Age: 53

Community: Quincy

His story: A 31-year veteran of the Massachusetts State Police, Anthony Dear got into policing to make a difference — and for the action. Growing up, Dear was pushed toward higher education but found himself uninterested in an office job but still feeling a desire to be around people, and became drawn to policing.

During his State Police career, Dear has served as the commander of the Brighton and Boston barracks, supervised COBRA, a multi-agency rapid response team for many large-scale events like the Head of the Charles Regatta and Boston’s Caribbean Festival and was the first chief of staff in the division of investigative services. He also helped develop the agency’s first cadet program.

“Rank and authority do not make a leader,” Dear said. “I believe in developing subordinates with unselfish intentionality.”

He has also been awarded the Medal of Life Saving and is the recipient of four Troop Commanders Commendations and one Division Commander’s Commendation. Now a captain, Dear serves as the agency’s diversity offer and commander of recruitment.

During the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd, Dear felt State Police were being misrepresented in the press. So, he forged partnerships with neighborhood leaders in Roxbury and Mattapan, creating the Massachusetts State Police TEAM program, short for Together Everyone Achieves More, which allowed troopers to get out in the community, beginning with a basketball league. State Police have received several grants from the Department of Justice since Dear launched the program.

The program has allowed State Police to capture a “new demographic audience on social media and improved relationships with youth in diverse communities,” Dear says.

Now, the program features 10 activities with more than 700 youths participating on a weekly basis.

In his words: “We must first improve relationships in all communities of the historically underrepresented to improve diversity for our department workforce. We must all do our part to win back the public trust.”

— Charlie McKenna

Stephanie DiMichele

Age: 38

Community: Hampden

Her story: Stephanie DiMichele has worked in the human services field for 17 years. Born in South Korea, she was adopted and raised in Pennsylvania, she received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from West Chester University in West Chester Pennsylvania and her master’s degree in forensic psychology from American International College in Springfield.

“I have been able to work in different roles that serve and support underprivileged communities and help identify resources for those in need,” she told MassLive.

Her experiences led her to Seattle to work in group homes before she came to work in Western Massachusetts, where she worked with in-home services, outpatient clinics and state agencies. In February 2023, she became the director of permanency services at 18 Degrees Family Services for Western Massachusetts, an organization that has been promoting the “well-being and strengths of children, youth, and families” in Western Massachusetts since 1887, according to the organization’s website.

She also serves on the board of directors for the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, which raises money to advance gender equity and fund grants to nonprofits, publish research, develop the leadership of women, girls, and gender-diverse people, and advocate on their behalf, according to the nonprofit’s website.

“With this experience, I have gained confidence in advocating and understanding both sides of the system,” she said.

Outside of work, DiMichele and her wife have three children — “We were lucky enough to have most recently adopted our third son in February,” she said.

DiMichele added that she coaches girls’ basketball at the middle school and varsity levels.

“Coaching is incredibly rewarding as I feel it empowers girls to use their voice and gain confidence while learning new skills,” she said.

In her words: “Finding a balance is key. The work can be incredibly rewarding, but also discouraging at some points. Finding positive mentors throughout your journey can help mold who you are in this work. I have been lucky to learn from some of the best. I take what I learn and carry it with me to be better than the day before. I have worked hard to focus on now mentoring other potential female leaders, with an emphasis on BIPOC women – with my last three hires being BIPOC women.”

— Ryan Mancini

Daniel Do

Age: 28

Community: Boston

His story: Daniel Do is an incoming anesthesiology resident at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and a student at Harvard Medical School. He has focused much of his work around cancer, medical research and patient care.

His focus on cancer began in 2018 as a researcher at the Massachusetts General Hospital using zebrafish as a cancer discovery tool. He was published in scientific journals such as Cell and Nature. He also volunteered at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

He is currently part of a study at the Massachusetts General Hospital that is assessing the performance metrics of digital breast tomosynthesis, a new method in breast mammography, as a screening tool for malignancy in breast cancer survivors. There have been 30,000 exams for 8,000 patients as part of the study.

“Medicine has provided myself the opportunity and blessing to make a positive impact on my community in multiple avenues,” Do said.

Do was born to two Vietnamese immigrants who escaped from a war to go to America. He said growing up he knew the value of perseverance, foresight and hard work.

As such, one of his focuses is helping first-generation low-income students get into medical school.

As a future anesthesiology resident at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, he aims to add to the body of cancer research and develop new pain management strategies for better caring for cancer patients.

In his words: “Medicine needs more individuals from all walks of life especially those of first-generation low-income backgrounds to counteract ignorance and the crippling biases in our healthcare system. And when you reach that point, remember to give back and help the next pre-med in ways that you healthfully can.”

— Juliet Schulman-Hall

Ya-Ping Douglass

Age: 39

Community: Amherst

Her story: Ya-Ping Douglass has been involved in activism and community organizing since high school. Now involved with multiple advocacy movements and organizations, Douglass takes what she learns and pours it into responding with her community.

Douglass was particularly moved by the Black Lives Matter rallies in 2020 following the death of George Floyd.

Douglass is part of the organizing team of Northampton Abolition Now, organizing to shift municipal funding away from police and into other community support programs. She believes strongly that peer mental health workers and EMTs can be first line response forces for many situations currently handled by police officers.

In 2021, Northampton Abolition Now worked with the city to establish the Northampton Division of Community Care.

Douglass is also a part of the group Amherst 4 Ceasefire, which worked to pass a municipal ceasefire resolution in Amherst related to the Israel-Hamas War. The resolution passed as part of a wave of Western Massachusetts ceasefire resolutions passed between February and April.

She has also been making banners for protests and groups including Jewish Voice for Peace, Valley Families for Palestine, and Demilitarize Western Mass.

In her words: “Find and join an organization! We need each other, and we need organizations to make change through collective action. There’s always something that each of us can contribute.”

— Dave Eisenstadter

Nicole Eigbrett

Age: 31

Community: Lives in Somerville, works in Boston

Her story: By her account, Nicole Eigbrett’s focus and work in social justice stems from her upbringing.

“I am a queer, transracial, and transnational Chinese adoptee who grew up in rural New York state,” she told MassLive. “I have always been a social person who values creating relationships with people of diverse backgrounds, and volunteering was a way to do this while helping others in my community.”

She graduated from St. Lawrence University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in global studies and foreign languages, those languages being French, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. She then moved to the Berkshires to work in Pittsfield with AmeriCorps VISTA, a nonprofit organization that works with local groups to help people in poverty.

“It was here that I realized my passion for economic and racial justice, and bringing my neighbors together to advocate and fight for their vision of an equitable city — we were community organizing,” Eigbrett told MassLive.

Eigbrett moved to Boston at the end of 2016 and became a volunteer with the Asian American Resource Workshop, or AARW, she said. She worked full-time as a communications and grant writer for a mentoring nonprofit before she worked as a legislative aide to state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, D-Pittsfield, and then state Rep. Mary Keefe, D-Worcester.

“This was during the Trump administration when there was heightened urgency around issues of immigration, reproductive justice, and systemic racism,” Eigbrett said. “We championed issues of criminal justice reform and education funding (Chapter 90) overhaul.”

But her time working in government made Eigbrett realize she wanted to return to grassroots work, she said. Eigbrett then served as the community organizing director at the Community Action Agency of Somerville, or CAAS, for almost four years, “where I created and rapidly expanded a team of full-time organizers to confront the city’s fast-moving gentrification and displacement crisis,” she said.

“Under my leadership, CAAS organized 15 tenant unions and successful anti-eviction interventions, helped advance the strongest local rent stabilization measure in the state, and campaigned alongside low-income and immigrant tenant leaders to secure more than $3.5 million in Somerville’s budget for housing needs,” Eigbrett said.

On Jan. 16, CAAS announced that Eigbrett would leave to join the Asian American Resource Workshop, or AARW, on May 1, as the new co-executive director and work with AARW’s current co-executive director Kevin Lam.

Founded in Boston in 1979, AARW has “remained a member-led organization and political home for pan-Asian communities in Greater Boston” that utilizes political education in tandem with creative expression “to help Asian Americans hone their individual identities, shape the narrative of our shared diasporic histories and present-day realities and build collective power to transform issues of injustice and oppression,” Eigbrett told MassLive.

AARW’s campaigns include housing justice with eviction defense in Dorchester; protections for Vietnamese, Cambodian and Laos families who are refugees; “fighting criminalization and over-policing in Boston’s working-class neighborhoods; and cultivating civic engagement, particularly for young people, South and Southeast Asians, and queer and trans AAPIs,” Eigbrett told MassLive.

In her words: “I would encourage anyone who wants to become an organizer to figure out the one to two issues you’re most passionate about and how they are impacting the community where you live. Then, join and volunteer with a local organization or group that is already doing the work. Chances are, you’ll meet many like-minded people and gain new skills. If that doesn’t exist yet, start talking to your neighbors with shared values, meet regularly and determine who has the power to influence your issue, then take collective action to shift power and change the system!”

— Ryan Mancini

Vineeth Hemavathi

Age: 36

Community: Longmeadow

His story: Vineeth Hemavathi’s parents immigrated to the United States because they believed the country could give their future children more opportunities. The attorney said that belief proved correct.

Over the course of his career, Hemavathi has worked on former President Barack Obama’s campaign, for the FBI, as a teacher at a low-income school and as an advocate for victims of domestic violence and housing discrimination, and was the first person of color ever elected in his home town of Longmeadow.

“Public service has always been my day job and my life’s work, as I’ve always strived to give back to the country that gave me and my family so much,” he said. “This means that public service has always been at my core, and not something that I do only when it is convenient.”

Hemavathi currently works as a staff attorney at the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center, a Holyoke-based organization that helps victims of housing discrimination around the state. He works with people who need accommodations for disabilities, families looking for lead-safe housing and people facing discrimination because they have a housing voucher.

Outside of his work at the Fair Housing Center, Hemavathi was elected to the Longmeadow Select Board last year. On the board, he leads the Municipal Fiber Task Force which is exploring bringing fiber internet to the town and led the charge to increase wages for firefighters and town employees to bring them even with those in neighboring towns.

He also advocates for infrastructure updates in Longmeadow, including the replacement of century-old water mains, and has proposed increasing tax abatements opportunities for seniors.

In his words: “Spend more time listening than speaking. Whether that be listening to a constituent, a client, a friend, or even a stranger, we all have so much to learn from the experience and knowledge of others. In a time when social isolation is increasing, it is more important than ever to find connection and humanity in each other.”

— Tréa Lavery

Grace Lee

Community: Boston

Her story: Grace Lee is the Regional President of Massachusetts and Head of Government Banking and Finance in New England for M&T Bank.

“At M&T, we pride ourselves on meeting the needs of the communities we serve. We help our customers start families, buy houses, open small businesses, and set up their retirements,” Lee said. “To have such a large and personal relationship with our customers is incredibly powerful and important to me. Banks like M&T are vital components to every Main Street and community across the country and serve as the foundation for the national economy.”

Lee also said she is a first-generation Korean American and the daughter of parents who speak little English. Growing up her family struggled to make ends meet until her father started his own small business.

The work she does at M&T, helping customers and small businesses find success is personal to her, she said. M&T was recognized as the #1 SBA Minority Lender of the Year in the Commonwealth for 2023.

“I’m so proud of this accomplishment because it serves as proof of our commitment to working with underserved populations in need and our effort to close the wealth gap so that all Massachusetts families can thrive like mine did,” Lee said.

Lee, who is also an attorney, said that she has a unique mix of private and public work. She was the Special Counsel and Vice Chair of the Public Finance Group for Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellot and she was an attorney for Morgan, Brown & Joy where she focused on employment discrimination, labor law and commercial litigation.

But Lee said it was her work in the public sector that shaped her career outlook, fueling her passion to help others.

“I witnessed the terrible effects of discrimination while working as a civil rights lawyer for the Norfolk County DA’s Office and the U.S. Department of Education and later, I proudly served as the Receiver General for the Office of the State Treasurer where I helped establish the Asian American Commission to lift our community here in Massachusetts,” she said.

Lee said she works with the M&T Charitable Foundation to support the bank’s commitment to equality and inclusion.

In her words: “Be bold! Stick your neck out and lean into everything you believe. If you do that, you’ll be passionate about what you do, and that passion will drive you to success. But most importantly, always prioritize giving back and find ways to elevate those around you.”

— Alvin Buyinza

Nina Liang

Age: 36

Community: Quincy and Greater Boston

Her story: Nina Liang, a lifelong Quincy resident, has served her community in various capacities. She’s served as an at-large city councilor in Quincy for the past eight years, with two of them as the city’s first minority council president.

“This is a job that I take very seriously because I want to give back to the city that gave me so much,” Liang said. “I want to ensure that each and every person who lives and works here has that same opportunity to enjoy everything that Quincy has to offer.”

Liang said that she sees her role as breaking down barriers and making City Hall more accessible for the people of Quincy, especially for immigrant families.

Liang said she was born and raised in Quincy, and that she comes from a family of Chinese immigrants “with a deep sense of community, strengthened by a shared desire to improve the place we called home.”

She said her family owns a group of restaurants in the Greater Boston area and that a sense of giving back to her community has informed her time on the council.

“I prioritize collaborative work among residents, small businesses, and community groups to address the evolving needs of our diverse population,” she said. “I understand the importance of smart growth and development that supports local entrepreneurs and Quincy’s best interests to truly create a future that is representative of all of us.”

In her words: “If you are passionate about changing your community, then jump into the power structure. Embrace the challenge, take the chance, and don’t be afraid to fail.”

— Luis Fieldman

Abeer Massri

Age: 39

Community: Boston

Her story: For Asian domestic violence survivors navigating protective orders, family court, immigration issues and other complicated legal matters, Abeer Massri’s team is ready to help.

Massri is the managing attorney of the legal program at the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence. Known as ATASK, the organization was created in 1992 to assist domestic violence survivors in the Greater Boston and Lowell areas, including low-income immigrants who spoke limited English. Today, staff provide services in more than 20 languages.

“Central to my work is ensuring that survivors have access to comprehensive legal services, empowering them to navigate complex legal systems and secure their rights and safety,” Massri said.

She is also deeply involved in outreach aimed at educating the Asian community on domestic violence and survivors’ legal rights, all part of a mission to help community members recognize domestic violence and respond accordingly.

Massri’s legal career began in Syria and took her from a top Damascus law firm to a position as the managing attorney of one of Syria’s banks. After leaving Syria, her career continued in Massachusetts, where she helped establish NuDay Syria, a nonprofit dedicated to providing medical aid to Syrian refugee camps. She also helped develop Urban Refugee, an app to connect refugees with support services, and served as a senior attorney at the Justice Center in Brockton, handling immigration law.

Today, her work at ATASK “ensures that survivors of domestic violence receive the legal assistance and support they need to rebuild their lives, break the cycle of abuse, and achieve long-term safety and independence,” Massri said. “Through our collective efforts, we strive to create a safer and more equitable society for all.”

In her words: “Overall, approaching this work with empathy, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning will not only benefit the individuals you serve but also contribute to your own personal and professional growth.”

— Will Katcher

Amihan Matias

Age: 60

Community: Springfield

Her story: Amihan Matias has a long history of community activism within Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and beyond across the state.

She is a founding board member of the Massachusetts Asian and Pacific Islanders For Health, serves on the board of directors of the Asian American Resource Workshop and the steering committee of the Asian and Pacific Islander Women’s Social Justice Project and helped found the Jasmine Asian Women’s Giving Circle in collaboration with the Boston Women’s Fund and the Haymarket People’s Fund.

Similarly, Matias has served in roles like being the Senior Director of Community Partnerships at the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, being founder and principal of KAPWA Racial Equity Transformation and facilitates a six-month leadership forum for women of color and gender-expansive BIPOC called “And Still We Rise,” among others.

Matias told MassLive the reason for her impressive work is a deep passion for social justice, racial and gender equity and the liberation and wholeness of marginalized communities.

“I do this work because I want to help create a world that sees and values BIPOC in the fullness of our humanity, a world where we can access what we need to thrive, soar and contribute,” she said.

Matias was born in the Philippines and immigrated to the U.S. with her family as a child. While living in the U.S., she said her family experienced many forms of racism, including having belongings damaged and experiencing physical assault.

Experiencing racism toward herself and her family, Matias witnessed marginalization of people and communities of color around her.

Having been exposed to all of this, Matias was compelled to immerse herself in anti-racism/racial justice and equity work, which she feels honored to be a part of, she said.

In her words: “This work needs to be done collectively, in community. Kapwa is the Filipino word for community. It means shared identity, equality and being with others in a way that recognizes our common humanity. It is the recognition of the self in others that honors and celebrates the inextricable link that connects us to one another. This recognition is at the core of racial equity transformation.”

— Taylor Sanzo

Tanuj Neupane

Age: 36

Community: Worcester

His story: Tanuj Neupane is small business owner who strives to create job opportunities within his community while supporting other local business owners.

Through his ownership of Worcester’s Momo Palace LLC, Neupane supports other independent businesses through the use of locally sourced ingredients while “ensuring the highest quality.”

“As a small business owner, I take pride in not just running a restaurant but also in creating job opportunities within our community,” said Neupane.

He is passionate about supporting other entrepreneurs as he believes “offering advice and insights to those starting out is important to fostering a thriving local economy.”

At Momo Palace LLC, Neupane aims to not only provide a culinary experience but bring people together and foster a sense of unity and belonging.

Neupane, originally from Bhutan, was a refugee living in Nepal for 18 years, “but never gave up hope.” He said when an opportunity arrived to come to Worcester, he saw a chance to make his dreams come true.

Neupane resolved to take his passion for cooking dishes from Bhutan and Nepal and open Momo Palace LLC.

To him, Momo Palace LLC is “not just a place to eat,” but is his way of sharing his culture with others, and representing a symbol of his journey from refugee to business owner.

“Every meal we serve tells a story of resilience and community,” said Neupane. “I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from this city and its people…

“They’ve helped me turn tough times into something positive.”

In his words: “My advice is to never give up, no matter how hard things get. Find what you love and believe in yourself. Be open to learning from others and don’t be afraid to ask for help. And most importantly, always remember why you started in the first place.”

— Dallas Gagnon

Yasmin Padamsee Forbes

Age: 55

Community: Cambridge

Her story: Yasmin Padamsee Forbes is the executive director of the Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission in Massachusetts. Her unique perspective is shaped by her experiences as a first-generation immigrant and single mother, she said.

Her leadership emphasizes strategic planning and resource mobilization which can ensure impactful outcomes for a community, she added. Forbes also champions cross-cultural collaboration and partnership building as she has a background in working with non-profits, including the United Nations.

Her accolades include the 2019 All-Star Award from Harvard Kennedy School and the 2018 Julius E. Babbitt Memorial Volunteer Award, she said. Her commitment to social justice and human rights can really be seen as she helped organize the “Pride and Progress” LGBTQ film festival and helped foster partnerships in Burma.

Forbes also serves as a Cambridge Human Rights Commission Commissioner, where she advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion, she said.

Her work resonates deeply, driving positive and sustainable change throughout Massachusetts, she said. Her efforts in advocacy, leadership and community service show her commitment to creating meaningful change and empowering marginalized communities.

Forbes immigrated to the United States of America from Papua New Guinea, she said. Her journey from moving from the island to becoming the leader of the Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission in Massachusetts shows her resilience and collaboration.

Even though she faced discrimination in college, she was able to learn the value of perseverance, she said.

“This early challenge paved the way for impactful roles, including working with the United Nations and dedicating myself to promoting diversity and inclusion in Massachusetts,” Forbes said. “Through my experiences, I’ve come to appreciate the transformative strength of community and collaboration.”

In her words: “First and foremost, cultivate resilience. Challenges will inevitably arise, but viewing them as opportunities for growth can propel you forward. Secondly, prioritize building strong partnerships and collaborations. Success often hinges on the strength of your network and your ability to leverage diverse perspectives and expertise.”

— Alvin Buyinza

Neeva Patel

Age: 16

Community: Longmeadow

Her story: Neeva Patel created a digital archive called “Our Motel Stories” which captures the inspirational journeys of Indian immigrants who transformed the American hospitality industry.

Each story holds a unique perspective and Patel said she hopes it creates a “haven for a community often underrepresented.”

She said the project’s goals are threefold: to raise awareness, foster a sense of community and establish a lasting resource for future generations.

“These narratives deserve to be heard before they fade with time,” Patel said. “This isn’t ancient history, but a vital and untold chapter of American history.”

Patel said she wanted to celebrate the Indian immigrant experience, their sacrifices, hard work and determination, which deserve recognition.

“Their stories are a testament to the power of starting anew and paving the way for future success,” Patel said.

The inspiration for the archival project came from Patel’s grandfather.

“He poured his life’s work into a small Floridian motel, achieving success until Hurricane Andrew devasted everything in the ‘90s,” she said.

After losing her grandfather to COVID-19 in 2020, Patel said she came to a stark realization.

“His sacrifices and struggles, his unique immigrant journey tied to the motel industry, all vanished with him,” Patel said. “The weight of that loss propelled me to create ‘Our Motel Stories.’”

Through the archive project, Patel preserves the stories of others like her grandfather — Indian immigrants who came to America and “poured their hearts into motels,” she said.

Patel hopes to take her archive project nationwide.

In her words: “Embrace your heritage as a wellspring of pride,” Patel said. “Look to your own culture and history for lessons and inspiration, but don’t stop there. Share these stories with the world!”

— Luis Fieldman

Chareeda Rustanavibul

Age: 27

Community: Boston

Her Story: A self-described startup enthusiast, community builder and nonprofit executive, Chareeda Rustanavibul is a New England native and the first in her family to go to college.

Born and raised in Bangor, Maine, she went into banking immediately after college and started her career in wealth management and commercial lending.

“During my initial banking years, I felt discouraged by lacking AAPI representation in senior leadership positions,” Rustanavibul said. “I sought out AAPI communities where I could find more mentorship with leaders I could identify with.”

In this pursuit, Rustanavibul found the National Association of Asian American Professional’s Boston chapter (NAAAP Boston), where she said she saw the “incredible community fostered in the professional space.”

At NAAAP Boston, Rustanavibul said the organization provided her with a strong community of mentors and colleagues and inspired her to make more community-building efforts beyond the AAPI community and in her professional career.

For the past three years, Rustanavibul has worked for Silicon Valley Bank in the role of a vice president and managing a network of New England early-stage tech founders.

“I have built a strong community of early-stage founders, connecting them with venture capitalists and investors to provide more access to capital to grow their businesses,” she said of her position.

Rustanavibul said she is “passionate” about the matter, and has helped to lead initiatives at the bank which allocate sponsorship funding to organizations supporting underrepresented startup founders.

In her work, Rustanavibul has also led the “Strategic Partnerships” team for NAAAP Boston. Here, she said she works with community partners and corporations to incentivize community building and executive leadership training for professionals of Asian heritage.

In 2023, Rustanavibul added she was the chief convention director for the group, in which she led a national team of over 100 volunteers to deliver Boston’s largest leadership convention for AAPI professionals.

She noted this was the organization’s highest sponsored convention in four decades and brought together various AAPI communities to “unify visionaries.”

Rustanavibul is also a community fellow at Gold House, where she manages a network of more than 500 top AAPI business founders nationwide.

“My passion for advancing and uniting Boston’s startup and AAPI community has earned me the title of a ‘Top Ten Outstanding Young Leader’ by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and an ‘Unsung Hero’ by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Asian American & Pacific Islanders Commission,” according to Rustanavibul.

In her words: “Building strong relationships is more than just a one-and-done activity. It is about creating long-term authentic connections that can drive systemic change when visions are aligned. It is important to lean into your strengths, take up space, and be vocal about your vision for the community you want to build.”

— Chris McLaughlin

Kamini ‘Kamy’ Sanghvi

Age: 53

Community: Chicopee

Her story: Kamini “Kamy” Sanghvi is a local business owner and active member of the Chicopee Cultural Council. Through her work at Kamys Food & Fuel Inc., over the last 14 years, Sanghvi has remained dedicated to providing essential services and supplies to the community.

Sanghvi said she believes “that building relationships is just as important as filling up a gas tank or restocking a pantry,” adding she takes the time to “listen to our customers,” and “offer support in times of need.”

Her commitment to the community extends beyond transactions, as she strives to be “a beacon of comfort and familiarity in an ever-changing world.”

“We are proud to be a part of this vibrant community and look forward to continuing to serve our neighbors with a smile,” said Sanghvi.

She is passionate about fostering a vibrant and cultural scene in Chicopee through serving the Chicopee Cultural Council. In her role, Sanghvi aims to create a space where diverse voices and perspectives can thrive while enriching Chicopee through arts, culture and education.

“I aim to support local artists, promote cultural events, and advocate for initiatives that bring our community together and celebrate our unique heritage,” said Sanghvi.

She believes culture has the power to transform and uplift community and is “excited to be a part of shaping the cultural landscape of Chicopee.”

Whether she is supporting local festivals, public art installations or cultural exchange programs, Sanghvi is dedicated to “making a positive impact,” and ensuring Chicopee continues to be a “vibrant and welcoming place for all.”

After completing her commerce degree from Bombay University in India, Sanghvi explored careers in trading, advertising and publishing. In 2009, Sanghvi relocated with her husband and son to the United States “in pursuit of a brighter future.”

“As immigrants,” said Sanghvi, “we faced initial challenges adjusting to our new community.”

Through hard work, perseverance and the support of friends, she was able to work her way up from a gas station cashier, to purchasing her own business within a year.

“Our experience at the gas station (working) for long hours allowed us to build strong relationships with our customers, who became like family to us,” said Sanghvi. “These experiences have shaped us into the entrepreneurs we are today.”

In her words: “The United States is a land of opportunity, and my advice to those starting a business is to always prioritize honesty and loyalty in your endeavors. Adhere to the rules and regulations, and success will inevitably follow.… By fostering a sense of community and looking out for one another, we can build a stronger, more prosperous society for all.”

— Dallas Gagnon

Rajesh ‘Raj’ Sanghvi

Age: 58

Community: Chicopee

His story: Rajesh Sanghvi serves as the owner of Shell FoodMart, located on Grove Street in Chicopee, and is a member of the city planning poard, who expresses passion about contributing to the growth and development of his community.

As a member of the planning board, Sanghvi said he dedicates his time to help build a better infrastructure and works towards the betterment of the city and its people.

“As a convenience store owner, I understand the challenges faced by local businesses and am committed to using my platform to address these issues. At Shell FoodMart, we are more than just a store — we are a hub for essential services and supplies, providing everything. We strive to be a source of comfort and a friendly place where our customers feel at home,” he said.

From a young age, Sanghvi took a liking to business. He holds of Bachelor of Science degree from Bombay University in India.

Deciding to pursue business is what led him to start a manufacturing business of eyeglasses and eventually, ventured into trading. In 2009, he and his family relocated to the United States, seeking a brighter future for his son, who earned a medical degree and is now in the medical field.

He and his wife started off working as cashiers. In 2009, they moved into business ownership, which led to the possession of another gas station in 2017.

The strong relationships he and his wife built with people over time is what led them to the field they now serve.

“We were inspired by the connections we made and the opportunity to serve our community, which drove us to continue growing and expanding our business,” he said.

In his words: “Stay true to your vision, but remain open to new ideas and perspectives. Surround yourself with people who share your enthusiasm and are willing to support you through the ups and downs. Embrace failure as a valuable learning experience and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Stay focused, stay humble and always keep your customers at the heart of your business.”

— Taylor Sanzo

Sundeep Shukla

Age: 45

His community: Westfield

His story: Sundeep Shukla is an emergency room doctor, the head of Baystate Noble Hospital’s emergency department and the president of the medical staff at the Westfield hospital.

In this role, Shukla helps create processes that enhance patient safety, the hospital’s healthcare quality and the patient experience, he said. Through this work, he hopes to make Baystate Noble the hospital of choice for his community.

“I have a tremendous passion for health equity and learning. Being able to educate patients on their health and care for them means a lot to me. I believe that an educated community will make us all better, and we can facilitate making this community the place where everyone wants to live,” he wrote.

Shukla grew up in Missouri, but moved to the East Coast to train at Springfield’s Baystate Medical Center as a surgery resident, he said. After completing two years of a general surgery residency, some of his best friends were working in the emergency department and told him that their department might be a better fit for him.

Shukla then completed a three-year residency in emergency medicine and a two-year fellowship in emergency medicine administration, he said. During the fellowship, he also obtained a master’s degree in business from UMass Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management.

Eventually, Shukla became the associate medical director at Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, he said. In March 2020, he became the chief of Baystate Noble’s emergency department. In his spare time, Shukla works as the team physician for the Springfield Thunderbirds hockey team.

“Healing patients is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. It is a long journey to get to this point, but the hard work is worth it,” he wrote.

In his words: “Always be willing to do any job in your organization. That’s how you can build a trust in a team, and have everyone buy into the same vision. I started as a surgical orderly and cleaned rooms. I still help clean rooms and make beds to provide efficient and patient centered care.”

— Susannah Sudborough

Kimberly Truong

Age: 28

Community: Lowell

Her story: Kimberly Truong views her career in healthcare as more than a job — she calls it a privilege.

Truong was in her second year studying optometry, or the health of people’s eyes, when she was introduced to community health. The field is comprised of patients, she said, “of underserved, immigrant, or low socioeconomic backgrounds.”

She completed several rotations at community health centers in the Boston and Greater Boston area while finishing school. After graduating, Truong said her time at the “important health safety net medical centers” made her feel compelled to keep working in community health.

Now, Truong is looking to continue her community health field training. She will start a residency program in July at DotHouse Health in Dorchester with a focus on community health, ocular disease and primary care.

Truong said optometry has deepened her “passion for service” as she improves her patients’ every day and overall quality of life.

With the diverse community she serves, Troung feels inspired to improve clinical care, and to unify that care for patients across their health providers of all medical fields.

In her words: “Maintain consistency while pursuing any goals and aspirations. I find that although passion, hard work, and drive are important, consistency is what determines the trajectory of one’s success.”

— Irene Rotondo

Connie Wong

Age: 56

Community: Boston

Her story: Connie Wong is a deputy commissioner at the Boston Fire Department, where she conducts outreach and advocates for greater diversity within hiring. Specifically, the recruitment of women and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) candidates, the two smallest demographics in the department and within the fire service nationwide.

Under Wong’s leadership, the diversity of each Boston Fire Department recruiting class has been near or exceeded 30%, and she hired the first AAPI female firefighter in the department’s history. AAPI representation within the BFD has increased more than fourfold since her arrival.

A graduate of Boston College and Suffolk Law School, Wong grew up in Boston’s Chinatown, from where she gained a perspective on the dearth of AAPI representation in many sectors and organizations. Her path to the Boston Fire Department wasn’t linear, but it was a “full circle” story.

Earlier in her career, she was a lawyer in Boston City Hall where she first worked for the fire department as its legal counsel. After three years there, she went onto work for Suffolk Superior Criminal Court, before returning to the Boston Fire Department 15 years later in her current capacity.

Proud of her Chinese culture and heritage, Wong has been an active participant in local AAPI nonprofits, where her passion lies in empowering AAPI women and young girls.

Last year, she was given an “Unsung Hero Award” by the state’s Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission.

In her words: “Find your passion; pursue all opportunities that come your way. Work hard and learn as much as possible, especially so if you are newly out of school, or starting a new career. Never stop asking questions. And even if you do not enjoy your job, find some passion or endeavor outside of your professional life. It will be enriching to your own personal and professional growth, even if you may not recognize it at the time.”

— Hadley Barndollar

Lisa Wong

Age: 44

Community: South Hadley

Her Story: The daughter of Chinese immigrants, Lisa Wong said she’s always been drawn to work in policy and education — particularly how she can support opportunities and help people to thrive.

In her career, which has spanned more than two decades in local government and non-profit organizations, Wong said she works hard to provide quality services that positively impact people’s everyday lives.

“It’s wonderful to work with a great team and have the opportunity to teach and engage the public about the way our local government works,” Wong said.

The root of her career was in economic development, housing and advocacy, she added. She later went on to serve as elected mayor of Fitchburg for four terms until 2016.

Wong was the first Asian American woman to become a mayor in Massachusetts, having first been elected in 2007, according to Mass.gov — predating the tenure of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.

Wong then served as the town manager for Winchester, a role she took on in 2018 before she transitioned to the role of town administrator in South Hadley in 2021.

That year, she was unanimously chosen by the town’s Select Board for the role, with all five members lauding her prior accomplishments.

Wong has a master’s degree in economics from Boston University and graduated magna cum laude. In her youth, she graduated from North Andover High School in 1997, where she was class Valedictorian, The Republican newspaper previously reported. She is married to former Holyoke City Councilor Anthony Soto.

In 2022, Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah Goldberg appointed Wong to chair the state’s task force exploring the creation of a trust fund to benefit newborns in the state called the “Baby Bonds Task Force.” The goal was to create a publicly funded program that would make money available to these children once they turn 18 and chip away at the racial wealth gap.

In Her Words: “Love what you do and build a good support network personally and professionally.”

— Chris McLaughlin

Michelle Wu

Age: 39

Community: Boston

Her story: The first woman, and first person of color, to serve as the mayor of Massachusetts’ largest city, Michelle Wu, a Democrat, was first elected in 2021, defeating nonpartisan candidate Annissa Essaibi George.

The daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, Wu graduated from Harvard University in 2007, and earned a J.D. from Harvard University Law School in 2012. She was an aide to former Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, and worked as a statewide constituency director on now-U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s, D-Mass., campaign.

She won election to the Boston City Council in 2014, with Warren’s backing, serving as its president from 2016 to 2018.

As the daughter of immigrants, Wu said “government always felt very distant and scary and cold … Growing up in an immigrant family, we always felt very invisible.”

That started to change, she said, when she began working for Menino, who was Boston’s longest-tenured mayor, serving from 1993 to his death in 2014.

“I had the chance to intern as a student for Mayor Menino. And seeing someone on this side of the government structure, really so deeply invested in real people, and understanding the day-to-day lives of all of his constituents. That was incredibly affirming … affirming and inspiring.”

Wu said she found another mentor in Warren, under whom she’d studied while at Harvard.

“I’d met her before either one of us ran for office, and then seeing her campaign, getting to work on it and be involved in watching her keep her same values. Her … courage and sense of doing right in the world that she had had long before running for office was a really important … reminder that you can be a real person and maintain that, even in this field.”

In her words: “We need you! … Particularly now it’s not an easy time to try to sort through all of the many challenges and stresses that communities are experiencing. But there’s also no more important and consequential moment. And we need perspectives that are connected to all walks of life and all communities making decisions. And having representation matters. But also having people who bring a dedication to speaking up for what they believe is right, is really important in this moment.”

— John L. Micek

Anna Yu

Age: 45

Community: Boston

Her story: Artists for Humanity Executive Director Anna Yu was born in China and raised in Brooklyn, New York, but has lived in Boston for the past 19 years. She worked for over two decades in branding, advertising and marketing before moving to the nonprofit world, serving as chief growth officer and vice president of operations at Citizens Schools, an education organization that works with middle school students to extend learning time on school days.

In 2022, Yu joined Artists for Humanity, which provides mentorship for teens through creative opportunities and professional experience. They work with corporate clients to develop creative projects, which teens in the program are paid to complete.

The organization is the largest worksite for teens in Boston, and has paid almost $1.5 million in total wages to teens annually.

About 90% of the teens that participate in Artists for Humanity’s programs are from low or extremely low income communities and 90% are people of color or multiracial. About 98% graduate high school in four years with tutoring, academic support and college preparation help from the organization.

Yu also serves on the boards of the Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology and Tomorrow’s Women TODAY.

She said she is passionate about creating opportunities for hands-on experiential learning, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion and workforce development. She said the most important factors to work toward those goals are empathy, listening and keeping a focus on the mission.

“The work we do is often challenging, so when times are unpredictable and the way forward is not always clear, I draw wisdom from listening to the people we serve, the teams that are at the front lines of doing the hard work, and all the partners involved,” Yu said.

In her words: “Art brings us together because it enriches our lives, our communities and our next generation of workforce. By valuing creative resilience, we are creating a powerful community, and I truly believe a more equitable world.”

— Tréa Lavery

Harris Zhao

Age: 29

Community: Boston

His story: Harris Zhao is a chemical engineer by training and a certified project management professional who has worked in pharmaceuticals for most of his career. However, after his grandmother died, he realized he wanted to do a “better job at building a community where every single Asian American person can feel like they belong.”

He later got involved in the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) where he is the president of the Boston chapter and works to build communities and leaders.

“The work that we do to create communities is to open up and support safe and brave spaces for Asian American women, LGBTQ+ members, and people coming from adoptee backgrounds. When we say community, it’s about having a sense of belonging and the belief that this Asian American community within NAAAP also extends to each and everyone into our whole community,” Zhao said.

Zhao said the NAAAP holds conferences, seminars, programs, and networking events to allow for more Asian American individuals to be leaders in positions of economic power.

In his words: “Everyone needs to put social impact and community work into their lives because for us, in this next generation of leaders, to solve the world’s biggest problems, we need to be able to work closer together.”

— Juliet Schulman-Hall