Asian Community Fund to honor Vertex CEO Reshma Kewalramani and former Economic Development Secy. Yvonne Hao at 2025 Gala
“Rising Together” will be the theme as more than 600 attend event on October 3 at Westin Copley Place
August 21, 2025
Boston – The Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation (ACF), the first and only fund exclusively dedicated to supporting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in Massachusetts, today announced that Vertex Pharmaceuticals Chief Executive Officer and President Reshma Kewalramani, M.D., FASN and former Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao will be the honorees at the Fund’s second annual Gala. Learn more about the event here.
“At a time when representation matters more than ever, we are proud to honor the visionary leadership of Dr. Kewalramani and former Secretary Hao—two trailblazers who are redefining what’s possible for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities,” said Paul W. Lee, Co-Founder and Chair of the Asian Community Fund. “Their bold contributions to business, science, and public service are not only driving innovation, but also inspiring the next generation of AAPI leaders to lead with courage and impact.”
Dr. Kewalramani will be honored with the 2025 AAPI Leadership Award, and former Secretary Hao with the 2025 Community Builder Award at the event, to be held on October 3rd at the Westin Copley Place. The Gala will bring together more than 600 people to celebrate and amplify AAPI visibility, representation, and narrative change, featuring a slate of AAPI cultural performances and culinary delights, while recognizing some of the region’s most impactful leaders. Last year’s Gala raised more than $725,000 to support the ACF’s programs and grantmaking.
“The Asian Community Fund does incredible work in the Commonwealth, and their work is a testament to the power of what we can achieve when we come together,” said Dr. Reshma Kewalramani, CEO and President at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. “The ACF’s work to build connection, celebrate culture, and invest in leadership is helping to shape a welcoming and vibrant future, and I am deeply honored to receive the 2025 AAPI Leadership Award.”
“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized with this award from the Asian Community Fund. ACF is charting a path where AAPI visibility and belonging go hand-in-hand with economic growth and strong communities,” said Yvonne Hao, former Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary. “Our state is so grateful to have ACF investing in leadership, connection, and resources, so that our AAPI diaspora is not only seen, but celebrated here in Massachusetts and beyond.”
This year’s 2025 Gala is co-chaired by Raja H. R. Bobbili, Managing Director at Abrams Capital, Thomas Vo, Principal at Abry Partners, and life sciences leadership advisor Cissy Young. In addition to the presentation of the Gala Honors, the event will include several live AAPI cultural performances and a keynote address.
“The Asian Community Fund Gala strives to be the region’s signature event for AAPI leaders and allies, strengthening connections across our local nonprofit, business, and cultural sectors,” said Danielle Kim, Executive Director of the Asian Community Fund. “We are extremely fortunate to be able to recognize Dr. Kewalramani and former Secretary Hao at this year’s event. On behalf of our Gala Co-Chairs and ACF’s Advisory Committee, we extend our deepest congratulations and gratitude to our honorees for their steadfast leadership in advancing a more connected and prosperous region.”
Last year’s Gala featured keynote remarks from Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and honored two changemakers—Geeta Aiyer, President and Founder of Boston Common Asset Management, and Bob Rivers, Executive Chair and Chair of the Board of Directors at Eastern Bank—whose contributions have greatly supported AAPI residents and the immigrant community at large.