Asian Community Fund to honor Takeda CEO-elect Julie Kim and MIT Provost Dr. Anantha Chandrakasan at 2026 Gala

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 Takeda CEO-elect Julie Kim and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Provost Dr. Anantha Chandrakasan will be the honorees when the Fund hosts its Third Annual “Rising Together” Gala at the Westin Copley Plaza this October.

Kim, who will become president & CEO of Takeda in June, will receive the Paul W. Lee AAPI Leadership Award, which is given to leaders whose contributions have opened doors and charted new paths for AAPI communities in Massachusetts and beyond. This award celebrates individuals who lead by action and example, while lifting others up and opening pathways for future generations.

Dr. Chandrakasan, who also serves as the Vannevar Bush Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT and served as dean of MIT’s School of Engineering from July 2017 to June 2025, is being awarded the Helen Chin Schlichte Community Builder Award, which honors leaders who uplift solidarity with other communities and promote connection, mutual understanding, and collective progress.

Named for ACF’s two co-founders, these signature awards will be presented before an expected audience of 700 at the Gala on October 2.

“We are excited to celebrate Julie and Anantha this fall for their outstanding accomplishments in advancing innovation, strengthening collaboration, and addressing society’s most pressing challenges,” said Paul W. Lee, Co-Founder and Chair of the Asian Community Fund. “Their impact speaks for itself, but what sets these two leaders apart is their belief that a stronger, more inclusive region is something worth building together.”

Now in its third year, the Annual Gala amplifies 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 $800,000 to support the ACF’s programs and grantmaking.

"There has never been a more important moment to invest in AAPI leadership and representation, and the Asian Community Fund is meeting that moment with intention and impact. Throughout my career I have been focused on improving health and that is achieved through people and communities, a conviction shared by ACF,” said Julie Kim. “It is a tremendous honor to receive this award, and I am grateful to be part of this shared mission to ensure that AAPI communities are seen, celebrated, and empowered to lead.”

"Greater Boston’s future as a global leader in innovation, discovery, and human progress depends on our ability to draw and keep talented, ambitious people here, and make sure this is a place where everyone feels welcome and able to contribute to the very best of their abilities,” said Dr. Chandrakasan. “The Asian Community Fund reminds us that the most powerful investments we can make are in people—people who push boundaries, try new things, and work to make our communities and the world better. I am proud and honored to receive this wonderful award from the Fund.”

The Asian Community Fund’s 2026 Gala will be co-chaired by Anu Chitrapu, Senior Vice President and Technology Executive at Bank of America; Rushika Fernandopulle, Chief Executive Officer at Liza Health; and Chinh Pham, Principal Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, LLP.

In addition, the award winners from the first two Galas––Geeta Aiyer, Founder of Boston Common Asset Management, Bob Rivers, Executive Chair and Chair of the Board of Directors at Eastern Bank, Flagship Pioneering Chief Operating Officer and General Partner Yvonne Hao, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals CEO and President Reshma Kewalramani, M.D., FASN––will serve as honorary co-chairs.