October 2, 2026
More than 700 community leaders, partners, and supporters we on hand October 2 for the Asian Community Fund’s third-annual Gala: Rising Together, celebrating AAPI leadership, connection, and belonging with a remarkable array of speakers, entertainment, food and festivities.
Hosted again this year by the Asian Community Fund (ACF) at the Boston Foundation — the first and only philanthropic fund in Massachusetts dedicated to supporting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities—the gala has continue to grow and establish itself as the region’s signature event for AAPI leaders and allies.
Led by a vibrant network of over 100 sponsors, and hundreds of donations made by attendees at the Gala, the Asian Community Fund has raised more than $1 million to bolster its ongoing work and grantmaking in support of AAPI nonprofits, small businesses, cultural leaders, and residents throughout Massachusetts.
Headline speakers, including Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, the first AAPI woman elected to the U.S. Senate, and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, highlighted ACF’s leadership and network building, and celebrated the gathering AAPI and immigrant communities from across the Commonwealth as a demonstration of the growing role and strength of AAPI leadership.
And once again, co-emcees Shirley Leung, business columnist and associate editor of The Boston Globe, and Jim Braude, co-host of Boston Public Radio, provided energy, humor, and insights while guiding an evening of awards, artist performances, storytelling, and joy.
Once again this year, the Asian Community Fund was honored to recognize two AAPI leaders for their work. Takeda President and CEO Julie Kim received 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, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Provost Dr. Anantha Chandrakasan received the Helen Chin Schlichte Community Builder Award, which honors leaders who uplift solidarity with other communities and promote connection, mutual understanding, and collective progress.
"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."
"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."
The ACF Gala provided an important moment to recognize a woman who was a much-loved leader, partner, colleague and champion for AAPI communities, Renee Inomata. As an advisory board member for the Asian Community Fund and active leader throughout the community, Renee served a mentor and friend to countless AAPI entrepreneurs and community members.
The video tribute shown at the event also served to announce the launch of the Renee Inomata Mentoring Program, an initiative that will connect Asian entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders to professional mentors and opportunities for growth.
Co-chaired by Anu Chitrapu, Rushika Fernandopulle, and Chinh Pham, ACF’s 2026 Gala included powerful networking opportunities and community partnerships.
We are deeply grateful to the partners, performers, and vendors who made the evening possible. Four AAPI restaurants honored by the Michelin Guide with Bib Gourmand recognition shared memorable culinary delights during our cocktail hour: Jahunger, Mahaniyom, PAGU, and Sumiao Hunan Kitchen. We also thank our beverage partner, 90+ Cellars, our chai partner, Madhrasi, and our dessert partner, Enso, for elevating the experience.
A special thank you to our performers, HUSH Crew, MIT Ohms, and Zishi Liu. Your extraordinary talent and boundless energy lit up the room and moved our guests, and we are so appreciative of the artistry and heart you brought to the stage.
We are proud that the majority of our event vendors and partners are Asian-owned or led, denoted below with an asterisk. Thank you to Bright Side Media* (photography), Chaba Florist* (floral arrangements), ChopValue* (awards), Talia Connelly* (live painter), EmVision Productions (videography), Encore (audio/visual), PEAK (event rentals), Printing & Graphic Services* (printer), Saphier Events (event consultant) with Jodie Martin* (event manager), TN Calligraphy* (table numbers), Quill Creative* (graphic design), and The Westin Copley Place (venue).
