The Asian American Civic Association (AACA), publisher of the Sampan newspaper, celebrated its 57th anniversary with an annual gala on June 14 at the University of Massachusetts Club in Boston. This year’s theme was the “Gala of Dreams.”
Among the many highlights of the night, Gov. Maura Healey was presented with the Dream Maker Award in recognition of her dedication to making Massachusetts a place of equity, opportunity, and inclusion.
For nearly six decades, AACA has been working with immigrant communities across the commonwealth, providing essential services such as job training, employment support, English as a second language education, counseling, and access to vital public benefit programs. It serves over 6,000 people from a multitude of countries.
Mary Chin CEO noted Gov. Healey’s commitment to “making Massachusetts a place of equity, opportunity, and inclusion.”
“Your efforts, dating back to your tenure as Attorney General, have made Massachusetts more affordable, competitive, and equitable. We are most grateful for your support of immigrant rights and access to resources. Your advocacy for the Work and Family Mobility Act granted immigrants access to driver’s licenses. Your Immigrant Assistance Services Initiative provided crucial support for human services, ESL, and job training. Additionally, we appreciate your proactive approach to facing the challenges posed by the migrant crisis, and your coordination with state and federal agencies to foster a supportive environment for newcomers.”
Governor Healey stated, “The Gala of Dreams is a time to celebrate the plethora of achievements by clients of the AACA team, and to recognize both the transformative impact of their programs and the generosity of donors to the organization. It is a time to celebrate the many achievements of AACA and its clients and to recognize the transformative impact of their programs and the generosity of their donors. AACA’s programs, including its new Center for Global Citizens and the new Voyagers Young Adult Center, provide specialized services to help immigrants integrate into the greater Boston workforce and economy.”
Marcony Almeida-Barros, Deputy Chief of Staff, represented Gov. Healey and received the Dream Maker Award, an original calligraphy entitled “Dream” by Peter Ng.
“I had the privilege to work in Governor Healey’s office for eight years. As an immigrant myself, I understand the journey that many served by this organization go through. The Governor appreciates the work AACA does and values our immigrant and refugee community. Governor Healey’s office will continue to make Massachusetts a diverse, favorable, and vibrant state. I will deliver this award to her first thing in the morning,” he said.
AACA was originally established as a Chinese organization and now has evolved to serve a highly diverse population, reflecting the changing demographics of the state. AACA served clients from China, Taiwan, Korea, Mexico, Haiti, Ukraine, Albania, Ethiopia, Ecuador, Columbia, Afghanistan, El Salvador, Venezuela , Brazil, Myanmar, Morocco and dozens of other countries in 2023. Several graduates of AACA programs were guest speakers at the Gala.
One former student, Magdalis, spoke of coming to Boston with a master’s in accounting but being unable to find a job because of her limited English. After graduating from AACA’s Career Advancement for Professionals (CAP) program, she is now working as an Accounting Specialist .
“The CAP program met all my needs and exceeded my expectations. AACA helped me overcome my language barrier and understand the American job market. Today, I have achieved a better quality of life for my daughter and son.”
Another, Magis, told the audience, “I left Haiti due to rampant gang violence and dangerous political turmoil. I found AACA’s Building Energy Efficient Maintenance Skills (BEEMS) program in 2023 and became a Maintenance Engineer. I used to earn $17 an hour and now, with AACA’s certificate, I am earning $27 an hour. With AACA’s guidance, I have also started my own business.”
