The Asian American Civic Association, publisher of the Sampan, nominated volunteer Annie Lee as a Community Hero at the Action Community Development Corporation of Boston ‘s Annual Gala this year. Every year ABCD honors individuals who have served their communities. The AACA nominated Lee for her leadership as a founding member of the Voyagers, AACA’s youth services center.

Lee, pictured second to left at top right, came to the AACA as a participant of a coding program offered by the nonprofit group that’s based in Boston’s Chinatown. Then she decided to use resources offered by AACA, such as career development and career counseling. She said that as she learned more about AACA, she was asked by the executive director, Mary Chin, to join a youth-focused group and help start the Voyagers Center. Chin describes Lee as a budding leader. “She offers great ideas and produces excellent results.”

“I do enjoy giving back to the community,” said Lee. “It’s empowering to help people. Being a volunteer gives me purpose.” She added that she is “grateful to AACA. They have changed my life for the better. I am happy to be a part of it.”

The Voyagers Center aims to serve people age 30 and under in the metro Boston region. The center provides a plethora of services including career counseling, training and workshops, financial counseling, financial aid, mental health counselors , and assistance in securing benefits and other services. – Milourdes Augustin