Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and his Office of New Bostonians (ONB) have announced the winners of the 5th annual We Are Boston gala awards, for those that have made contributions in promoting Boston’s diversity and fostering integration of "New Bostonians."
"These award winners demonstrate the many ways in which individuals and businesses can help to celebrate Boston’s diversity and immigrant contributions every single day," said Menino. "Their commitment to nurturing open dialogue and promoting cultural awareness in all of our neighborhoods is an outstanding example of the leadership necessary to ensure that new immigrants have full access to the civic, economic, social and cultural life of Boston."
Along with honoring attorney and advocate Victoria Reggie Kennedy, the wife of the late Senator Edward Kennedy with the We Are Boston Leadership Award for her many accomplishments and contributions, Menino and ONB also honor the following awardees:
• Citizen’s Bank with the Corporate Courage Award, for demonstrating consistent commitment in creating opportunities for Boston’s diverse communities to thrive and be successful.
• Helen Choi, retired advocate with Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence and Frederica Williams of Whittier Street Health Center with the Community Pioneer Award, both recognized leaders and contributors in their communities who demonstrate consistent commitment and leadership in promoting cross cultural awareness and collaboration, and empowering immigrant communities.
• Margot Stern Strom of Facing History and Ourselves with the New Bostonians Champion Award, for demonstrating consistent commitment in nurturing a dialogue and inspiring action to facilitate the full integration of immigrants in Boston and beyond.
• Kiara Cordero and Shu Ming Huang with the Youth Action Award for translating the perseverance, courage and idealism of New Bostonians into action and making significant contributions to empower their communities.
Since its inception in 2006, the We Are Boston Gala has been ONB’s flagship annual event. The gala has attracted thousands of friends and supporters over the years, to celebrate and support the dreams, drive and contributions of the immigrant and diverse communities of Boston and across the commonwealth.
