2024 Unity Dinner

State Treasurer and Receiver General

Deborah B. Goldberg is the Massachusetts State Treasurer and Receiver General. In that role she is responsible for the state’s cash and debt management, unclaimed property, and chairs state boards and commissions, including the Massachusetts School Building Authority, the Pension Reserves Investment Management Board, the State Board of Retirement, Massachusetts State Lottery Commission, and the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust. In 2015, she established the new Office of Economic Empowerment, the first of its kind in the country, and chairs its Economic Empowerment Trust Fund. Treasurer Goldberg is the former President of the National Association of State Treasurers and is the Co-Chair of the National Institute of Public Finance.

As a former businesswoman and local elected leader, Treasurer Goldberg brings innovative leadership, disciplined fiscal management and an unwavering commitment to uphold economic stability and create opportunity for every Massachusetts resident. Treasurer Goldberg served for six years on the Brookline Board of Selectmen, including two as its Chair. Prior to her career in public service, she worked in retail operations, buying, and consumer affairs at The Stop & Shop Companies, Inc.

Treasurer Goldberg is the President Emeritus of Adoptions with Love and serves on the Advisory Board of the Greater Boston Food Bank. She was one of the founders of Berkshire Hills Music Academy, a school for individuals with intellectual disabilities, is a trustee emeritus at Beth Israel Lahey Health, and a former Director at Affiliated Physicians Group / Beth Israel Deaconess HealthCare. Treasurer Goldberg has been actively involved with numerous philanthropic activities, including The Grow Clinic, the 100 Club, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, and the Combined Jewish Philanthropies.

A graduate of Boston University, Boston College Law School and Harvard Business School, Treasurer Goldberg lives in Brookline with her husband Michael Winter. She has a son, Evan, and daughter, Meredith.

State Representative Tackey Chan

Tackey Chan is the State Representative for the Second Norfolk District, including fourteen of the thirty precincts in Quincy, Massachusetts. Tackey is a lifelong resident of Quincy and was first elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 2010. He is currently serving his seventh term in office. In 2010, Tackey was one of the three first State Representatives of Asian descent elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives and is the first Asian American and minority elected to office in the City of Quincy. As the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, he oversees legislation pertaining to alcohol licensure, the state lottery, horseracing, all non-medical licensed professionals, and consumer protection issues.

Tackey is proud of his extensive record of volunteer service in the local community, which includes work for numerous collaboratives, commissions, and non-profit organizations over the past 25 years. Currently, he continues his work with Quincy Asian Resources, Inc., a multi-service organization that he helped found and served as both a board president (2001-2004) and board treasurer (2006-2007). In addition, he serves as a board member of Work, Inc., a company dedicated to the empowerment of people with disabilities (1998 to present), and has worked with other Quincy community organizations including Quincy Community Action Programs (QCAP), the South Shore’s anti-poverty agency.

In 2006, Tackey’s exemplary community service led to his appointment to the Massachusetts Asian American Commission by then-Senate President Robert Travaglini. In 2007, he was reappointed by the Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley to represent her on the Commission and served until 2010.

Dr. Manju Sheth

Dr. Manju Sheth has been a dedicated physician for over 25 years, with experience at Mass General Brigham, Beth Israel Lahey Health, and Harvard Vanguard/Atrius Health. A physician with a passion for media and community service, Dr. Manju Sheth is also the President of India New England Multimedia, where she created the prestigious New England Choice Awards, honoring prominent South Asian leaders in fields such as business, healthcare, nonprofit leadership, and technology.

She is known for her celebrity interview series Chai with Manju, which recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary and has received millions of views and featured esteemed guests including Indra Nooyi, Sadhguru, Elizabeth Warren, and Joe Kennedy to name a few. Her passion for empowering women is reflected in her work as the Director of Woman of the Year Award Gala for the past 12 years, and her previous work as Chair of the Advisory board of Saheli and with Asian Task Force [ATASK] over the years. She also serves as the Community Ambassador for Akshaya Patra USA, the world’s largest NGO serving mid-day meals in schools across India.

She strives to bring doctors together and advocate for healthcare, having been past president of the Indian Medical Association of New England [IMANE], served on the Patient Care Advisory Committee of Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare and through co-founding the New England Health Expo at India New England. She served on the steering committee for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Harvard Vanguard/Atrius Health. She served as co-chair of Indian Women’s Physicians Forum.

Most recently, she co-founded Women Who Win, an award-winning nonprofit media platform amplifying the stories of diverse women, which recently published their first book. She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work including 150 Women of Influence by YWCA and 50 most influential Indian Americans in New England. She resides in Lynnfield Massachusetts with her husband Dipak and has one daughter Shaleen.

Dr. Yi Zheng

Dr. Yi Zheng is a tenured professor with expertise in sustainable energy and clean technology in the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department, Director of Nano Energy Laboratory at Northeastern University (Boston, MA), ASME Fellow, and Founder of a cleantech startup Planck Energies. He serves as the Vice President of Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs (Greater Boston Chapter). He received his Ph.D. and M.S. from Columbia University (New York, NY) and B.S. from the Tsinghua University (Beijing, China). Dr. Zheng has published over 90 peer-reviewed journal papers, filed 9 patents, and secured research grants over $4M from diverse sources including NSF, NIH, NASA, DARPA, ONR and Air Force. His current research aims to address climate change and the growing global challenges in energy and water scarcity. His achievements are reflected in some prestigious honors and awards including NASA Glenn Faculty Fellowship, ASTFE Early Career Researcher Award, NSF CAREER Award, NIH RI-INBRE Early Career Development Award, Soleeva Energy Innovation Award, Constantinos Mavroidis Translational Research Award, NECAA Year of the Scientist, President’s Volunteer Service Award, NSF Spirit of I-Corps Award, and MassVentures Acorn Innovation Award.

Sea Kay Leung

Sea Kay Leung, a first-year student at Hamilton College from Belchertown, Massachusetts, encountered discrimination but also found community support, driving her involvement in Asian American advocacy. Joining the inaugural Massachusetts AAPI Youth Council heightened Sea Kay’s awareness and confidence as an Asian American advocate. She actively represents young Asian Americans, organizing events, advocating for crucial issues, and fostering dialogue within the community, collaborating with cities like Amherst, Springfield, and Boston. Sea Kay’s advocacy extends to discussions with state and national members of Congress, addressing the diverse economic and cultural differences within Asian American communities. Notably, she co-founded the Asian American club in her high school, which has grown significantly to over 30 members and focuses on advocating social tolerance and acceptance. Their collaboration with the town of Amherst led to the proclamation of May as Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month in 2023, celebrating Asian Americans as integral to American culture. Sea Kay’s commitment transcends geographical boundaries, as she participates in events like marches in Washington, D.C., and advocates for an Asian American Museum. Additionally, she supports social justice for other marginalized communities, contributing to uncovering systemic issues and earning national recognition for their advocacy. Through her dedication, Sea Kay Leung inspires others to pursue justice and equality.

Mohan Nannapaneni

The Co-Founder and CTO of Sigma Systems Inc., is a remarkable entrepreneur and philanthropist with a profound commitment to both the Indian and American communities. He has achieved extraordinary success in the business world, leading Sigma Systems Inc. to become one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America. However, Mr. Nannapaneni’s impact extends far beyond the business realm.

In the realm of philanthropy, Mohan Nannapaneni has left an indelible mark. His contributions have led to the rebuilding of government schools in India, transforming them into thriving educational institutions. He has provided financial support to numerous students, enabling them to pursue higher education in medical and engineering colleges, including the prestigious IITs. ( www.nmfriends.org ) One of his notable contributions is the establishment of TEAM Aid, (www.teamaid.org) a nonprofit organization that focuses on providing assistance to individuals and families affected by catastrophic incidents such as accidents and sudden deaths. TEAM Aid has emerged as a vital resource, coordinating the transportation of deceased individuals to their respective hometowns across India and 15 other countries. It has become a leading emergency assistance provider within the immigrant community throughout North America. His advocacy skills came to the forefront when he intervened on behalf of over 2,400 students facing deportation when Tri-Valley University was closed, securing their readmission opportunities and protecting their dreams.

In addition to its role in helping families cope with the sudden loss of their loved ones, TEAM Aid, under Mohan Nannapaneni’s leadership, has also extended its support to individuals facing legal issues, especially those dealing with mental health challenges. This organization has rapidly expanded its reach, with more than 2,500 dedicated volunteers across North America and over 20 countries. On average, TEAM Aid now provides assistance to at least a dozen families per week in the USA, demonstrating its commitment to helping those in distress.

Mohan Nannapaneni’s community service efforts have touched the lives of countless individuals and families affected by disasters and emergencies, making TEAM Aid an indispensable resource in times of crisis. His dedication to community service and humanitarian work has earned him numerous service awards and recognitions from teachers’ unions, educational/cultural organizations, city councils, and NGO entities in both India and America. Through his unwavering commitment to TEAM Aid and other charitable causes, Mr. Nannapaneni continues to make a positive and lasting impact on communities worldwide.

Ramakrishna Penumarthy

Ramakrishna Penumarthy epitomizes the values of dedication, compassion, and service, which are deeply ingrained in both his personal and professional life. Born and raised with a strong sense of community responsibility, Ramakrishna has dedicated himself to improving the lives of seniors and contributing to various community organizations.

Ramakrishna, the esteemed founder of Volunteering for Seniors, showcases unwavering dedication not only to the welfare of seniors but also actively engages in uplifting the community through his involvement in esteemed organizations like Lions Club, TAGB (Telugu Association of Greater Boston) and Team Aid. His commitment extends beyond senior care, readily stepping in to support the local community whenever needed.

Ramakrishna’s partnership with his wife, Pratima Penumarthy, in founding a volunteering organization focused on senior citizens underscores their shared commitment to making a difference. Together, they have established a thriving community that not only provides practical assistance but also fosters a sense of belonging and happiness among seniors. Their dedication to ensuring seniors lead fulfilling lives is reflected in the diverse range of activities and support services offered by their organization.

Through his selfless actions and tireless efforts, Ramakrishna has touched the lives of countless individuals, fostering a sense of belonging, happiness, and hope. His collaborative spirit, exemplified by his partnership with his wife in founding a volunteering organization for seniors, underscores the power of collective action in creating positive change.

Chareeda Rustanavibul

Chareeda Rustanavibul is a startup enthusiast, community builder, and nonprofit executive. She is Vice President at Silicon Valley Bank and manages pre-series A early-stage tech founders and startups across New England. She has built a strong community of early-stage founders, connecting them with venture capitalists and investors to provide more access to capital to grow their businesses. Outside of SVB, Chareeda is also the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP), focused on community building and advancing Asian and Pacific Islander representation in executive leadership. She was the 2023 Chief Convention Director and led a national team of 100+ volunteers to deliver Boston’s largest leadership convention of Asian and Pacific Islander professionals. She led the organization’s highest-sponsored convention in 40 years and won the 2022 NAAAP Boston award for the most transformative leader.

She also manages a community of the top 500+ Asian and Pacific Islander founders at another nonprofit called Gold House. In 2023, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce named Chareeda a Top Ten Outstanding Young Leader.

Vincent Yee

Vincent Yee is the author and creator of “Clara Wu and the World of Azen.” Written during the pandemic with the rise of anti-Asian Hate, he wanted to write a fantasy series to uplift Asian American readers, especially young ones, where they could see themselves as superheroes! Book one in this immersive 5-book series, was a fantasy award winner at The 2022 Bookfest and it was featured on the Kelly Clarkson Show. Before parting ways with corporate America where he was a corporate manager for several Greater Boston based companies, he was a past NAAAP National President and led many of the ERGs at the companies where he worked at. A Boston native, he grew up in Brookline and graduated from Suffolk University. When he’s not visiting schools or companies to excite people’s imagination of Asian American superheroes, he may be exploring his next culinary adventure or binging a K-Drama on Netflix.

Harris Zhao

Harris Zhao is an R&D Engineer turned Social Impact Executive working on several Non-Profits while serving as the Chief of Strategy for Get Konnected! – a Multicultural Connection Accelerator and the President of the National Association of Asian American Professionals. Harris is also the queer son of Chinese Immigrants and is the founder of PrideTalks a podcast for AAPI Queer Professionals and the Future Pride Leader Scholarship which is given to a rising undergraduate students identifying as LGBTQ+.

Harris has been invited as a guest speaker at Takeda, EY, BPDA, and other organizations covering the AAPI experience, Cultural Awareness training, and Diversity Consulting. He is an active trainer and leadership coach for rising multicultural community leaders in Boston including Asian-Affinity Employee Resource Groups, Youth groups such as CARE and Minds Matter, and has trained over 50 direct reports.

Harris was named one of NAAAP’s Outstanding Leaders in the nation and one of Boston’s Most Influential People of Color for the work he does in raising the bar for multicultural communities. He is also a PMP-certified Project Manager having led the Project Management Office at Takeda’s Preclinical Sciences organization and is a trained Chemical Engineer with a B.S. from UMass Amherst.

Henna – Afghan and Pakistani Community

Afghan and Community friends are a group of seven Afghan and Pakistani girls. Henna, is known as mehndi in Hindi and Urdu, has been practiced in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Africa, and the Middle East for over 5000 years for its natural cooling properties and medicinal purposes. We do Henna at some of the Lowell public schools during their cultural day events. Afghan and Community friends’ goal for doing Henna is to raise funds to celebrate Teacher’s Appreciation Week in the month of May at two of Lowell’s public schools, namely Greenhaledge and Bartlett Community Partnership School. Our aim is to show appreciation to all teachers and school personnel who work tirelessly for our children’s education. Due to our limited income, we cannot afford to appreciate everyone. Therefore, we are doing fundraising through our Henna to show our gratitude to the teachers and school staff.

Brissa Hunter

Brissa Hunter (she/her), a passionate advocate for Pacific Islanders, leverages her unique background as an Indigenous Chamorro, Palauan, Yapese, and American woman and academic pursuits to serve as the Pacific Islander Coordinator for the AAPI Commission. She comes from the sun-kissed shores of Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands and brings a deep understanding of Pacific Islander experiences and challenges to the Commission.

From a young age, singing has been my greatest joy, cultivated through experiences like my involvement in my high school’s Theatre Club, where I’ve nurtured my voice to convey powerful narratives. With “Hagu,” I pay homage to the beauty and resilience of Chamorro love, originally sung by Flora Baza Quan, revered as the Queen of Chamorro music. My rendition seeks to evoke the profound essence of devotion and connection, offering others a glimpse into the beauty of Chamorro music.

Mouli Pal – Odissi Dance

Mouli Pal is an exponent of Odissi, a captivating performer, dedicated teacher, choreographer and cultural ambassador.

Mouli is a regularly presented by prestigious presenters across United States, India and Austria. Her performances include solo concerts at the prestigious Hopkins Center for Arts at Dartmouth College , Yuwa Bharati California, and Trinetra Boston.
Mouli is the founder and director of Upasana a Non profit for promotion and preservation of Odissi.

She has received several awards and grants including the New England Foundation for Arts and Mass Cultural Council.