Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Spotlighting Boston's Leaders
April 2026
Dear Anaya's Village,
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of AAPI communities in Boston and beyond. This year we are highlighting Mayor Michelle Wu, Jessica Tang, and Tommy Chang. At Anaya Scholars, we are proud to recognize the leaders, scholars, and change makers whose voices, resilience, and achievements continue to inspire future generations.
Sincerely,
Anaya Scholars
Michelle Wu is the first woman and first Asian American mayor of Boston. Since taking office in 2021, she has centered her leadership on equity, including major investments in public education, youth mental health, and community-based supports. Wu has prioritized closing opportunity gaps by increasing resources for multilingual learners, students of color, and historically underserved communities.
Jessica Tang is a Cambodian American educator and is the current president of the Boston Teachers Union. She has been a leading advocate for education equity in Boston, championing stronger support for multilingual learners, underfunded schools, and fair admissions policies. Her work has focused on ensuring that teachers and students have the resources needed to create inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments.
Tommy Chang is a Taiwanese American educator who served as superintendent of Boston Public Schools from 2015 to 2018. During his leadership, he emphasized closing opportunity gaps, expanding support for English language learners, and advancing equity-focused reforms across the district. His tenure helped elevate conversations around inclusion and access within Boston’s public education system.
We are proud to celebrate AAPI leaders in Boston whose leadership and advocacy strengthen our communities. We also honor our scholars, whose commitment to education reflects the resilience and excellence of those before them. We look forward to seeing them lead, uplift others, and create lasting change.
