Foxborough, Mass., Dec. 30, 2024 – As part of the NFL's Inspire Change initiative, Mary Chin was announced as the Patriots 2024 Inspire Change Changemaker – an annual award given to local leaders who are making a difference in their community. The Inspire Change initiative includes four pillars of education, economic advancement, police-community relations, or criminal justice reform.
Mary Chin is the executive director of the Asian American Civic Association (AACA) in Boston, Mass. and has been making a difference in the community since starting her career in social work almost 50 years ago.
AACA was founded in 1967, primarily serving the Chinese community. Since then, AACA has grown to become a community cornerstone, supporting thousands of clients from all over the world. AACA has become one of the most highly regarded workforce training centers in Massachusetts, with a proven model of wraparound services to ensure student success. Chin has long been committed to both the AACA's mission of "educate, empower, employ" and to the service of the ever-expanding groups of struggling immigrants and low-income individuals and families needing a new chance to work hard and become successful.
Among Chin's contributions to the organization have been the expansion of workforce training, education, social service programs and afterschool center; and the addition of the Mandarin-immersion and Reggio Emilia-inspired childcare center. Chin also served as a Board Member at the Commonwealth's Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission, Eastern Bank and ABCD. In 2017, Governor Charlie Baker awarded Chin a citation for her service to Massachusetts. Chin received an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from Tufts University in 2022.
Chin was recognized at the Patriots Inspire Change game on Dec. 28 for her extraordinary work in pursuit of social justice. She will also receive a $10,000 donation from the NFL Foundation, paid directly to the Asian American Civic Association.
"We're thrilled to recognize mary Chin as our 2024 Inspire Changemaker," said Josh Kraft, President of the New England Patriots Foundation. "Mary has gone above and beyond for decades to support the immigrant community and give them the resources and opportunities necessary to succeed. She is the true definition of a changemaker."
"The NFL and Inspire Change take pride in recognizing the incredible efforts of these 32 Changemakers who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of those around them," said Anna Isaacson, Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility. "Their dedication, compassion, and remarkable achievements inspire us all and serve as a powerful reminder of the impact one dedicated person can make in their community."
For more information on Inspire Change and the Changemaker Award, visit **NFL.com/Changemakers**.
