Commonwealth Seminar

Congratulations to Leverett Wing, Executive Director of the Commonwealth Seminar, for being named one of Boston Magazine's 150 Most Influential Bostonians for the second year in a row! 🎉

For more than a decade, Leverett has worked tirelessly to open the doors of government to people who have too often been left out of the conversation. Through his leadership, mentorship, and ability to connect communities, he has helped shape a more representative and inclusive future for Boston and beyond.

His recognition is also a testament to the impact of the Commonwealth Seminar, which has empowered nearly 2,500 leaders, advocates, and changemakers from underserved communities with the skills, networks, and knowledge needed to influence policy and create lasting change.

Now more than ever, we need leaders who are committed to ensuring everyone has a seat at the table.

Join us on June 15 for the Commonwealth Seminar's Annual "In the Room & At the Table" Celebration as we honor our Champions of Inclusion and support the Seminar's mission of Opening the Doors of Government to Everyone.

🎟️ Get your tickets today and help us continue this important work.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/commonwealth-seminar-annual-in-the-room-at-the-table-celebration-tickets-1990571102753?aff=oddtdtcreator

Seats at the table matter.

Join us as we celebrate the leaders, organizations, and advocates working every day to ensure that everyone has a voice.

🎉 Commonwealth Seminar's Annual "In the Room & At the Table" Celebration
📅 June 15, 2026
📍 The Atrium at 40 Water Street, Boston
🕠 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

This special evening honors our 2026 Champions of Inclusion—individuals and organizations who have remained committed to advancing equity, representation, and opportunity for all, even in challenging times.

For more than 20 years, the Commonwealth Seminar has helped develop community leaders, advocates, and changemakers by opening the doors of government to everyone. With nearly 2,500 alumni and a mission rooted in inclusion, this celebration is an opportunity to connect, reflect, and invest in the future of civic leadership.

🎟️ Secure your spot today! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/commonwealth-seminar-annual-in-the-room-at-the-table-celebration-tickets-1990571102753?aff=oddtdtcreator

SAVE THE DATE!

Our Annual "In the Room & At the Table" Celebration

~ Honoring our Champions of Inclusion ~

Join us Monday, June 15th (5:30-7:30pm). This year, we are honoring organizations and individuals who have stood steadfast in their support, and have continued to elevate, diverse communities despite increasingly hostile policies and environments in the private sector.

As our communities, histories, and rights are attacked seemingly every day, these organizations and individuals have been courageous and unwavering in the fight to ensure our voices are heard and our communities continue to advance.

Ticket details to come!

Commonwealth Seminar Event Recap! 🌟

We hosted a Gateway Cities Civic Engagement Training with community leaders and activists from the Lowell & Lawrence region. Conducted entirely in Khmer thanks to our incredible partners at the CMAA - Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association, the training focused on understanding state and local government structures, civic engagement processes, and strategies for advocacy and participation.

We were honored to hear from newly elected State Senator Vanna Howard, State Representative Tara Hong, and Lowell City Councilor Sidney Liang as they shared their experiences and insights with participants.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in strengthening civic leadership and community engagement across the region ✨ Thank you to MassINC for supporting this project!

Our ED, Leverett Wing, had a great time running at the AAPI 5K this week 🏃‍♂️✨

The AAPI 5K is a community-driven event that promotes health, unity, and cultural diversity while celebrating the vibrant Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

As our first time partnering with the AAPI 5K, we’re grateful for the opportunity to collaborate, run together, and celebrate AAPI Heritage Month in community.

If you would like to support the Seminar, you can find the donation link here: https://www.movemint.cc/events/2026_boston_aapi_5k/donation_organizations/500/fundraisers/605 💛

Registration closes May 10! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month by supporting the AAPI 5K and The Commonwealth Seminar! Join us in uplifting AAPI communities, empowering civic engagement, and opening doors for the next generation of leaders.

Whether you run, walk, or donate, your support helps create opportunities for more young people to engage with government and their communities.

Register before May 10 and be part of the movement!
https://www.movemint.cc/events/2026_boston_aapi_5k/donation_organizations/500/fundraisers/605

✨ Recap: Shaping Our Future: Youth In Action Conference ✨

On Global Youth Service Day, young leaders, advocates, and changemakers came together at The Link in Kendall Square for a powerful day of dialogue, learning, and action centered around one important question: What’s your wish for America’s future? 🇺🇸

From engaging workshops and inspiring speakers to meaningful conversations on civic engagement, media, advocacy, and public service, participants explored how youth can shape stronger communities and a brighter future.

Thank you to all of our speakers, panelists, partners, and attendees who made this event impactful and inspiring, including Coalition for Anti-Racism and Equity (CARE), the Asian American & Pacific Islanders Commission, Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), and Youth Service America (YSA) and our incredible youth leaders and public service professionals.

Special thanks to:

🎤 Gilberto Calderin

🎤 Cristian Orellana

🎤 Anne Lizette Sta. Maria

🎤 Alicia Ridgley

🎤 Jaely Pereira

🎤 Isabela Pagan

🎤 Juliet D**g

🎤 Rep. Chynah Tyler

A special thank you to our MC and Commonwealth Seminar Board Member, Zachary Lyndel, for guiding the day’s conversations and helping create such an engaging and welcoming environment for all participants.

Together, we are empowering the next generation to lead, advocate, and take action. 💡

🚨 Applications are OPEN for our Spring ’26 Seminar Session! 🚨

Ready to build the skills, networks, and confidence to navigate government and create real impact? This is your chance!

🗓 Deadline: TUESDAY, May 5
📅 Session Begins: Wednesday, May 13

Join our 2,100+ alumni strong Seminar Family and be part of a 20+ year mission to open the doors of government to everyone.

Over six weeks (virtual, once a week), you’ll gain hands-on insight into:
• The legislative & budgetary process
• Advocacy, lobbying & working with policymakers
• Media & press engagement
• Navigating government agencies

But more than that—this is about the relationships, community, and lifelong network you’ll build along the way.

✨ Your voice. Your perspective. Your leadership.

🔗 Apply now and take your seat at the table. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe334O7AaS39_bw_mzxbz2Z9xoqS5AoouWweemUE7aFqoCOQg/viewform

The Commonwealth Seminar is proud to announce the awardees of the Youth Empowerment Awards, recognizing outstanding individuals, organizations, and businesses making a meaningful impact in empowering youth and strengthening their communities.

These remarkable leaders and changemakers were honored at the Shaping Our Future: Youth In Action Conference, where their work in creating opportunities, amplifying youth voices, and driving positive change was celebrated.

From grassroots organizers to innovative organizations, this year’s awardees represent the power of community-led action and the transformative potential of youth leadership. Their dedication continues to inspire the next generation to lead with purpose and build a more inclusive, resilient future.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all awardees and our gratitude to everyone who submitted nominations and supports youth empowerment efforts.

Commonwealth Seminar Youth Empowerment Awards
Cathy Choi
Chinese American Association of Lexington (CAAL)
Empower Initiative
GrowWithGuidance
Hyde Square Task Force Youth (HSTF)
Jay Wong
Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women
MassVOTE
Neighbor to Neighbor Lynn Chapter
Shubhecchha Dhaurali
The Food Project
Trinity Boston Connects - Charmaine Higgins, Exec. Dir.
UMass Amherst Asian American Student Association
UMass Amherst Asian and Asian American Studies Certificate Program