REPRESENTATIVES LIEU AND BEYER RELEASE RESOURCE GUIDE FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES TO SHARE KEY INFORMATION WITH PUBLIC

REPRESENTATIVES LIEU AND BEYER RELEASE RESOURCE GUIDE FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES TO SHARE KEY INFORMATION WITH PUBLIC   

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) and Congressman Don Beyer (D | Virginia) released a resource guide for federal employees who wish to break the Administration’s communications blackout on federal agencies. The guide explains how to safely and responsibly share information, and encourages employees to "Know Your Rights" and "Know Your Options." In the "Know Your Rights" section, federal employees can learn about which federal laws apply to them. In the "Know Your Options" section, employees can learn about how to safely disseminate information to agency inspectors general and the press. The resource guide also includes links to an in-depth list of federal whistleblower statutes and information about agency inspectors general. 

STATEMENT FROM REP. LIEU:

“We believe the American people have a right to know how their government works. The Trump administration has strapped a muzzle on federal agencies and attacked legitimate whistleblowers. Should federal employees wish to break that silence, we want this to be a resource for the safe and responsible disclosure of information." 

STATEMENT FROM REP. BEYER:

“From day one the Trump Administration and its allies in Congress have treated the federal workforce like a punching bag, all while issuing hostile threats to whistleblowers and dissenters. In this age of gag orders and alternative facts, it’s important that we provide federal employees tools to ensure transparency. I look forward to working with Congressman Lieu in support of good government and federal workers.”

THE RESOURCE GUIDE CAN BE DOWNLOADED & FOUND HERE

Minuteman Lands $108,172 Competitive Grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center

Minuteman Lands $108,172 Competitive Grant from

the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center

LEXINGTON – Minuteman High School has landed another major grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to help upgrade its Biotechnology program.  The $108,172 competitive grant will enable the school to outfit its Biotechnology lab with more advanced equipment and send two Biotechnology teachers to intensive training in the latest biomanufacturing techniques.

“We’re extremely grateful to the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center and to the Baker Administration for this investment in education,” said Dr. Edward A. Bouquillon, Minuteman’s Superintendent.  “This equipment will help us strengthen the Biotechnology pipeline and prepare our students for careers in one of the state’s fastest-growing industries.” 

The grant will enable Minuteman to expand its Biomanufacturing capability through the purchase of $100,000 in equipment, including three Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC) Class II hoods and three single-stage vacuum pumps to run the hoods.  The hoods are essential for maintaining sterility and aseptic technique in growing animal cells and microbes in the school lab.

The grant will also enable Minuteman to update the water purification system in its Biotechnology lab to meet industry standards. The purified water is required for cell growth, molecular biology, and biomanufacturing.

The grant will also allow Minuteman to purchase two 3D printers to introduce students to cutting edge technologies which are being used in micro-nutrient research and production and in tissue culture.  3D printers create models that allow students to visualize cell and tissue structure and better understand related diseases and how to target them.  Knowing 3D printing is fast becoming an essential skill for bio technicians. 

In addition to the $100,000 for equipment, Minuteman received $8,172 to enable Biotechnology teachers Patrick Rafter and Mark Jurman to take a four-day certificate program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) titled  “Microbial Fermentation Development, Scale-up, and Manufacturing.”

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center received a record-high 105 applications for equipment funds.  It approved 49 applications totaling $4.3 million.

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center is a state agency charged with administering a $1 billion state investment in the life sciences.  As part of that investment, it has funded five (5) rounds of equipment grants to Massachusetts middle schools and high schools to improve the delivery of instruction in the life sciences.   

Minuteman is an award-winning regional high school that integrates robust academic and career & technical learning to deliver a revolutionary competitive advantage. The school serves a diverse student body with multiple learning styles, expanding opportunities for college and career success.  The school is an accredited member of the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC). 

Pending local permitting, Minuteman is planning to break ground soon on a new 628-student high school consisting of two Career Academies supporting a total of 16 high-quality career and technical education programs. 

The new high school is planned for the Lincoln side of Minuteman’s property.

REPRESENTATIVE ULTRINO COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS FOCUS ON WORKING FAMILIES, SENIORS

REPRESENTATIVE ULTRINO COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS FOCUS ON WORKING FAMILIES, SENIORS

Rep. Ultrino appointed to Labor and Workforce, Children and Families; reappointed to Elder Affairs, Health Care Finance

BOSTON – State Representative Steven Ultrino (D-Malden) was appointed to four committees focused on supporting children and families, workers, seniors, and access to affordable health care. For his second term, Representative Ultrino was reappointed to the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs and the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, and was also appointed to two new committees, the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development and the Joint Committee on Children and Families. The committee appointments underscore the importance fighting for working class families and seniors, a primary focus of Representative Ultrino’s first term in 2015-2016.

“I’m excited to continue working for Malden’s seniors and working class families on these committees,” said Representative Ultrino.

Last session, Representative Ultrino’s service on the Elder Affairs and Health Care Financing Committee focused on providing supports, keeping costs low, and improving access to quality services. Representative Ultrino also hosted multiple forums and events for seniors, and facilitated conversations on elder homelessness, affordable public transportation for seniors, and more.

“Our seniors built the foundation of our community, and we have a responsibility to provide them with the resources they need to succeed later in life,” said Representative Ultrino. “The high cost of housing, health care, and other services too often pushes seniors out of their homes and away from our community. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and Elder Affairs Secretary Alice Bonner to protect our seniors from fraud, homelessness, hunger, and other problems.”

Representative Ultrino’s appointment to the Health Care Financing Committee comes at a time of great uncertainty and concern at the national level as the federal governments debates whether to eliminate or modify the Affordable Care Act. This session, the Health Care Financing Committee is preparing to address any changes at the federal level to maintain high access to health care while limiting growth in spending.

“No matter what happens in Washington, we believe in Massachusetts that everyone deserves access to quality, affordable health care,” said Representative Ultrino. “We don’t yet know how the federal health care system will change, but I am resolute in protecting access to health care as a human right in our state.”

Representative Ultrino’s newer committee appointments, the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development and the Committee on Children and Families, deal with legislation particularly relevant to Malden’s working class families. Several of Representative Ultrino’s legislative priorities, including paid family leave and a living wage, are likely to go through these committees.

Most of the legislature’s committees are joint committees with members appointed from both the House and the Senate. All legislation is referred to a committee and requires a favorable committee recommendation in order to go to the House floor and, eventually, to passage.

In addition to four legislative committees, he also represents the House on the state’s Economic Empowerment Trust Fund Board and on the Special Commission on Local and Regional Public Health.

Steven Ultrino was sworn in to his second term as State Representative on January 4^th, 2017.

4華人涉嫌走私人口賣淫

FOUR INDIVIDUALS INDICTED IN CONNECTION WITH TRAFFICKING WOMEN AT ‘MASSAGE PARLORS’ IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Victims were Allegedly Transported from New York and Trafficked in Multiple Communities Including Northampton, Hadley, Framingham, East Longmeadow, and Agawam 

BOSTON – Four individuals have been indicted in connection with trafficking women at “massage parlors” in Western Massachusetts after law enforcement dismantled the criminal operations in a major multistate law enforcement takedown in December, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today.

“Far too often, we are finding that these body works establishments operate as fronts for human trafficking,” said AG Healey. “We will continue to takedown these criminal enterprises and disrupt these business models that are based on making a profit off of the sexual exploitation of human beings.”

The defendants were indicted on Wednesday by a Statewide Grand Jury on the following charges:

Feng Ling Liu, age 50

·         Trafficking in Persons for Sexual Servitude (3 counts)

·         Conspiracy to Traffic Persons for Sexual Servitude (3 counts) 

·         Transacting in Laundered Money (3 counts) 

·         Deriving Support From Prostitution (3 counts) 

·         Keeping a House of Ill Fame (3 counts)

Jian Song, age 48

·         Trafficking in Persons for Sexual Servitude (3 counts)

·         Conspiracy to Traffic Persons for Sexual Servitude (3 counts) 

·         Transacting in Laundered Money (3 counts) 

·         Deriving Support From Prostitution (3 counts) 

·         Keeping a House of Ill Fame (3 counts)

Ting Ting Yin, age 26

·         Trafficking in Persons for Sexual Servitude (3 counts)

·         Conspiracy to Traffic Persons for Sexual Servitude (3 counts) 

·         Transacting in Laundered Money (3 counts) 

·         Deriving Support From Prostitution (3 counts) 

·         Keeping a House of Ill Fame (3 counts)

Shuzi Li, age 52

·         Trafficking in Persons for Sexual Servitude (2 counts)

·         Transacting in Laundered Money (2 counts)

·         Deriving Support From Prostitution (2 counts)

·         Keeping a House of Ill Fame (2 counts) 

Liu, Song and Yin allegedly trafficked women between New York and locations in Hadley, East Longmeadow, and Framingham. Liu and Yin will be arraigned in Hampshire Superior Court tomorrow and in Hampden and Middlesex Counties at later dates. Song will be arraigned in all three courts at later dates.

Li allegedly trafficked women between New York and her businesses in Northampton and Agawam. Li will be arraigned in Hampshire Superior Court tomorrow and will also be arraigned in Hampden Superior Court at a later date.

These charges are the result of a months-long joint investigation by the AG’s Office, the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office Anti-Crime Task Force, and the Northampton Police Department, with the assistance of various other local and federal law enforcement agencies, including agencies in New York.

During the course of the investigation, authorities developed evidence indicating that Li and Liu were the leaders of criminal operations, running profitable and organized criminal enterprises through “massage parlors” that had been set up as fronts for human trafficking.

The investigation revealed that Liu, with help from Song and Yin, allegedly operated Hadley Massage Therapy in Hadley, Feng Health Center in East Longmeadow and Massage Body Work in Framingham. Authorities also developed evidence that Li was running a similar operation at her businesses, Pine Spa in Northampton and Agawam Massage Therapy in Agawam.

Through these businesses, Li and Liu’s employees performed sexual services for a fee. Authorities allege that the defendants typically received the majority of the profits from these sexual encounters. Ten victims were identified during the investigation and authorities recovered a significant amount of cash during the execution of search warrants. The monies recovered from the businesses were allegedly used to fund expensive jewelry, automobiles, bank accounts, and travel for the defendants.

The victims often lived in the businesses and depended on Li, Liu, Song, and Yin for transportation, groceries and other supplies. The defendants allegedly recruited women, advertised sexual services online, set up appointments for sexual encounters, and arranged for transportation for the women.

These charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

AG Healey has a dedicated Human Trafficking Division that focuses on policy, prevention and prosecution and includes a team of specialized prosecutors, victim advocates and Massachusetts State Police troopers who handle high impact, multi-jurisdictional human trafficking investigations and prosecutions across the state. Through the Human Trafficking Division, the AG’s Office has charged more than 30 individuals in connection with human trafficking since the law went into effect in 2012.

            Yesterday, a Boston man was arraigned on charges alleges that he supplied multiple women with drugs and trafficked them for commercial sex in the Greater Boston area.

On Tuesday, AG Healey announced that two New Hampshire women were arrested and arraigned in connection with trafficking women for commercial sex in Massachusetts communities through an online “escort” service.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bourgeois, of AG Healey’s Human Trafficking Division, Assistant Attorney General Elizabeth Vasiliades, of the AG’s Western Massachusetts Office and Criminal Bureau and Special Assistant Attorney General Jeremey Bucci, Chief Trial Counsel of the Northwestern DA’s Office, with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the AG’s Office, the AG’s Digital Evidence Lab, Senior Financial Investigator Eugene Griffin and Victim Witness Advocate Rebecca Auld, Director of the AG’s Victim Services Division.

國會議員劉雲平支持"無移民日"抗議

CONGRESSMAN LIEU STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF TODAY’S “DAY WITHOUT IMMIGRANTS” PROTEST

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) issued the following statement to stand in solidarity with those participating in today’s national “Day Without Immigrants” protest.

“The United States’ story is a chronicle of the successes of immigrants. These are the successes of iconic figures, like Madeleine Albright and John Muir, but also those of our neighbors and friends who are our doctors, laborers, teachers, and caregivers. As an immigrant myself, I am proud to stand in solidarity with everyone participating in the “A Day Without Immigrants” protest. I know firsthand that America is a great nation because it welcomes people of different backgrounds to come together to better themselves and society. The success of the United States is closely intertwined with the contributions of immigrants. I am certain that as long as we remain a welcoming nation, we’ll continue to be great.”

麻州府撥款300萬資助海事基因學院

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $3 Million to the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute and North Shore Schools

Massachusetts Life Sciences Center capital grants will grow the innovation economy and prepare a trained workforce

Gloucester - February 16, 2017 - Today Governor Charlie Baker announced a total of $3 million in capital grant funding for the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, and for middle and high schools in Gloucester, Lynn, and Salem. The grants, from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, advance the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to build a highly trained workforce and seed job creation in regions across Massachusetts.

Governor Baker announced the grant funding today at an event at the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI), alongside MLSC President and CEO Travis McCready, Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, Sen. Bruce Tarr, Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, GMGI staff and students, and other area grant recipients.

The awards are part of a statewide grant round that is delivering a total of $39 million in MLSC capital grants to 14 research and educational institutions, and 49 middle and high schools.

“Our administration is proud of Massachusetts's global leadership in the life sciences, and we are committed to advancing that standing training the next generation of entrepreneurs, and connecting residents across the state to careers,” said Governor Baker. “The projects announced today, including the expansion of GMGI and grants for STEM equipment at four North Shore schools, demonstrate our commitment to investing in the innovation economy, supporting game-changing technological research, and creating jobs in every region of the Commonwealth.”

“These capital grants from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center deepen our administration’s efforts to build vibrant regions, from Cape Ann to the Berkshires,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “By training middle school and high school students on state-of-the-art STEM equipment, and creating new pipelines for workforce development and scientific breakthroughs, these awards will create new economic opportunities on the North Shore, and help build a stronger Massachusetts.”

“One of our capital investment plan priorities is to make strategic investments in the future workforce of the Commonwealth, including STEM programs for our students,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Kristen Lepore. “By awarding these capital grants today, the administration is once again leveraging our resources to invest in the Commonwealth’s growing biotech industry.”          

“Massachusetts is building the nation’s most competitive economy by investing in workforce development, and in the infrastructure of innovation,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “By building a platform for marine genomics research in Gloucester, and improving the quality of STEM education for students in Gloucester, Lynn, and Salem, these awards will help make the North Shore a more dynamic place to live and work, and they will equip local residents with the skills needed to retain Massachusetts’s title as the most innovative state in the nation.”

“Our capital grant will enable the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute to pursue an exciting project that combines workforce training with cutting-edge innovation in genomics, a field where Massachusetts has consistently been a world leader,” said Travis McCready, President and CEO of the MLSC. “Through our STEM equipment and supply grants, area high schools and middle schools will be better positioned to connect students with job opportunities in the fast-growing Massachusetts life sciences ecosystem. In both cases, we are excited to play a role in supporting the economic resurgence of the Gloucester area.”

Today Gov. Baker announced $2.7 million in capital funding for the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute. The grant funds will build out and equip a world-class marine genomics research institute on Gloucester Harbor. By integrating the dynamic components of scientific discovery and workforce development, GMGI is working to bring a biotech hub to Cape Ann. The GMGI has already launched the Gloucester Biotechnology Academy, which prepares recent high school graduates for careers in the life sciences industries. The MLSC capital funding will allow the GMGI to construct a new center for genetic research grounded in marine organisms, with applications that include commercial fishing.

“We are honored to be one of the recipients of the MLS capital award,” said Chris Munkholm, Executive Director of the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute. “This generous grant allows us to build a marine genomics institute in which world-class research will unlock scientific discoveries that can impact human health and create opportunities we cannot yet imagine.”

Gov. Baker also announced more than $260,000 in STEM Equipment and Supply grant funding for the following area middle and high schools:

Gloucester High School, Gloucester - $109,154

Gloucester High School will establish a new biotechnology laboratory, and will launch a new program in biotechnology. The new program will enable Gloucester students to enter college programs of study in biotechnology with a solid knowledge of biotechnology concepts and lab skills, or directly enter the workforce in biotechnology laboratories.

O’Maley Innovation Middle School, Gloucester - $56,933

Grant funding will allow the O’Maley Innovation Middle School to expand Next Generation Science Standards programming, by providing equipment that will enable students to understand disease processes at the microbial level.

Lynn English High School, Lynn - $57,311

Lynn English will increase students’ science literacy, laboratory skill development, applications of technology, and interest in science related careers, by offering training in biotechnology laboratory skills to 9th grade students, and including new biotechnology techniques in Introduction to Biotechnology, Honors Biotechnology, Honors Biology, and AP Biology curriculums for 11th and 12th grade students.

Collins Middle School, Salem - $39,525

The Collins Middle School will purchase equipment and supplies to create a maker space, and implement Project Lead the Way life sciences and STEM courses.

“Gloucester is thrilled to be awarded this life sciences capital grant, which will further expand our workforce development initiatives throughout the region,” said Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken. “Our maritime heritage continues to evolve and by embracing the opportunities within genomic research and STEM-related fields, Gloucester is well positioned to empower the next generation of skilled workers across numerous industries. We are truly proud of the innovative approach that Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute has established here and we are excited to see more skill-based programs enrich our community for the better.”

“The Institute is moving forward in advancing our scientific understanding of marine biotechnology and its work is making Cape Ann a hub for developing much needed skilled workers and a resource for the type of sound information desperately needed to manage our fisheries,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr. “America’s oldest fishing community is also the home of the newest world-class genomics research center whose mission is better understanding fish populations and the ecosystems of commercial fisheries.”

"I want to thank the Governor for coming to Gloucester and learning about the project first hand as well as for this extraordinary investment in Genomics on Cape Ann,” said State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante. “This funding will go far in helping GMGI achieve its next steps and making Gloucester a marine research and biotech hub in Massachusetts. I look forward to working with Governor Baker, Senator Tarr and Mayor Theken on other economic develop projects around our harbor."

Funding for the awards is drawn from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center’s Competitive Capital Program, and the Center’s competitive STEM Equipment and Supplies Grant Program.

The MLSC’s Competitive Capital Program provides grants for capital projects that support the life sciences ecosystem in Massachusetts by enabling and supporting life sciences workforce development and training, research and development, commercialization and manufacturing in the Commonwealth. The program funds high-potential economic development projects by nonprofit entities that make significant contributions to the state’s life sciences ecosystem. To date, the MLSC has awarded or committed more than $405 million to support capital projects across the state.

The MLSC’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Equipment and Supplies Grant Program funds the purchase of equipment and supplies for high schools and middle schools in the Commonwealth. The program helps schools train students for life sciences careers, increase student achievement and student interest in STEM fields, and support the implementation of the state's STEM standards. The competitive program is open to vocational-technical high schools, public high schools and middle schools located in Gateway Cities, and public high schools and middle schools with economically disadvantaged student populations. To date, the STEM Equipment and Supplies Grant Program has awarded more than $16.3 million to 149 different schools and organizations throughout Massachusetts, and leveraged more than $1 million in matching funds from industry partners

波市長推動兒童儲蓄戶口

MAYOR WALSH KICKS OFF LAUNCH OF CHILDREN'S SAVINGS ACCOUNT AT THE HARVARD-KENT SCHOOL IN CHARLESTOWN

BOSTON - Thursday, February 16, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh tonight will celebrate the launch of Boston Saves, the City's Children's Savings Account (CSA) program, at the Harvard-Kent Elementary School in Charlestown. The program is designed to give families the opportunity to create a long-term savings plan for college, post-secondary education and training, for their children. The Harvard-Kent is one of five schools selected as part of a pilot phase to prepare the City for a universal rollout in Fall 2019. "Children's Savings Accounts are building blocks of opportunity and are important savings tools," said Mayor Walsh. "I am excited to join with students, parents, school leaders and community partners to celebrate our collective investment in our students' future. Even a small amount over time can make a big difference, and there is no better time than now to begin saving for the future." At the event, parents and students are invited to access their CSA through an online platform created in partnership with InvestCloud. The platform allows families to link any savings, checking or 529 account to a secure online platform that makes it easy to save, earn rewards, track progress and gain financial tips. "We jumped at the opportunity to provide our financial technology tools to power this outstanding new program by Mayor Walsh and the City of Boston," said John Wise, CEO of InvestCloud, Inc. "Boston families deserve a savings plan that helps them easily and efficiently plan for the future. InvestCloud software will allow parents access to their children's accounts anytime, on a platform that's simple and easy to use. We think that this program will be a game-changer for the city's families, and we're thrilled to be on board." To date, four of the five schools included in the pilot program have launched CSAs, including: the Harvard-Kent Elementary School in Charlestown, the James Otis Elementary School in East Boston, the Franklin D. Roosevelt K-8 in Hyde Park and Conley Elementary School in Roslindale. The McKay K-8 School in East Boston is scheduled to launch the program in early March 2017. "The Harvard-Kent School community is very excited for this opportunity to teach our Kindergarten students how to save money for college," said Harvard-Kent School Principal Jason Gallagher. "Financial literacy is an important skill to learn, especially at a young age, and we are thrilled to teach this concept to our students through the Children's Savings Account program." The program, run by the Mayor's Office of Financial Empowerment (OFE), has three goals: Set expectations that every child in Boston will enroll in and complete some form of post-secondary education or training. Increase the percentage of Boston's children who graduate from high school and the percentage of BPS graduates who enroll in and complete college or some form of post-secondary education or training. Increase Boston's children and families' financial capability to help create lifelong savings and investment habits, a key for success in college and beyond. Possessing a Children's Savings Account can positively impact children's and families' mindsets towards post-secondary education and training. Research and practice across the country strongly suggest that CSAs are an effective tool in impacting higher education outcomes: families with CSAs are more likely to see college as a goal for their children, and low-income children with $500 or less in a savings account, dedicated to higher education, have been shown to be three times more likely to enroll and four times more likely to graduate from college. All kindergarten (K2) students at the selected pilot schools will have an initial seed deposit of $50 set aside for them. Families will be able to save for post-secondary education and training, and will have opportunities to earn incentives along the way. The pilot program is supported by various private foundations, including the Eos Foundation, a private philanthropic foundation committed to breaking the cycle of poverty by investing in children's future. Programmatic support is provided by Metro Credit Union, the Boston Educational Development Foundation, and ReadBoston, with financial literacy support from OFE and Santander Bank. Building on OFE's mission to build, grow and reinforce a holistic financial inclusion strategy for the City of Boston, OFE has been awarded a two year grant from the National League of Cities' "Cities Building Systems to Promote Financial Inclusion" to support the CSA program. Boston was one of eight cities chosen to participate in a Mayor's Institute on Financial Inclusion in April 2016 to receive in-depth technical assistance. The participating cities were invited to apply for up to two rounds of funds from a grant pool of $15,000-$50,000 based on the proposed project and budget. For more information about Boston Saves, please visit here.

BCNC聘胡善怡出任"一華埠"藝術中心主任

BCNC One Chinatown Names Cynthia Woo as Director

BOSTON, MA – February 14, 2017 – Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, (BCNC)is pleased to announce that Cynthia Woo (胡善怡) has joined the agency as the new director of One Chinatown Arts Center located at 99 Albany Street in Boston.

A Southern California native, Cynthia started her work in the arts and culture sector as part of the staff which opened the Chinese American Museum in Los Angeles in 2003. Fueled by a commitment to strengthen the connection of arts to the community, she relocated to Boston to obtain her Masters of Arts in Art History and Museum Studies certificate from Tufts University.

Over the past ten years, Cynthia has worked in the Boston-area arts sector, first as the Director of Programs and Special Events at LynnArts, Inc., and most recently as the Director of Community Relations at the Boston Center for the Arts (BCA). Over seven years at the BCA, she developed community partnerships, managed audience-building activities, and created access to the arts through public programs. Cynthia is also an adjunct educator at the Museum of Fine Arts, through which she was first introduced to BCNC by serving as the Community Arts Initiative Liaison. 

“I am excited to once again be working in the Chinatown community and having the tremendous opportunity to establish One Chinatown as a vital resource for artists, residents, and visitors to our city,” said Cynthia. “Arts and creativity are so important in building curious young minds, engaged families, and healthy communities.”

“Cynthia’s wealth of experience in the cultural sector makes her a key addition to the BCNC team,” stated Giles Li, Executive Director. “Boston has an incredible cultural sector that Chinatown, unfortunately, is largely disconnected from. With Cynthia at its helm, One Chinatown will support the master artists and aspiring artists in our community, and build a bridge to the world-class institutions Boston has to offer.”

About One Chinatown

One Chinatown is an arts center at 99 Albany Street in Boston; it was developed by BCNC in partnership with Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC). The 5,000 square-foot space includes a theater, gallery, and classrooms. Slated to open in Spring 2017, One Chinatown will provide an artist-in-residence program; arts and cultural series featuring performance, exhibitions, and workshops; arts education programs; a flexible artist’s workplace; and rehearsal space rental. One Chinatown will also offer credit-bearing college courses through BHCC.

One Chinatown was awarded a prestigious National Creative Placemaking award from ArtPlace America in 2016, just one of 29 awardees out of more than 1,400. Because of its unique role in the Chinatown community, it has garnered the support of public officials, philanthropy, and residents alike.

About Boston Chinatown Neighborhood CenterBoston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC) is the largest nonprofit social service provider dedicated to Asian families in the Greater Boston area, supporting over 2,000 children, youth, and adults each year at three locations in Boston and Quincy. The mission of BCNC is to ensure that the children, youth, and families we serve have the resources and supports they need to achieve greater economic success and social well-being. BCNC helps families access the resources and services available to them, provide opportunities for them to learn and acquire skills, and create a community of mutual support and encouragement.  For more information, go to www.bcnc.net.