Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

As a new Boston resident, I want to engage with the Boston community and actively participate in civic life after moving from New York, as I focus on settling in and building a new chapter here.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

As a member of ILB, I want to share knowledge with family, friends, and the community, uplift others, and create opportunities for those around me.

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I'm participating in Immigrants Lead Boston, because Impact is truly what shapes our world. I seek to be provided the knowledge and tools to enhance my own skill sets and become well versed in how I can be more civically engaged and be both a leader and resource for my community. I feel this is a way for me to give back and pour into those around me and those to come after me.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

Being a part of ILB has allowed me to recognize the two things I value most: creativity and economic access. As someone who runs an immigrant-led, women-owned firm, it’s important to me that people are positioned to establish generational wealth and a financially free future for themselves and their families. Growing up in an immigrant household, you’re often expected to become a lawyer, doctor, engineer, or nothing at all. My plan and hope is to create a space that goes beyond that.

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

Knowledge is power. I joined the Immigrant Lead Boston to learn more about civic engagement opportunities, community organizing and the resources and services the City of Boston has to offer to the different communities.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

My goal is to become a change agent that uses this new knowledge to empower and serve the communities in need with pride, dignity and diligence.

 

¿Por qué está participando en el Laboratorio de Inmigrantes Lideran Boston?

Para poder aprender más. 

¿Qué acción planea tomar después de hacer parte de ILB?

Empezar a poner en práctica lo que aprendí. 

 

¿Por qué está participando en el Laboratorio de Inmigrantes Lideran Boston?

Me interesa aprender mucho más y poder ayudar  a mi comunidad, que tanto lo necesita.

¿Qué acción planea tomar después de hacer parte de ILB?

Implementar talleres educativos sobre todas las oportunidades que hay para todos nosotros los inmigrantes.

 

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I joined Immigrants Lead Boston so I could become a better leader and advocate for my community and I want to learn more and listen and share experiences with others leaders.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

After being part of ILB I will go and work with our community members in designing programs that with help all immigrants in Boston such as trainings and courses  

 

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I am participating in the Immigrants Lead Boston Lab to gain valuable insights into how I can make a meaningful impact in my [Haitian] community. This program offers a great opportunity to learn about civic engagement and leadership, while also connecting with and learning from other local leaders who are actively making a difference.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

After participating in ILB, I plan to collaborate with Haitian leaders to advocate, volunteer, and raise our voices to support our country.

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I decided to participate in ILB program because, as a first-generation college graduate and immigrant, my journey has fueled my commitment to bridging gaps for my community. I understand firsthand the challenges of navigating a new country’s systems. Through ILB, I aim to learn how to effectively navigate governmental systems and the resources the city offers. By sharing this knowledge, I hope to advocate for my community and become the person I once needed.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

I plan to continue mentoring youth, helping them access higher education and achieve their dreams. My vision is for a more inclusive and equitable city where everyone feels welcomed and comfortable embracing their roots.

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I participated in Immigrants Lead Boston to learn how to work with city government to better serve the Haitian immigrant community especially when it comes to integrating new arrivals.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

I created a resource hub called the Boston Haitian Resource Hub that provides up to date info on jobs, housing, education and other opportunities to serve the Haitian community. I'd like to partner with other members of ILB and the City to expand this Hub to serve more people from the Haitian community, service providers, and allies of the community.

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

To have a positive impact on the Latino and immigrant community and change the narrative on the school system, especially for unaccompanied minors.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

I aspire to engage with the city to drive positive change and improve resources for the immigrant community.

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I participated in Immigrants Lead Boston because it aligns with my passion for giving back and supporting my community, particularly the Haitian migrant community. As a program manager at Bethel A.M.E Church, I’ve truly enjoyed working with our newly arrived Haitian neighbors and helping them navigate their new environment. It’s rewarding to contribute to their integration and support their needs.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

After being part of Immigrants Lead Boston, I plan to continue my efforts in supporting the Haitian migrant community by implementing more targeted programs at Bethel A.M.E Church. I aim to strengthen our outreach, provide resources, and create a welcoming environment that fosters connection and empowerment for newcomers. Additionally, I’ll collaborate with other organizations to amplify our impact and advocate for policies that benefit immigrants in our community.

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

For far too long our wants, needs and even our resources and built-in drives to succeed, have been siloed in our various communities, neighborhoods and backgrounds. I am a firm believer that together we are stronger and together, as one voice, true and lasting change can occur. Immigrants Lead Boston is a springboard to achieving that voice, that one voice. This belief is why I joined this cohort/class. 

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

The plan after Immigrants Lead Boston is to continue creating sustainable change, by collaborating with the City and State governments, advocating for more inclusive policies, engaging in more civic, public and community grassroots initiatives and lastly mentoring and helping build out capacity in other emerging leaders and their organizations.

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

Learn more about different immigrants and how to prepare the resources for our community.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

Helping those in my community that is being impacted by the immigration system 

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

My participation in Immigrants Lead Boston aims to contribute to the stability and well-being of immigrants in American society by helping them access basic services with respect and dignity. Immigrants Lead Boston helped me learn more about the city of Boston, its history, and its resources. In terms of general education, this program helps me increase my skills to carry out my projects. 

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

After joining Immigrants Lead Boston, I will integrate myself into the immigrant community so that they can benefit from all the potential resources that exist in the city of Boston for better integration. To do so, I will seek to work in some empowering immigrant organizations to spread the knowledge that I acquired during the training. I will keep in touch with my group “ immigrants Dreamers” so that we can continue working on the great project we worked on throughout the training and make it a reality. In the end, I would like to create an organization that provides support and assistance for the well-being of immigrants, particularly Haitian immigrants in Boston. 

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

As a Gen-Z non-binary Muslim immigrant from Pakistan who has led grassroots initiatives for over a decade, I've realized that our advocacy often fails to reach those who need it most due to a lack of intersectionality and grassroots approaches. This lab offers the perfect opportunity to engage with Boston's diverse communities, collaborate with their leaders, and ensure that my entrepreneurial and advocacy efforts are more inclusive and impactful.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

I plan to conduct thorough needs assessments of these communities using both qualitative and quantitative methods. My goal is to make mainstream resources more accessible to them. This experience has deepened my commitment to empowering and collaborating with these communities to build stronger, more inclusive social movements, both digitally and in person, focused on sustainable development and equitable resource distribution. The relationships I’ve built and the sense of belonging I’ve found through this program will have a lasting impact on my work as an activist. 

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I would like to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to the Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA) for the remarkable initiative, the Immigrants Lead Boston Lab. This program has been a transformative experience for me as an agent of change. My dedication to serving and uplifting my community drives me to seek meaningful opportunities for fostering positive change hence my participation in ILB. The Immigrants Lead Boston Lab is an invaluable platform that not only deepens my understanding of the challenges faced by my fellow immigrant brothers/sisters but also equips me with the essential tools and skills needed for effective advocacy and community engagement. With the resources and support provided by this program, I am confident that I will be better prepared to reinforce my commitment to my community and contribute to initiatives that promote inclusivity and empowerment.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

My experience with ILB has significantly enhanced my leadership capabilities and expanded my network of resources. As I move beyond my time with ILB, I remain deeply committed to advocating for marginalized voices within our community. I plan to collaborate closely with fellow ILB members, MOIA and other community leaders to drive meaningful change. The goal is to focus on initiatives that promote progress and create new opportunities for our community.

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I participated in the Immigrants Leads Boston program to learn more about the city's governance and available resources. I also wanted to share my passion for improving all residents' lives, particularly immigrants and the Iranian and Afghan communities. I aim to help them access the city's incredible resources, which they might need to be made aware of.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

In Iranian and Afghan families, women and girls often have less access to power, financial resources, and information due to the traditional family structure. I want to create groups and workshops to provide translated resources in Farsi, including important phone numbers and information about available facilities. I also want to inform them that many services offer interpreter assistance, so they don't need to be fluent in English to access these resources. Additionally, since biking is not common for Afghan and Iranian women due to cultural reasons, I want to teach them how to rent bikes as an affordable way to commute and a good form of exercise.

¿Por qué está participando en el Laboratorio de Inmigrantes Lideran Boston?

Estoy participando porque quiero aprender un poco más de las historias, y reconocer que la inmigraciopn  no es una casualidad, sino un factor de necesidad que nos hace mover.

¿Qué acción planea tomar después de hacer parte de ILB?

Entender que estamos aquí para poder aportar nuestro conocimientos con otros que han tenido el mismo desafío, y abordar juntos los problemas por el cual tenemos que lidiar día con día.

"After being part of ILB Lab, I will plan to do more advocacy, to make better strategies."

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

My name is Regine Albin, I am 30 years old, and I am participating in Immigrants Lead Boston because I am deeply connected to the immigrant experience. I moved to the U.S. from Haiti with my family in 2005. Since arriving, I’ve gone through a transformation in my status. This change has allowed me to pursue education and professional opportunities that have enriched my life. My journey as an immigrant has shaped every facet of my identity, particularly my dedication to supporting the immigrant community, especially Haitian immigrants. By participating in Immigrants Lead Boston Lab, I hope to further develop my leadership skills and continue advocating for immigrant families. While I am naturally introverted, my passion for this work drives me to take on new challenges. I believe that by enhancing my leadership abilities through this program, I can continue to contribute to meaningful change and expand the impact I have in my community.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

After participating in Immigrants Lead Boston, I plan to use the skills, connections, and knowledge gained to deepen my advocacy for the immigrant community. Specifically, I want to take more active leadership roles in policy discussions and community planning.

My goal is to become a more effective advocate, pushing for policies and resources that address the critical needs of immigrant families, especially in areas like housing, healthcare, and legal support. 

Ultimately, I want to be part of the solution, helping to shape a more inclusive, supportive environment where all immigrants have the opportunity to thrive.

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I am participating in Immigrants Lead Boston because I would like to learn how the government works, how funding is allocated to different needs, and ultimately to learn from other leaders so that I can be a stronger advocate for the people I serve in my East Boston Community Soup Kitchen and others that I can help.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

I would like to become a stronger advocate for the people I serve in my community, particularly the homeless population whom I serve in my EBCSK. I would like to know what resources are available for the most vulnerable, and how to navigate the system to help them have access to them.

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

Immigrants Lead Boston is the key that will empower me into taking actions to support all immigrants, in particular the Haitian community in Boston, who will need a hand in order to reach the American dream. 

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

I plan to participate in different programs that are helping the Haitian immigrant youths to succeed in ESL. 

Poukisa w ap patisipe nan laboratwa Immigrants Lead Boston an?

Mwen s on imigran ki pa rantre nan peyi a, mwen konstate kijan li difisil jiskaprezan pou m fini pa fè tranzisyon sa. Sa ki toujou pasyone m, se pataje konesans mwen epi sèvi moun. Patisipe nan laboratwa ILB se pou mwen yon opòtinite pou m aprann plis e pataje bon konesans ak bon resous pou ede imigran ki nan kominote m yo gen yon pi bon vi nan peyi a. 

Ki aksyon ou konte poze apre w fin fè pati ILB?

Aksyon m konte se vrèman mete anprent mwen nan kreye yon chanjman ki palbab nan kominote a, nan ede ak konesans epi resous ke m genyen pote solisyon ak divès pwoblèm kominote imigran an ap fè fas. 

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

As a child from an immigrant family, my journey has been deeply intertwined with the stories of my loved ones, standing in solidarity with those who have had to leave everything behind in pursuit of survival and a future. Participating in Immigrants Lead Boston has given me a meaningful opportunity to amplify those experiences and deepen my commitment to uplifting immigrant communities—many of which face the same challenges my family continues to grapple with today. With a background in civic design and grassroots organizing, I’ve seen firsthand the power of community. In my own community and beyond, my work is in connecting with community members to address their needs and creating spaces where the voices of our most marginalized community members are centered. Whether it’s launching initiatives, leading engagement, or helping us build leadership capacity, I’m grateful to continue my work in finding ways to create solutions and systems that truly reflect our shared humanity.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

Through Immigrants Lead Boston, I hope to broaden my impact and reach even more communities and leaders. My goal is to continue amplifying the voices of immigrant and historically marginalized groups, making sure their needs are front and center in decision-making. Ultimately, I want to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone.

Poukisa w ap patisipe nan laboratwa Immigrants Lead Boston an?

Mwen ta renemen kontribiye nan avansman vil Boston nan bay asistans ak oryantasyon  imigran  ki ap viv nan Boston 

Ki aksyon ou konte poze apre w fin fè pati ILB?

Mwen ta renmen mete yon organizasyon kanpe pou asiste epi suporte imigran  kap vin abite nan boston nan ede yo nan yon pi pi bon tranzisyon sosyal ak ekonomik nan Boston 

¿Por qué está participando en el Laboratorio de Inmigrantes Lideran Boston?

Para aprender  sobre la ciudad y sus líderes, para llevar la información a mi comunidad y crecer como persona para ser útil para otros.

¿Qué acción planea tomar después de hacer parte de ILB?

Lanzarme como concejal luego haber aprendido inglés, para incrementar la ayudas y participación de la ciudadanía.

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

I'm participating in the Program  Immigrants Lead Boston because I see this program as a unique opportunity to grow as a leader and, most importantly, to make a difference in my community. As a consultant, I’ve had the privilege of working with many Latino business owners and entrepreneurs, and I'm passionate about helping them overcome challenges and achieve their dreams. I know firsthand what it means to be an immigrant, to face obstacles, and still strive to build something meaningful. I want to use this experience to learn, connect with other leaders, and together create a positive impact that benefits everyone in Boston.

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

After participating in Immigrants Lead Boston, my intention is to put into practice everything I've learned to continue supporting Latino businesses in our community. I want to use the tools and knowledge I gained to help more entrepreneurs grow and thrive in an environment that can often be challenging. Additionally, in collaboration with an organization and, if possible, with the City of Boston, I dream of creating an express program that informs and supports entrepreneurs in accessing available resources. My goal is to help these Small Business Owners maximize their impact, improve their own economy, that of their families, and, in turn, contribute to the economic growth of our city. I also want to continue working closely with other leaders I met in the program to develop initiatives that promote inclusion and empowerment for immigrants in Boston. I’m committed to actively participating in decision-making spaces to ensure that our community’s voices are heard and represented.

Why are you participating in Immigrants Lead Boston?

Being part of ILB has been an enriching and motivating experience. When I joined this transformative group, I never imagined the challenge I would face. I've received countless insights that have changed my perspective as both a leader and an immigrant. 

What action do you plan on taking after being part of ILB?

Today, I'm pleased to recognize the resources, tools, and strategies that Boston makes available to immigrants, and I am committed to being a dreamer and facilitator who encourages the community to actively and consciously engage in their own development. Thank you to the MOIA team for this excellent initiative, which has truly marked my life!