Commonwealth Seminar

05/20/2026

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!

05/19/2026

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!

05/18/2026

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 💛

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

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

05/08/2026

✨ 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. 💡

05/04/2026

🚨 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

04/30/2026

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

04/29/2026

🏃‍♂️ We’re off and running… literally!

The Commonwealth Seminar is proud to partner with the AAPI 5K this May—a community-powered race celebrating health, unity, and the vibrant AAPI community.

Our Executive Director, Leverett Wing, is lacing up (and shaking off the running rust 🥵) to take on the 5K alongside Seminar alum Jaely Pereira—all to raise funds to keep our mission moving forward.

In Leverett’s words:

“My cardio is absolute garbage, but I'll do anything for the Seminar. So, please support the Seminar to make my shin-splints worthwhile and to help us keep moving forward with our mission of Opening the Doors of Government to Everyone!"

💛 Every step supports our work to open the doors of government to everyone.

👉 Donate + cheer him on: https://www.movemint.cc/events/2026_boston_aapi_5k/donation_organizations/500/fundraisers/605

04/24/2026

We’re honored to announce our Closing Speaker ✨

State Representative Chynah Tyler will be joining us to close out Shaping Our Future: Youth In Action Conference.

Born and raised in Boston, Representative Chynah Tyler carries deep pride for her Roxbury roots and a lifelong commitment to serving her community. From excelling in Boston Public and Charter schools to studying at Northeastern University, her journey has always been grounded in creating opportunity and breaking down barriers.

Her career began as a Case Manager supporting individuals returning from incarceration—an experience that shaped her understanding of the systemic challenges facing vulnerable communities and the critical role of state government in addressing them. She later served as a Legislative Aide in the Massachusetts State Senate, working on key initiatives including housing support, education reform, and environmental programs.

At just 26, she was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where she now serves her fifth term representing the 7th Suffolk District. She is currently Vice-Chair of State Administration and Regulatory Oversight and a past chair of both the Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus and the Boston Delegation.

Representative Tyler will also present the Youth Civic Engagement Awards 🏆

Join us as we close out the day with inspiration, reflection, and celebration of youth leadership.