Mary Chin
Mary Chin is the proud daughter of Chinese immigrants who came to the United States in the 1940s. After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts, Chin went on to complete her graduate degree in social work at Simmons College. She became a licensed clinical social worker and eventually led social service departments and psychiatric programs at four hospitals on the North Shore and in Boston. For 20 years, she served as the head of the social work department at Boston Medical Center and spent a decade as the Clinic Director of Adult Outpatient Psychiatry.
As Executive Director of the Asian American Civic Association (AACA), Chin has dedicated herself to the organization's mission to "educate, empower, employ" while addressing the needs of immigrants and low-income families striving for a better life. AACA, founded in 1967 to serve the Chinese community, has since grown into a cornerstone institution that supports individuals from diverse backgrounds. Today, AACA is one of the most respected workforce training centers in Massachusetts, known for its holistic approach to helping clients succeed.
Under Chin's leadership, AACA has expanded its services, including workforce training, educational programs, social services, and an afterschool center. She also pioneered the creation of a Mandarin-immersion and Reggio Emilia-inspired childcare center. Chin has served on several boards, including the Commonwealth's Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission, Eastern Bank, and ABCD. In 2017, she was honored with a Citation from Governor Charlie Baker for her service to Massachusetts, and in 2022, she received an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from Tufts University.
AACA's work focuses on education and economic advancement. By providing English language skills and other job training, the organization helps individuals build better futures. AACA tracks the progress of its program participants for two years, offering continued support to help them stay on the path to success. Mary Chin's visionary leadership at AACA and her lifelong commitment to social service make her a true changemaker in her community.