Executive Director of Asian American Commission of Massachusetts Yasmin Padamsee Forbes Shares Career Journey

We are so excited to share the story of today’s woman dreamer, Yasmin Padamsee Forbes. A graduate of Harvard Kennedy School, she is currently the Executive Director of the Asian American Commission of Massachusetts. A changemaker at heart, she has served in senior leadership roles with non-profits and the United Nations in Papua New Guinea, India, Myanmar, and the United States. She shares her inspiring journey and the vision for the upcoming unity dinner on May 6th! Check out her amazing story!

1. Tell us your story. After graduating from Harvard, you went on to work in Myanmar for the UN. You are currently the Executive Director of the Asian American Commission. Tell us more about your journey and what inspired your interest in global affairs and public service. 

I am a proud alumna of the Harvard Kennedy School and graduated with a Master's Degree in Public Administration in 2008. My time at Harvard gave me the necessary skills and tools to boost my journey toward global affairs and public service.

After graduation, I was determined to apply my knowledge and skills to make a difference. I began working for the United Nations in Myanmar, where I was part of a team that helped assist and support communities affected by natural disasters and conflict. I joined the UN soon after Cyclone Nargis had decimated large parts of the Delta region in the country.

During my time at the UN, I saw firsthand the impact of global events on the lives of ordinary people. This experience inspired meto continue being involved in public service, even after I moved back home to Massachusetts.

Currently, I serve as the Executive Director of the Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission, where I work to promote the concerns and interests of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Massachusetts. In my role, I advocate for policies that address these communities' unique needs and challenges.

I believe it is vital to use one's knowledge and skills to impact the world positively and to work to uplift marginalized communities.

2. You are known for your tenacity and determination. You struggled with dyslexia as a kid. Tell us more about your experience with dyslexia and how you navigated this challenge. 

Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects reading, writing, and spelling. Growing up with dyslexia in India was a challenge as people did not realize it was a learning disability; however, it made me even more determined to succeed. Dyslexia is unrelated to intelligence; many people with dyslexia are brilliant and successful.

To navigate some of my learning challenges, I used various strategies, including Multisensory learning: Using multiple senses (such as hearing, seeing, and touching) to learn and remember information, and self-advocacy: Speaking up for oneself and asking for accommodations when needed. This helped me to better able to navigate most challenges. Ultimately, I believe that as long as you have tenacity and determination, anyone can succeed despite dyslexia.  

3. The Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission Annual Unity Dinner is coming on May 6. Tell us more about this event, your vision, and how people can attend. 

 The Unity Dinner is a significant event in the Asian American and Pacific Islanders community in Massachusetts, where people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds come together to celebrate unity, diversity, and shared values. The event includes a keynote speaker, entertainment, dinner, and various community awards recognizing individuals and groups for their contributions to the community.

On our 15th Unity Dinner celebrations, we launched the AAPIUnsung Heroes Award winners in Massachusetts. This awardrecognizes individuals or groups who have contributed significantly to education, healthcare, social justice, community building, and beyond and have not received the recognition they deserve. The award winners for 2023 include Women Who Win's Co-founder Shaleen Sheth, Connie S. Wong, Jinbyoung Nam and Sarah Nam, Shaina Lu, Rev Dr. Ko Ko Lay, and Maria Isabela Campos.  The awardees will be felicitated at the Unity Dinner at the Kennedy Institute on May 6, 2023. To guarantee your spot, the last day to buy tickets is April 28, 2023. The LINK is HERE

4. You are certainly a busy woman. After a long day, how do you like to relax and unwind? 

It is crucial to find time to relax and unwind. What I feel helps me is to go for a walk in a nearby park or natural area to get some fresh air and connect with nature. Also, to communicate with friends and family with a meal.

Thank you Yasmin for sharing your inspiring story with us! We are honored to have you in our global women’s network!

Bio: Yasmin Padamsee Forbes is an accomplished leader with a track record of delivering results in management positions across multiple countries and organizations. As the Executive Director of the Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, she has continued showcasing her strategic planning, management, and resource mobilization skills.

Yasmin's passion for social justice, human rights, and climate change activism has driven her career. She has previously served in senior leadership roles with non-profits and the United Nations in Papua New Guinea, India, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and the United States. Her experience has given her a deep understanding of cross-cultural collaboration and the importance of building strong partnerships to drive positive change.

In recognition of her outstanding work, Yasmin has been awarded numerous honors and awards, including the 2019 All-Star Award by the Harvard Kennedy School for her contribution to the film festival, "Pride and Progress." Harvard also awarded her the 2018 Julius E. Babbitt Memorial Volunteer Award for exemplary public service.

Yasmin holds a Master's in Communications and Film production from New York University, where she received a scholarship, and a second Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University. She has served as the Harvard Alumni Representative in Myanmar and on the Alumni Board of Directors for the Harvard Kennedy School.

Yasmin is also actively involved in community service, serving as the Chair and Commissioner for the Cambridge Human Rights Commission. She is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, working with communities across Massachusetts to create a force for positive and sustainable change. Yasmin believes in the power of connection and collaboration to create a better future for all.