BIPOC Leadership Representation in Nonprofits

Dr. Regina Wu, Newton Food Pantry President and a full-time practicing physician, has overcome such barriers and has played a valuable role in elevating the importance of representation within our organization.

Regina grew up as a daughter of immigrants in Villanova, PA. Her father’s family are Han Chinese and her mother’s family are indigenous peoples of Taiwan. At the time, Villanova had only a 5% AAPI population. She recalls always working twice as hard and feeling she had to “prove herself” to others, even when experiencing academic and career successes.

After settling in the Boston area, Regina wanted to give back. She first chose to volunteer at the Greater Boston Food Bank and was shocked to find out that a country as wealthy as America could have so many food-insecure people. Regina soon responded to a call for Mandarin-speaking volunteers at the Newton Food Pantry and quickly saw the positive impact of shared lived experiences, shared culture and shared language. It was—and still is—so important to be able to provide a voice for clients who have never been able to communicate with volunteers before. 

However, it was not entirely a smooth leadership journey. 

“Despite often being the one leading operational work and carrying out tactics from our strategic plan, I was not always seen by other volunteers, past board members, clients or donors as the leader,” Regina says. “Many times, the microaggression of others assuming I was NOT the one in charge made it painful. Donors would walk up and ask me who was in charge, thinking that a Chinese woman could not be the one in charge. Sometimes I would be checking in clients and they would ask me who was in charge even though they saw me weekly for years. I did not need credit, but it hurt to see so many people make assumptions based on my appearance.”

Regina’s willingness to share her vulnerable experiences has fueled the Board of Directors’ commitment to making diversity, equity and inclusion a strategic priority. The Newton Food Pantry is committed to making sure up-and-coming leaders of color have the support they need and deserve. 

Regina feels that diversity in leadership brings more groups of people together and builds trust across different groups. “Anytime you can bring different perspectives and lived experiences together, you are able to develop more robust and authentic solutions; new ideas and lenses can open the door to new ways of thinking and problem solving,” Regina explains.

The Newton Food Pantry is grateful for the lived experiences and unique lens Regina brings as a leader and a boots-on-the-ground volunteer. Our clients value and are supported by the representation she brings.

If you are looking for ways to give back to your community, join our amazing volunteer group that supports the Newton Food Pantry’s mission of compassion and inclusion.