The International Institute of New England Raises $1.7M at Golden Door Award Gala in Support of Refugees and Immigrants

The International Institute of New England (IINE) raised over $1.7 million at its 44^th annual Golden Door Award, held Wednesday night at the Omni Seaport Hotel in Boston, a figure highlighting the organization’s resilience and strong community support in the face of increasingly restrictive federal immigration policy.

The evening honored Dr. Yvonne Greenstreet, CEO of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, with the Golden Door Award for her leadership in driving scientific breakthroughs that have led to life-saving medicines, now available in 70 countries worldwide. In accepting the award, Dr. Greenstreet reflected on how the promise of America is best realized when the skills, resilience, and determined spirit of immigrants are met with opportunity.

This gala took place amid a challenging period for refugee and immigrant communities, marked by ongoing humanitarian crises and shifting federal policies. During this time, organizations like IINE continue to play an essential role in providing direct services, guidance, and support to newcomers navigating complex systems. The funds raised will support IINE’s critical programs across Massachusetts and New Hampshire, including refugee resettlement, English language education, workforce training, and immigration legal services.

“Every year brings new challenges to the world of immigration: policies shift, conflicts emerge across the globe, and more and more individuals are forced out of their homes in the pursuit of safety. But one thing has never changed. Our region’s success will always depend on welcoming talent, energy, and innovation from around the world,” said Jeff Thielman, President and CEO of the International Institute of New England.

The gala was attended by over 600 guests, bringing together leaders from the business, biotech, philanthropy, healthcare, construction, and civic sectors in support of IINE’s work. GDA host committee co-chairs and past honorees, Julie Kim, Graham Robinson, Anthony Consigli, Dr. Victor Dzau, Dr. Noubar Afeyan, Dr. Srikant Datar, Stephane Bancel, and Belinda Termeer the wife of our 1999 honoree the late Henri Termeer joined IINE supporters, longtime partners, clients, volunteers, and staff to honor both Dr. Greenstreet and the collective impact of the organization’s community over the past 100 years.

The evening program included a performance by Back Bay Chorale’s ESOL Chorus, and a Suitcase Stories® performance from an IINE client who reflected on her journey from Haiti to Massachusetts, and her unwavering commitment to pursuing a career in medicine—even when it meant starting over in the U.S. Guests were also invited to explore the Centennial Walk, an art exhibition that debuted last year and highlights IINE’s 100-year history in Boston and the city’s deep immigrant roots.

Since opening its doors more than a century ago, IINE has served more than 100,000 immigrants and refugees and currently supports thousands of individuals each year.

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Learn more about our annual celebration of immigrant achievements and contributions at the Golden Door Award gala.