Gala to feature performances, interactive exhibits, and recognition of immigrant and refugee contributions across the region
BOSTON – April 11, 2025 – In honor of the 100th anniversary of the opening of its Boston-area headquarters, the International Institute of New England (IINE) proudly announces the Centennial Golden Door Award Gala, a time-honored celebration that will, for the first time, honor the entire IINE community for its contributions to American society and role in shaping Boston’s vibrant culture.
The gala will take place on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the Omni Seaport Hotel Boston and will bring together past honorees, community leaders, and supporters to celebrate IINE’s century-long legacy and reaffirm the region’s commitment to welcoming, supporting, and celebrating the diverse communities that give Boston its strength.
The IINE Boston office first opened in 1924 during a period of restrictive immigration policies. Its founders, a group of compassionate women at a local YWCA who were undeterred by public sentiment, were dedicated to providing critical support to immigrant women and girls. Over the past century, IINE has endured and evolved, never wavering from its role as a steadfast champion for immigrants and refugees. Today, the organization serves more than 10,000 individuals through resettlement, education, employment support, and pathways to citizenship—helping to ensure that the immigrants who come to our shores have the tools to build stable, successful lives.
“As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we recognize that IINE was founded in a time not unlike today—when immigration was at the center of national debate, and many sought to close doors rather than open them,” said Jeff Thielman, president and CEO of IINE. “But history has shown us that Boston will always emerge as a city of resilience and welcome. For 100 years, our communities have embraced newcomers, recognizing that immigration strengthens our economy and enriches our culture. Now, as we look ahead, and with the valued partnership of Boston’s leaders and citizens, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting newcomers for the next century and beyond.”
For more than 50 years, IINE has presented the Golden Door Award to an individual born outside of the United States who has made outstanding contributions to American society. In recognition of the centennial anniversary of IINE’s Boston program, this year the organization will honor all who have bravely journeyed to the city, bringing resilience and determination, and all who have joined IINE in helping them find a brighter future in Boston.
The Centennial gala is chaired by distinguished leaders in business and philanthropy, including Golden Door Award honorees Noubar Afeyan, founder & CEO of Flagship Pioneering and chairman of Moderna; Stéphane Bancel, CEO of Moderna; and Reshma Kewalramani, CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals; as well as Belinda Termeer, president of the Termeer Foundation and widow of Henri Termeer who received the Golden Door Award in 1999.
Highlights of the evening will include:
- A retrospective of the prestigious past honorees
- Personal stories of migration
- A special performance by the Afghanistan Freeharmonic Orchestra
- The Centennial Walk, an art exhibition chronicling IINE’s 100-year history in Boston and the city’s immigrant roots
- An interactive photo installation and postcard-writing station to display our shared commitment to celebrating our city’s diversity and embracing newcomers
Funds raised for the Centennial Golden Door Award Gala will directly support IINE’s programs, ensuring that immigrants and refugees in our communities have the resources and opportunities needed to rebuild their lives, realize their dreams, and strengthen our city and state.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Location: Omni Seaport Hotel Boston, 450 Summer Street, Boston, MA
For tickets and sponsorship details, visit: https://iine.org/get-involved/join-our-community/events/golden-door-award-2025/
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEW ENGLAND
The International Institute of New England (IINE) creates opportunities for refugees and immigrants to succeed through resettlement, education, career advancement and pathways to citizenship. With locations in Boston and Lowell, Massachusetts and Manchester, New Hampshire, IINE serves thousands of individuals annually, including people displaced by political instability, violence, and climate crises, child and adult survivors of human trafficking, and unaccompanied children joining family members in New England. IINE offers a comprehensive range of programs and services to help newcomers feel welcome; achieve stability and security; access resources in their new communities; advance their education and employment goals; and integrate into their communities. IINE’s expertise builds on more than a century of service and accomplishes its mission in partnership with community groups, stakeholders, and supporters throughout New England.
