Press Release: AiVi Nguyen Elected Chair of United Way Board of Directors

March 5, 2018

Worcester native, Asian daughter of immigrants, reflects the diversity and strength of Worcester

Worcester, Mass. — Start from scratch with the goal of designing the ideal individual to lead the region’s largest non-profit organization and you end up with AiVi Nguyen.

Bowditch & Dewey, LLP, is very pleased to announce that Ms. Nguyen, a partner at the law firm, has been elected to serve as the next chair of the Board of Directors of United Way of Central Massachusetts. AiVi, who has served on the United Way Board of Directors since 2016, will assume her two-year leadership role in July 2018, succeeding Doug Brown, president of UMass Memorial Community Hospitals.

“AiVi is an extraordinarily talented lawyer and an exceptional person, who cares very deeply about people and the community where she grew up. There are few people more committed to helping others and working for the success of our community,” said Michael Angelini, chairman of Bowditch & Dewey.  “AiVi has all of the skills, heart, vision and commitment to be an outstanding leader for United Way. We could not be prouder of her.”

“On behalf of all of our partner agencies and programs, we are absolutely thrilled to have AiVi become our next board chair,” said Tim Garvin, president and chief executive officer of United Way of Central Massachusetts. “As a Worcester native, a professional woman, a child of immigrants, a brilliant attorney, and someone who has rolled up her sleeves to serve others, AiVi is exceptionally well-qualified to help us meet the challenges ahead and continue delivering a positive, lasting impact to our community.”

“Growing up poor in Worcester, there were countless times I personally benefited from programs like the ones that the United Way supports,” said AiVi Nguyen. “Today, while we celebrate Worcester’s revitalization, there still are so many families and individuals for whom every day is a struggle. It’s through the United Way that our community comes together to offer a strong helping hand, giving others the tools to succeed—just as I received —which is why I am so honored and excited to be given this opportunity.”

The daughter of Vietnamese immigrants, AiVi Nguyen grew up poor in Worcester, but inherited from her parents a combination of keen intelligence, and a fierce work ethic and commitment to succeed.

AiVi is a cum laude graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and received her J.D. from Boston College Law School. In 2016 she was elected to partner at Bowditch & Dewey, one of the region’s preeminent law firms. Her choice to return to Worcester speaks to her character and her deep commitment to give back to the community that nurtured and supported her along the way.

AiVi’s star has been on the rise in Worcester. She is a 2017 recipient of the Worcester Business Journal’s Outstanding Women in Business Award, and a 2016 recipient of the YWCA of Central Massachusetts Katharine F. Erskine Award, which honors women not only for their achievement in business, but for their dedication to social and racial equality, community involvement, and for serving as a role model for women and girls. AiVi was also a member of the 2015 “40 Under Forty” class, recognized by the Worcester Business Journal.

In addition to serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors for United Way of Central Massachusetts, and the Diversity Committee of Bowditch & Dewey, AiVi also serves as Vice Chair for the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council for the City of Worcester, a Director of the Boards for the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center and Squares Squared (the group that brought POW! WOW! Worcester to the City), and as corporator for the Greater Worcester Community Foundation and the YWCA of Central Massachusetts.

About Bowditch & Dewey, LLP

Bowditch is a highly regarded law firm handling sophisticated transactions, challenging litigation and complex regulatory issues for businesses, families and institutions throughout Massachusetts, the region and beyond.

With more than 60 lawyers seamlessly connected in three strategic Massachusetts offices – Boston, Framingham and Worcester ­– Bowditch is a preeminent law firm, deep in the areas of business and finance, real estate and environmental, litigation, employment and labor, and estate and tax planning, delivering outstanding client satisfaction and big-firm quality legal services.

About United Way of Central Massachusetts

United Way of Central Massachusetts connects people and resources to improve the community. We do this by partnering with agencies and organizations, and supporting initiatives aligned on four strategic areas—safety net, education, family stability, and health. Programs focus on taking care of immediate needs and providing the impetus for lasting, positive change within the 30 towns of its service area. United Way of Central Massachusetts is independent, separately incorporated, and governed by a local, volunteer Board of Directors. There are nearly 1,200 United Ways across the country. Although local United Way organizations are independent of each other, they share resources, research, and branding with United Way Worldwide.