Organizational History

Naheed Asar talks to a woman at a table

Asian Women for Health (AWFH) was founded in 2013 by Chien-Chi Huang, a visionary Taiwanese American leader. As the founding Executive Director, she dedicated a decade to advancing health equity for Asian women and underrepresented communities, with a strong focus on breast cancer awareness and other health disparities. Since its inception, AWFH has educated over 10,000 individuals on medical issues affecting Asian populations, advocated for equitable healthcare, and empowered community members to become advocates themselves.

Beyond cancer awareness, AWFH now tackles systemic, cultural, and linguistic barriers to care. Today, it bridges gaps between pan-Asian and other historically marginalized communities and healthcare services, ensuring a more inclusive approach to health equity.

Timeline

  • 2013: AWFH is founded by Chien-Chi Huang to address breast cancer disparities among Asian women.
  • 2014: AWFH expands programming to include peer-led networks, community education, and policy advocacy.
  • 2019: The organization broadens its focus beyond cancer to tackle systemic health disparities and barriers to care.
  • 2023: Launch of the Community Health Impact Program, training individuals from underrepresented communities as Community Health Workers (CHWs).
  • Chien-Chi Huang retires; Eric Braun serves as Interim Executive Director.
  • Naheed Esar is appointed as Executive Director.
  • 2025: Colleen Nguyen joins AWFH as Executive Director, bringing extensive experience in public health, community engagement, and health equity advocacy.

Recognition

Asian Women for Health has received recognition from many organizations for its work. This recognition includes current grants from the following organizations:

  • Commonwealth Corporation
  • Health Resources in Action (HRiA)
  • Health Care for All Massachusetts (HCFA)
  • Women’s Foundation of Boston
  • Asian Health Coalition
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation
  • Lenny Zakim Foundation
  • The Quin House Impact Fund
  • Boston Women’s Fund
  • Biogen Foundation
  • Sanofi
  • The Asian Community Fund of the Boston Foundation

Other organizations recognizing AWFH include:

  • 2024 Promotional Excellence Award from the Asian Health Coalition
  • 2022 Purpose Prize Award from AARP
  • 2022 Community Service Award from Chinese Culture Connection
  • 2022 Lemuel Shattuck Award from Massachusetts Public Health Association
  • 2022 Advancement Award from the Boston Club
  • 2021 Bridge Award for Leadership in Cancer & Mental Health Equity from the MGH Cancer Center