Podcast Summary: Giving Done Right

Episode: Beyond the Model Minority Myth – Ben Hires on Supporting AAPI Communities

Date: October 23, 2025
Hosts: Grace Nicolette (B), Phil Buchanan (C)
Guest: Ben Hires (A), CEO, Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC)

Overview

This episode spotlights frontline nonprofit leadership with Ben Hires, CEO of BCNC, delving into the multifaceted needs of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) immigrant communities in Boston and beyond. The discussion challenges the "model minority" myth, explores the impact of anti-Asian rhetoric, emphasizes the importance of disaggregated data, and outlines actionable roles for donors and philanthropists in supporting AAPI organizations.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. BCNC’s Role and Approach

[01:03 – 03:57]

• Location and Origin: BCNC is situated in Boston’s Chinatown, serving immigrants since 1969.
• Programs & Growth: From humble beginnings, it now offers multi-generational services: early childhood education, afterschool teen programs, employment, adult education, mental health care, and arts (Powell Arts Center).
• Family-Centered Method: Programs are based on an ecological, systems-focused model with the family at the center.
  • Quote: “We have a very specific kind of methodology and strategy, and that is to be family centered...especially in the Asian community, the family is so important.” – Ben [02:33]

2. Personal Journey in Nonprofit Leadership

[04:32 – 06:03]

• Ben did not set out to eventually lead BCNC; he began as a mentor and came from an adoptee, non-immigrant household, but now lives in a bicultural, multilingual household.
  • Quote: "10 years ago I wouldn't have expected that because of my own lived experience..." – Ben [04:58]

3. Current Challenges Facing Immigrant and AAPI Communities

[06:03 – 11:55]

• Climate of Fear: Heightened immigration enforcement and visible anti-Asian hate impact daily life.
  • Quote: “We're all living...in this new world of heightened fear and uncertainty.” – Ben [06:57]
• Visa and Status Concerns: Significant pressure on international students and staff on visas.
• Community Response: BCNC focuses on preparedness (Know Your Rights trainings), policy updates, and assurance of safety/data privacy.
  • Quote: “We don't keep any visa status data...your information is protected. This is a safe place. Everyone is welcome.” – Ben [11:15]

4. Balancing Direct Service and Systems Change

[11:55 – 14:55]

• The false dichotomy between supporting direct services vs. advocacy for systemic change.
  • Quote: “It's not an either or, right? It's a both. And...we need everybody to...be supporting the front lines but also supporting that policy work.” – Ben [14:20]

5. Philanthropy and Representation Gaps

[16:38 – 20:24]

• Underfunding of AAPI Organizations: Despite increased hate and need, giving remained flat to AAPI communities post-2020.
  • Quote: “Where is the most philanthropic dollars? They're kind of in the mainstream community. And so if all they're hearing...they're not going to think that the Asian community needs help.” – Ben [18:17]
• The Model Minority Myth: Skews understanding and undercuts giving, masks actual disparities.
• Disconnect Between Perception and Reality: Most Americans incorrectly assume Asian Americans are not in need; even lack basic knowledge of Asian American figures.
  • Quote (re TAF Status Index): “The majority of Americans believe that Asians are treated fairly and are doing well...majority of Asian Americans see them as people of color.” – Ben [18:59]

6. Importance of Disaggregated Data

[20:24 – 22:52]

• Why It Matters: Disaggregating by ethnicity reveals wide gaps (e.g., Vietnamese, Cambodian refugees) and guides targeted support.
  • Quote: “Being able to have that disaggregated data is really important...for advocacy...for greater understanding.” – Ben [21:13]
• Massachusetts Achievement: Passage of a state data disaggregation bill—will improve access to services, especially language access.

7. Framing Belonging & Immigration in America

[22:52 – 26:52]

• Pushback against DEI is growing, but Ben ties the story of immigration to universal desires for belonging, safety, and opportunity.
  • Quote: “At the heart of immigration is an effort around belonging...the reputation...that we believe in the United States about being a place for all of those things...” – Ben [24:24]

8. Effective Philanthropy: Best Practices

[27:02 – 29:00]

• Examples of Support: A local hospital’s approach—providing lead time and resources, fostering capacity-building and community engagement.
  • Quote: “We’ve seen...a much more responsive project because the community’s bought in.” – Ben [27:32]
• Value of Ecosystems: Nonprofits collaborating versus competing creates resilience, particularly in moments like the COVID pandemic.

9. Stories of Impact

[29:00 – 30:35]

• A story of a family facing stigma around a child’s developmental delay, receiving both advocacy and direct support from BCNC, and then becoming advocates themselves.
  • Quote: “They were able to get the help they needed for their child, but then went on to be...a spokesperson...” – Ben [29:49]

10. Growing AAPI Empowerment and Leadership

[30:35 – 34:01]

• The symbolism and impact of leaders like Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, the founding of the Asian Community Fund, and new national visibility for AAPI needs.
  • Quote: “Opposed to even five years ago...there are these instances and examples of where the Asian community is much more vocal and empowered.” – Ben [32:22]

11. Optimism Amidst Challenge

[34:01 – 35:09]

• Ben acknowledges the challenges but highlights concrete progress and the resilience of immigrant communities.
  • Quote: “There are actual accomplishments and milestones that we can count...the immigrant community in particular...we know is resilient and strong...” – Ben [34:04]

12. Burnout and Leadership Self-Care

[35:27 – 38:24]

• Ben stresses trauma-informed care for staff, collective resilience, and the need to support the frontline team to prevent burnout.
  • Quote: “We've committed to...becoming trauma informed...our staff who are working with [clients] day in and day out can then vicariously...take on that. And so we were going to be very cognizant of that and become trauma informed.” – Ben [37:11]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Philanthropy and Systems Change:
  “It's not an either or, right? It's a both. And... we need everybody to... be supporting the front lines but also supporting that policy work.” – Ben Hires [14:20]

• On Mainstream Perception vs. AAPI Reality:
  “The majority of Americans believe that Asians are treated fairly and are doing well... majority of Asian Americans see them as people of color.” – Ben Hires [18:59]

• On the Need for Disaggregated Data:
  “Being able to have that disaggregated data is really important both internally to the Asian community for advocacy reasons, but also for greater understanding...” – Ben Hires [21:13]

• On Belonging:
  "At the heart of immigration is an effort around belonging... this is a place that has historically welcomed and allowed people to pursue all of those things." – Ben Hires [24:24]

• On Trauma-Informed Leadership:
  “When I know that [my team] feel supported and appreciated, that's really valuable to me... my main priorities is just making sure they have what they need and they know that I have their back.” – Ben Hires [38:13]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-------------|----------------------------------------------------| | 01:03-03:57 | BCNC history, mission, and methodology | | 04:32-06:03 | Ben’s personal journey to nonprofit leadership | | 06:03-11:55 | Current fears/uncertainties for immigrants/AAPIs | | 11:55-14:55 | Direct service vs. systems advocacy in philanthropy| | 16:38-20:24 | The funding gap & model minority myth | | 20:24-22:52 | The importance and impact of disaggregated data | | 22:52-26:52 | Broader conversation on American identity, belonging| | 27:02-29:00 | Best practices: Responsive philanthropy, ecosystem | | 29:00-30:35 | Story of family impact: direct service & advocacy | | 30:35-34:01 | Growth of AAPI visibility, leadership, empowerment | | 34:01-35:09 | Ben’s sources of optimism & progress | | 35:27-38:24 | Leadership, self-care, and trauma-informed practice|

Overall Tone & Takeaways

Ben Hires brings warmth, fortitude, and hope to the realities facing immigrants and the AAPI community, portraying BCNC as both a constant anchor and an agent of change. The conversation dismantles the "model minority" myth, celebrates the power of data and collaboration, and highlights the generational ripple effects of trauma-informed leadership and meaningful philanthropic partnership. For donors, the message is clear: responsive, informed, and sustained support—especially for organizations embedded in community—fuels both immediate aid and lasting change.