Join our Board of Directors ‘26-’28
Welcome to Chinatown is entering a defining moment in our organization’s growth, and we’re excited to open applications for our 2026–2028 Board of Directors term. Over the past two years, our work has expanded significantly—from launching the Small Business Innovation Hub at 115 Bowery to deepening our role as a citywide thought leader in economic resilience, cultural preservation, and AAPI entrepreneurship.
In 2024–2025 alone, we completed our major capital capital to open Chinatown’s first in kind Small Business Innovation Hub, supported more than 900 small businesses and entrepreneurs, delivered programming that reached over 35K community members. These milestones reflect a growing ecosystem of partners, creatives, business owners, and residents working together to secure Chinatown’s future.
As we continue building a self-sustaining, innovation-driven neighborhood economy, we’re seeking committed leaders to join us. If you’re passionate about community-rooted development, supporting historically excluded entrepreneurs, and safeguarding Chinatown’s cultural and economic vitality, a seat on our Board may be the right fit.
Board members will help shape the next chapter of Welcome to Chinatown—serving as advisors, champions, and strategic partners as we expand our programs, deepen our impact, and create blueprints for other ethnic enclaves across the country.
Applications are now open and will close on December 19, 2025. We hope you’ll consider joining us in this next chapter and help ensure Chinatown remains a gateway for opportunity, a vehicle for identity, and a home for generations to come.
The mission of the Welcome to Chinatown (WtC) Board of Directors is to steward the organization’s vision by providing strategic guidance, philanthropic support, and accountable governance to ensure Chinatown thrives for generations to come. The Board fulfills its mission by:
Advancing the WtC Mission: Ensure Welcome to Chinatown’s programs align with and strengthen the organization’s mission and vision, while monitoring their effectiveness and impact.
Guiding Strategy: Support the Leadership Team (“Staff”) in setting and achieving organizational goals, including providing counsel to and evaluating the CEO.
Mobilizing Resources: Secure adequate financial resources to sustain the organization, including reviewing and approving the annual budget.
Upholding Integrity: Safeguard the organization’s legal, ethical, and fiduciary responsibilities to maintain trust and accountability.
Responsibilities
Each individual board member is expected to:
Know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs.
Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization; create and expand public awareness of the mission, vision, programs and activities of WtC.
Fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for the organization to advance its mission.
Serve a two-year Board term with the option of renewal (upon successful completion of initial term requirements)
Stay informed about Board matters, prepare themselves for meetings, and review and comment on issues of importance.
Faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements.
Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in quarterly board meetings, one of which will take place in-person in New York City, as well as sub-committee meetings (cadence determined by sub-committee).
Participate in at least one cultural immersion or exploration of innovation opportunity per year as part of the Board’s continuous commitment to listening to the community (Board Chair to provide resources for such opportunities).
Serve as an Officer or Committee Chair, as well as a member of at least one additional Committee.
Allocate a time commitment of approximately 3-10 hours per month, based on calendared meetings and events, committee requirements, and volunteer opportunities.
Philanthropic Commitment:
WtC Board Members are expected to commit to a personally meaningful annual philanthropic contribution for each year of service, achieving a collective $120,000 Board of Directors annual contribution (approximately $15,000 per Board member). Members will work with the Board Chair and CEO to determine an appropriate contribution and complete a Board Pledge Form each fiscal year.
Board Members who fulfill their annual philanthropic commitment will be considered for reappointment to an additional term. Board Members are required to renew a pledge form annually to reflect their intended contributions for each fiscal year.
Method of philanthropic contribution is at the discretion of the Board Member (e.g. personal donation or via fundraising efforts).
Thought Leadership:
Leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action that can benefit the organization’s fundraising and reputational standing and can influence public policy.
Commit to serving as an advisor and provide guidance, insight and mentorship to WtC Leadership Team and Associate Board.
Membership Benefits
Opportunity to partner and collaborate with community members and entrepreneurs through annual Board meetings and events.
Opportunity to meaningfully impact advancements in providing resources and building sustainable opportunities for small business owners in Manhattan’s Chinatown, while also actively preserving culture from rapid gentrification
A chance to give back to a female-led, POC organization making great strides in protecting a beloved neighborhood.
