NECA
Nominations Now Open for Prestigious 10th Anniversary New England Choice Awards 2026 Gala on Nov. 14
BOSTON — Nominations are now officially open for the 10th anniversary 2026 New England Choice Awards, an annual celebration recognizing outstanding leaders, innovators, organizations, and changemakers across the Indian-American and South Asian communities in New England.
The deadline to nominate is June 30, 2026. To nominate, please click here.
Organizers are encouraging community members, colleagues, friends, and institutions to submit nominations for individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact across business, education, healthcare, philanthropy, the arts, and community service.
The nomination process is designed to be simple and accessible, with organizers noting that submitting a nomination takes less than five minutes.
“This is an opportunity for the community to recognize the extraordinary individuals and organizations quietly creating impact every day,” said Dr. Manju Sheth, President of the INE MultiMedia, Inc. a nonpprofit organization that produces this event annually. “Many deserving leaders are making a difference behind the scenes, and the awards are designed to celebrate those contributions across a broad range of fields.”
This award is open to all Indian Americans in New England and to anyone who has contributed to enriching Indian community and culture in New England and beyond, added Dr. Sheth.
The New England Choice Awards have become one of the region’s most visible platforms honoring excellence, leadership, innovation, and service within the Indian-American diaspora.
This year’s categories reflect the growing diversity of contributions being made across industries and communities.
The Academia & Innovation category honors pioneers transforming education, research, science, and technology. Organizers say the category seeks individuals advancing fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, engineering, sustainability, and academic leadership while mentoring future generations.
The Art & Culture Visionary category recognizes artists, performers, cultural organizations, and institutions preserving heritage while also reimagining tradition for modern audiences through innovation, outreach, and cross-cultural engagement.
Business Trailblazer celebrates entrepreneurs, founders, and executives whose work combines innovation with social impact. The category highlights leaders creating jobs, advancing sustainability, scaling transformative companies, and driving meaningful change through business leadership.
The Beacon of Community Service award honors individuals who have demonstrated long-term commitment to addressing social inequities, supporting underserved populations, and building stronger communities through sustained grassroots engagement and service.
The Best Non-Profit Organization category recognizes organizations creating measurable impact in areas such as education, mental health, economic empowerment, healthcare, domestic violence prevention, cultural preservation, and community support.
Community Catalyst celebrates individuals who dedicate significant time and energy to organizing people, leading events, mobilizing volunteers, and strengthening community engagement through action and leadership.
The Legacy Award honors individuals whose influence has spanned decades through institution-building, mentorship, advocacy, public leadership, and long-term contributions that continue shaping future generations.
Healthcare Trailblazer recognizes physicians, researchers, clinicians, and healthcare advocates transforming medicine, patient care, public health, and health equity through innovation, research, and compassionate leadership.
Philanthropist of the Year — open to both individuals and organizations — honors exceptional generosity, vision, and sustained commitment to improving lives through education, healthcare, humanitarian initiatives, social innovation, and community development.
Organizers say the awards are intended not only to celebrate achievement, but also to inspire future leadership and strengthen connections across the broader New England community.
Nominations are now open, and community members are encouraged to submit candidates they believe deserve recognition for their impact, leadership, and service.
Organizers emphasized that the process is quick, straightforward, and can be completed in just a few minutes.
“Every community has people whose work deserves to be seen and celebrated,” organizers said. “This is a chance to ensure their stories and contributions are recognized.”
For nomination information and submission details, please click here.
