Dr. Sunita Pereira Honored with 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award at Woman of the Year Gala
Former Tufts neonatologist recognized for decades of service advancing maternal and neonatal health, philanthropy, and the arts.
BURLINGTON, MA — Dr. Sunita Pereira, a renowned neonatologist, philanthropist, and cultural advocate, was honored with the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award at the 23rd Annual Woman of the Year Awards Gala, organized by INDIA New England News and held Saturday at the Boston Marriott Burlington.
The annual event drew more than 400 community leaders, entrepreneurs, activists, professionals, and philanthropists from across New England to celebrate outstanding women and their contributions to society.
Dr. Pereira was recognized for her extraordinary career in medicine and her lasting impact on global maternal and neonatal health, as well as for her leadership in philanthropy and the arts. After an accomplished 30-year career as a neonatal specialist at Tufts Medical Center, she retired last year to devote more time to global health initiatives, community service, and cultural engagement.
Currently, Dr. Pereira serves as a trustee of the Peabody Essex Museum and the American India Foundation, where she recently accepted the role of chair of the Maternal and Neonatal Survival Initiative (MANSI)—a flagship program focused on improving healthcare outcomes for mothers and newborns in underserved communities across India.
Throughout her medical career, Dr. Pereira was a tireless advocate for vulnerable families, helping advance neonatal care while mentoring generations of physicians and medical professionals. Her work has shaped the health and wellbeing of countless families both in the United States and abroad.
In remarks following the award ceremony, Dr. Pereira expressed deep gratitude for the recognition.
“I am truly humbled by the recognition of the Lifetime Achievement Award that INDIA New England News has bestowed upon me,” she said. “The evening was surreal. So many talented young, strong, second-generation Indian American women with passion, courage, and commitment to different causes were selected for the Woman of the Year award. In my mind, all of them are winners.”
She also praised the event’s distinguished guests, noting their inspirational leadership.
“Lynda Roscoe Hartigan as the special guest and Diana DiZoglio as the chief guest made us all proud as women who are leading the way in breaking the glass ceiling. Their speeches were inspiring,” Dr. Pereira added.
In addition to her medical and philanthropic work, Dr. Pereira has been an active supporter of the arts. Her leadership and commitment have made a lasting impact on the cultural community, particularly through her work with the Peabody Essex Museum.
“Sunita Pereira’s leadership, generosity of spirit, and deep commitment to the arts have made a lasting impact on the Peabody Essex Museum and the broader cultural community,” said Hartigan, the museum’s Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo Executive Director and CEO. “We are absolutely delighted to see her recognized with this award. It is richly deserved and reflects the thoughtfulness, integrity, and vision she brings to everything she does.”
Reflecting on her life’s work, Dr. Pereira emphasized that the honor belongs to many people who shaped her journey.
“This recognition belongs to the families that I have had the privilege to serve, the mentors who shaped me, and the colleagues who stood beside me every day,” she said. “Caring for the most vulnerable newborns and their mothers has not been just my profession—it has been my life’s passion and a calling.”
She also dedicated the award to the thousands of community health workers in India, particularly ASHA workers, who provide essential care to mothers and newborns in rural and marginalized communities.
“These women, who rarely receive the spotlight, are the true pillars of society,” Dr. Pereira said. “Their dedication to supporting one mother and one child at a time ensures healthier futures for families and communities.”
The 23rd Annual Woman of the Year Awards Gala celebrated women leaders across multiple fields, recognizing their achievements and contributions to society while highlighting the growing influence of Indian American women in leadership, community service, and philanthropy.
For Dr. Pereira, the evening served not only as recognition of a distinguished career but also as a reminder of the ongoing work ahead in advancing healthcare, empowering communities, and nurturing future generations.
