Artist Adonis DeKing takes on AAPI leadership role in Boston
By Gretheline Bolandrina
Milford, MA — Artist and community advocate Adonis DeKing is stepping into a prominent new leadership position aimed at strengthening and uplifting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) professionals across the region.
DeKing has been named associate director of Leadership Excellence at the National Association of Asian American Professionals – Boston Chapter, placing him at the forefront of developing programming, mentorship, and community engagement initiatives within one of the area’s leading AAPI professional organizations.
In his new role, DeKing is already helping lead the planning of a One Day Summit Conference, an upcoming event designed to bring together a wide range of AAPI voices — from professionals and creatives to community leaders — to share their experiences, challenges, and successes.
“The event aims to foster dialogue, strengthen networks, and highlight the diversity within the AAPI community,” he said.
A natural fit
A visual artist who specializes in oil paintings, DeKing’s appointment reflects years of dedication to cultural advocacy, mentorship, and creative expression.
A graduate of Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, DeKing built a strong foundation in the school’s Multimedia Communications program, where he developed both technical skills and a passion for visual storytelling.
Equally influential was his cultural education at Iskwelahang Pilipino, the nation’s longest-running Filipino cultural school. As a student, performer, and later volunteer, he has remained deeply connected to the organization—mentoring youth, participating in cultural performances, and helping preserve Filipino traditions within the community.
He also participated with Iskwelahang Pilipino at the Lowell Folk Festival, contributing to outreach efforts that promote cross-cultural understanding.
DeKing – his mother Gladiola is Filipina and his father Jeremy is from South Dakota — continues to draw from both his artistic background and cultural roots. He will begin graduate studies this fall at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University.
Adonis has an older sister, Avigail, who graduated at UMass Amherst Class 2018 with a Bachelor of Science of Social Thought and Political Economy.
Their maternal grandparents are Estrella Luyun Ramos, a retired Master Teacher at Philippine Normal College and the late Teodolo Ramos, a former night editor of the Manila Bulletin. Both are from Isabela, Philippines.
The family has traveled to the Philippines several times for family events and vacations.
As he steps into this new role, DeKing hopes to make a lasting impact, helping shape a “more connected, empowered, and visible” AAPI professional community in New England.
With initiatives like the upcoming summit already underway, his leadership signals a future where diverse voices are celebrated.
