BOSTON — More than 100 women across Massachusetts have been honored as “Commonwealth Heroines,” including residents of Lynn, Lynnfield, Marblehead, Peabody, Saugus, and Swampscott.
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women celebrated the 21st ceremony honoring this year’s heroines on Saturday.
“The Commonwealth Heroines are women who don’t make the news, but make the difference,” the commission said in a statement. “Each legislator is encouraged to submit one woman from their constituency as a means of recognizing their invaluable community efforts.”
Doreen Murray, of Lynn, was nominated by state Rep. Peter Capano for her more than 20 years of service as the co-founder and executive programs director of the integrative arts nonprofit Building Bridges Through Music. The organization helps students who struggle with social and academic skills through its program titled Groove School A#-Sharp.
Swampscott’s Edye Baker was co-nominated by state Rep. Jenny Armini and state Sen. Brendan Crighton. Baker’s resume ranges from raising more than $16 million for educational funds through WGBH’s television auctions to engaging others in local government as chair of the Swampscott Democratic Committee. Baker has also documented young trick-or-treaters on Halloween for 45 years, capturing memories for her and many other Swampscott families across multiple generations.
Marblehead resident Christi Staples was also nominated by the duo of Armini and Crighton. The vice president of policy and government relations for United Way of Massachusetts Bay was highlighted for her efforts to foster positive societal change through her participation in the Corporation for Supportive Housing, Partnership for Strong Communities, and the Connecticut Multicultural Partnership.
“Christi exemplifies tireless advocacy,” Armini and Crighton said in a joint statement. “Her passion, expertise, and dedication make her a deserving nominee, symbolizing the heroes shaping the fabric of our communities.”
Christine Tron and Martha Holden, both of Peabody, were nominated by state Reps Sally Kerans and Tom Walsh, respectively. Tron, a retired Army first sergeant, served more than 30 years in the Military Intelligence Corps. In retirement, she has been involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars on a state level. Martha Holden was a driving force behind the Peabody Institute Library’s $10 million renovation project, one of the highlights from her 17-year tenure as the library’s director. In addition, she has contributed her time to numerous Peabody nonprofit organizations.
“Martha Holden has been a champion on behalf of the Peabody community throughout her professional career, philanthropic endeavors, and volunteerism,” Walsh said.
Saugus resident Iaritza Menjivar broke attendance records at the Somerville Museum for her art exhibit “Museo Inmigrante.” Menjivar organized the exhibit in her hometown along with Padres Latinos, a mutual-aid organization consisting of 230 parents of Somerville Public Schools students. Menjivar was co-nominated by state Rep. Christine Barber and state Sen. Patricia Jehlen.
Lynnfielder Terri Farrell is the senior project director of the Insurance Resource Center for Autism and Behavioral Health at UMass Chan Medical School. As a parent of a child with the disorder, autism awareness and advocacy has been a priority for Farrell. Farrell has also been the chair of the Government Affairs Committee for the Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts.
