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The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) will be celebrating the 20th Annual Commonwealth Heroines Class of 2023 on Friday, June 23, 2023, at the Massachusetts Statehouse in the Great Hall of Flags, with two Franklin women, Anne Bergen and Kaye Kellly being among those honored.
Opening remarks will be made by MCSW Chairwoman Dr. Sarah Glenn-Smith, followed by a special recognition of all 125 honorees. “The Commonwealth Heroines are women who don’t make the news, but make all the difference in their communities,” said MCSW Chairwoman Dr. Sarah Glenn-Smith. “Thousands of women in every community across the Commonwealth perform unheralded acts on a daily basis that make our homes, neighborhoods, cities, and towns better places to live. Commonwealth Heroines use their time, talent, spirit, and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others in their community. They are mentors, volunteers, and innovators - they are the glue that keeps a community together.”
Each year the Commission partners with state legislators to identify women who make outstanding contributions to their organizations and in their communities. Each legislator is encouraged to submit one woman from their constituency as a means of recognizing their invaluable efforts and extraordinary acts of service, who are making a big difference in their communities but not necessarily making the news. We are proud to announce the following women as this year’s Commonwealth Heroines Class of 2023 and look forward to publicly recognizing them at our event on Friday, June 23nd, 2023.
Bergen, a retired educator also served on the School Committee and has been active in other organizations. Pete Fasciano, Director of Franklin.TV said, "I can't think of anyone who is more dedicated to her causes. Anne's, passion as an educator focuses on the emotional and intellectual resilience of children. She has made me a believer. Anne has been producing, "It Takes a Village, Raising Resilient Kids", interviewing other education experts on Franklin.tv and wfpr.fm for more than a decade. Her on-air work is polished, professional, personable community TV writ large. It also dovetails so elegantly with her commitment to the Safe Coalition. As our board President, she leads our larger agenda forward crisply. Annnnd - she's simply 'good people'."
Kelly, a music educator, composer, and singer also served prominently as the chair of the Franklin Cultural Council. Pushpa Jangareddi, a member of the Franklin Cultural Council, said, " One of the most striking qualities of Kaye Kelly is her unwavering belief in the potential of others. She wholeheartedly recognizes that each team member possesses a unique set of skills, perspectives, and ideas. Instead of micromanaging or imposing her own agenda, she genuinely encourages individuals to contribute their thoughts and insights. By doing so, she creates an inclusive space that values diverse viewpoints and fosters creativity. "
