Local women received the Commonwealth Heroine Award at the Statehouse last week for their contributions to their communities.
The award is given to Massachusetts women who are driven by civic engagement, aiming to make their communities a better place and to help their neighbors. Each of this year’s 147 recipients were nominated by their district’s state legislators.
During the 23rd annual Commonwealth Heroines Celebration on June 24, the women received a citation from the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women and a citation from their legislator, as well as a yellow rose to symbolize the suffragists who made the 19th Amendment possible and the ongoing fight for women’s rights across America.
Danvers: Gayla Bartlett
State Rep. Sally Kerans, D-Danvers, nominated Danvers resident Gayla Bartlett for her work with Danvers Community Access Television, the local Kiwanis chapter and the Danvers Educational Enrichment Partnership. Bartlett is the host of the DCAT show “Lead On,” where she has interviewed local leaders and community members about their work to make the town a better place over 50 episodes.
Bartlett is a former president of Danvers Kiwanis and is currently the Kiwanis district public relations coordinator for the New England and Bermuda District. She also was the president of the Danvers Educational Enrichment Partnership and has worked with DanversCARES to help the community better support local youth.
“Gayla is such a pillar of the Danvers community, and her leadership and commitment to helping those in need will be felt for decades to come,” Kerans said in a statement.
Salem: Anne Boris and Lori Marenda-Lang
State Sen. Joan Lovely, D-Salem, nominated Salem resident Anne Boris, who has volunteered for the Northeast Arc for more than 40 years. She has made more than 500 weighted blankets for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Alongside her late husband John, she has been heavily involved in community organizations.
Boris cared for her husband in his last few years of life, with her dedication to him and the community showcasing her resolve to help others. In a statement shared by the Commission on the Status of Women, Lovely called her “someone who does things behind the scenes, rarely receiving recognition but having made the lives of individuals so much better over the course of a lifetime.”
State Rep. Manny Cruz, D-Salem, nominated Lori Marenda-Lang, a Salem High School history teacher, board member for the Mental Health Makeover, a member of the Salem High School Building Committee and participant with the League of Women Voters.
“She cares deeply for her students and has an immeasurable impact on the students she has taught,” Cruz said in the statement. “Salem High School is lucky to have educators like her, and her advocacy, paired with her deep love for Salem, makes our city, and as a result, our Commonwealth, better as a whole.”
Peabody: Deborah Ann Eskenazi
State Rep. Tom Walsh, D-Peabody, nominated Deborah Ann Eskenazi for the Peabody resident’s dedication to volunteering. She is a former president of the Carroll Elementary School PTO and the Peabody Veterans Memorial High School Performing Arts parent group.
After retiring from the Northshore Education Consortium in 2012, Eskenazi began volunteering as a cuddler for newborns in the Special Care Nursery at Salem Hospital. She also volunteers to support memory and long-term care residents at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, in the pantry and other programs at Citizens Inn, fundraises for various causes and is on the boards of the Peabody Historical Society Historical Commission. Eskenazi helped launch the commission’s Commercial Historical Plaque Program, Walsh noted in the statement.
“Honored with the 2025 Mary Upton Ferrin Award, Debby remains a true inspiration. A neighbor whose quiet, passionate dedication makes Peabody a warmer, kinder place for everyone,” Walsh said.
Beverly: Nancy Marino
Nancy Marino was nominated by state Rep. Hannah Bowen, D-Beverly, for her advocacy in Beverly. Marino is a volunteer member of Beverly’s Housing Authority, Parks and Recreation Commission, Community Preservation Committee, Youth Collaborative Board, Ward 2 Civic Association and many other civic bodies.
Marino consistently shows up to represent her neighbors when decisions are being made, including initiatives like the establishment and expansion of the Myles McPherson Youth Center, Greg’s League Unified Basketball, and concerning issues like the accessibility of city’s public spaces, historic preservation projects and affordable housing.
“Nancy is always watching out for which members of our community may not be ‘at the table’ and helps to bring in more perspectives,” Bowen said in the statement. “Nancy’s honest, authentic, humble voice helps bring clarity to the purpose of public projects, and she is always ready to roll up her sleeves and help turn talk into action.”
Swampscott: Heidi Whear
Heidi Whear, Swampscott’s director of aging services, was nominated by state Rep. Jenny Armini, D-Marblehead, and Sen. Brendan Crighton, D-Lynn, as a “dedicated leader and advocate for older adults who has transformed the way seniors are supported in Swampscott and across the North Shore.”
“As Director of Aging Services in her hometown, Heidi brings both professional expertise and deep personal commitment to ensuring residents can age with dignity, independence, and connection,” they wrote of Whear, who is retiring this year.
She is a graduate of the Boston University School of Public Health, a Peace Corps alum, and has spent her career developing and expanding innovative programs in home settings, adult day health, affordable housing, and assisted living, focused on improving quality of life for older adults and people living with dementia. She also served on Swampscott’s Council on Aging and the Swampscott for All Ages Committee, helping identify an urgent need for coordinated aging-in-place services as the senior population grows.
Whear is also the founding president of Seaglass Village, a nonprofit that supports seniors in Marblehead, Nahant, and Swampscott with rides to medical appointments, help with household tasks, social programming, and meaningful connection.
Hamilton: Nancy Stehfest
Nancy Stehfest’s life work has been to help people. She worked for the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority for many years, most recently as Senior Manager of the Appeals Unit, connecting people to health coverage. Even after her recent retirement, she has continued to help individuals find the coverage they need. Stehfest was nominated by state Rep. Kristin Kassner, D-Hamilton.
Contact Caroline Enos at CEnos@northofboston.com.