Each year state legislators work with the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women to identify women who have made extraordinary contributions to their communities and organizations. This year, three Newton women residing in Newton — Amy Sherter Less, Ellen Gibson, and Jenn Martin — were honored by the state and received Commonwealth Heroine Awards for their commitment to our community.
Amy Sherter Less was honored for her service as President of the Centre Street Food Pantry from 2015-2022. The Pantry grew from providing services to fewer than 100 households a month to now more than 1,000 from Newton and surrounding communities. Amy, a marketing professional, was key in transitioning the Pantry’s services during COVID, helped recruit board members, and led a successful fundraising campaign. She has served as a volunteer on the PTOs of Bowen, Oak Hill, and Newton South.
Former Newton School Committee member Ellen Gibson was honored for her public service and advocacy efforts to include social and emotional learning as an integral part of the school curriculum at all grade levels. Ellen currently serves as the Interim Executive Director and Director of Policy and Program at the Commission on the Status of Women, leading the development and advocacy efforts on childcare, education, workforce participation, and the advancement of rights of women and girls and those in underserved communities.
Jenn Martin was honored for her advocacy work to make Newton a more pedestrian, bike-friendly, and accessible city for all. She serves as Chair of the city’s Safe Routes to Schools program and works with the Newton Public Schools administration, City departments, parents, staff, and other transportation and environmental advocates to improve the safety of kids and families walking and biking to school. Jenn states “It was an honor to be recognized, and a testament to the hard work of the many parents, City and NPS staff, and community members of the Newton Safe Routes to School Task Force. Together we can keep building a community we can all be proud of.”
