Last updated:
Representing Boston's Women
Every year on Women's History Month, the Mayor's Office of Women's Advancement (MOWA) opens nominations to honor the positive impact and leadership of women who make Boston a world-class city.
In March 2023, we received over 200 nominations of which 50 nominees were selected from various neighborhoods, industries, and backgrounds to be highlighted and celebrated at our first annual EXTRAordinary Women Reception.
RECAP: 2023 EXTRAordinary Women Reception
Credit: Women's Advancement
Community Trailblazers
Ana Baptista
Owner and CEO of GirlFriends Boston
April Ricci
Store Director for Shaw’s Supermarkets
Carol Miranda
Executive Director of the Jamaica Plain Community Connections Coalition
Caroline K. Foscato
President and Founder, Soccer Unity Project
Danielle Andrizen Wang
Founder of the Allston/Brighton Parents & Caregivers Group
Dr. Geralde Gabeau
Executive Director of the Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI-USA)
Ivanna Solano
Co-Founder and Executive Director, Love Your Magic
Jae’da Turner
Founder & Manager, Black Owned Bos.
Mayra Enith Diaz Flores
Founder of M.U.S.A
Sandra Lorena Aleman Nijjar
Founder and Executive Director, East Boston Community Soup Kitchen (EBCSK)
Skarlett Abreu
Founder of Acesoria Cominitaria de la Diaspora Dominicana
Sharon M. King
Founder and Executive Director, Litty Ligo Vitiligo Community Network
Stephanie Crawford
Founder of Propa City Community Outreach
Yari DeJesus
Founder, Women on Wheels Boston
Health
Denise Mariel Jimenez
Behavioral and Wellness Facilitator
Kari Irwin
Nurse Director, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Maria Alejandra Mosquera
Social Worker, LCSW, Boston Public Schools/ Making Human Technical
Nieisha Deed
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, PureSpark
Trina Heinisch
School Social Worker/ SEL Specialist Educator
Nonprofit Change Makers
Annie Le
President, Boston Little Saigon
Carolyn Chou
Co-Executive Director, Asian American Resource Workshop
Bianny Suncar
Director at ABCD Mattapan
Denise V. Duclos
Director of Program and Operations, Hospitality Homes Inc.
Jo-Ann Barbour
Executive Director, Charlesview, Inc.
Karen Chen
Executive Director of the Chinese Progressives Association
Pamela Aimee Leins
Executive Director, Boston Education Fund
Yoyo Yau
Chief Program Officer, Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center
Zaida Adames
Outreach Worker, Mutual Aid Eastie
Small Business Owners
Amanda Mitchell
Owner of Place & Gather and Junebug
Janet Peguero
President/Founder, All Time Service Inc.
Julia De Los Santos
Fashion Designer and Owner of JDLS Couture
Sara Ingle
Owner of Boston Fiber Company
Shanita Clarke
CEO and Founder, Salvaged Roots Hair and Beauty, Inc.
Tasha Hull
Owner, Park 54 Restaurant & Lounge
Yohanna Pimentel
Owner of Real Creaciones Boston
2023 EXTRAordinary Women Reception
Credit: Women's Advancement