(L-R) Representative John Velis, Jayne Mulligan, Senator Don Humason in the Hall of Flags of the Massachusetts State House. (Photo courtesy Sen. Humason’s office)
BOSTON – Jayne Mulligan of Westfield was honored Wednesday as a member of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women’s 2017 Class of Unsung Heroines for her extraordinary contributions towards making her community a better place to live.
“Jayne has contributed so much to our community and to her neighbors through her career and her volunteerism. This nomination was the least I could do to thank her for all her efforts. It was great to see her work applauded by attendees and other Unsung Heroines from across the Commonwealth,” said State Senator Don Humason.
“Jayne Mulligan is truly a pillar of our community. She has contributed so much to the city of Westfield and she exemplifies the spirit of this award. I’m happy that we were able to honor her at the State House today,” said State Representative John Velis.
A life-long resident of Westfield, Jayne thinks of herself as “semi-retired and busier than ever.” The city’s former Animal Control Officer now spends her time working and volunteering for non-profits in the community. Over the years, she has leant her time and expertise to various political campaigns, church events, school activities, and local organizations like the Westfield Housing Authority and the Westfield Athenaeum. She currently serves as a co-chair of the Westfield Athenaeum’s “Rise to Knowledge “, which is raising funds for capital improvements to bring the library into the 21st century.
“I was honored to receive this nomination from Senator Humason. This all came as a surprise, but I appreciate being recognized for the work I do. It was a pleasure to share this honor with so many other women from around Massachusetts,” said Jayne.
Ms. Mulligan was honored with the other Unsung Heroines for her outstanding contributions to her community in a ceremony on Wednesday, June 21st, 2017 in the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House in Boston. Honorees were greeted by Senate President Stan Rosenberg and each of the 2017 Unsung Heroines were acknowledged by leadership from the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.
In recognition of being named a 2017 Unsung Heroine, Jayne also received official citations from Representative Velis, Senator Humason, and Governor Baker.
The Unsung Heroines are women who don’t make the news, but make a difference. They are the women who use their time, talent and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others and greatly impact their neighborhoods, cities and towns. They are mentors, volunteers and innovators who do what needs to be done without expectations of recognition or gratitude. These women are the glue that keeps a community together and every community is better because of their contribution.
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is an independent state agency that was legislatively created in 1998 to advance women of the Commonwealth to full equality in all areas of life and to promote their rights and opportunities. The MCSW provides a permanent, effective voice for the women of Massachusetts.
Representative John Velis represents the 4th Hampden District, which consists of the City of Westfield.
Senator Humason represents the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District, which consists of the cities of Agawam, Easthampton, Holyoke, Westfield, and parts of the city of Chicopee; and the towns of Granville, Montgomery, Russell, Southampton, Southwick and Tolland.
