10 Women To Be Honored For Framingham Contributions

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Ten history-making women will be celebrated in an event and exhibit honoring their contributions to the Framingham community.

The honorees are part of the second annual Women’s History Month Exhibit, organized by the Framingham 325th Celebration Committee, along with the city and the Framingham Women, Children & Families Commission.

The exhibit recognizes women whose “leadership, achievements and service have strengthened Framingham across a wide range of fields,” the committee said in a news release Monday.

Nominations came from the public; the committee and other leaders reviewed and voted on the final roster. The 2026 honorees are:

• Liliane Costa
• Karen Foran Dempsey (posthumously)
• Vanda Figueiredo
• Debra Freed
• Judy Grove
• Dorothy “Rusty” McLean (posthumously)
• Isabella Petroni
• Maria D. Robinson
• Karen Spilka
• Miriam Van Waters (posthumously).

Honorees will be formally inducted into the exhibit at a public ceremony and reception on Wednesday, March 25, at 6 p.m. in Nevins Hall at the Framingham Memorial Building.

“The exhibit not only honors their individual accomplishments but also highlights the collective impact women have had on our city’s history and future,” said Anna Tucker, director of the Framingham History Center and co-chair of the Framingham 325th Celebration Committee.

“The exhibit reflects the community’s strong response to recognizing local history through the achievements of women.”