Newton Mayoral Aide Receives Commonwealth Pride Award

NEWTON, MA — A Newton Executive Aide was recognized as one of the inaugural recipients of the Commonwealth Pride Awards during a ceremony at the Massachusetts State House.

Jaclyn Norton was among more than 100 people honored at the event, organized by the Massachusetts LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucus as part of Pride Month. The awards recognize individuals from communities across Massachusetts who have made significant contributions to LGBTQ+ communities.

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State Rep. Greg Schwartz and House Majority Leader Mike Moran nominated Norton for the recognition. Norton volunteers with the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, where she has assisted transgender individuals through the organization's Namesake program, which helps people navigate the legal name change process. She also participates annually in the Boston Pride for the People Parade and the Trans Memorial March, carrying the name of someone whose life was lost to anti-trans violence or bias.

Norton serves as executive aide to Mayor Marc Laredo, where she helps oversee the day-to-day operations of the Mayor's Office, coordinates the mayor's schedule, manages meetings and official documents, and serves as a key advisor. Before joining the Mayor's Office, she spent three years as a committee clerk in the Newton City Clerk's Office, giving her experience with the City's legislative process.

Laredo said Norton's dedication to public service extends well beyond her work in City Hall and praised her efforts to make both local government and the broader community more welcoming and inclusive.

"I'm incredibly honored to be recognized for the work I've done so far," Norton said in a statement. "I hope this is just the beginning. I want to continue to make sure government works for all people, and to help ensure services run so smoothly that no one even notices they're there."

Three other Newton residents also received inaugural Commonwealth Pride Awards: Holly Ryan, who was nominated by State Sen. Cindy Creem; Rosa Buffone, who was nominated by State Rep. John Lawn; and Terry Williams, who was nominated by State Rep. Amy Mah Sangiolo.

The inaugural ceremony was held in the Senate Chamber at the State House.

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