North Shore Women Honored Among MA 'Heroines' At State House

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Five North Shore women were recognized this week as members of the 2026 Commonwealth Heroines class, a statewide honor presented through partnerships between state legislators and the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.

The Class of 2026 includes 145 women from across Massachusetts, the largest class awarded to date by the commission.

Local legislators nominated Darby Connolly, Ellen Crawford, Audrey S. Jiménez, Wendy Joseph and Heidi Whear for their work in Lynn, Lynnfield and Swampscott.

The annual recognition celebrates women who make outstanding contributions to their organizations and communities.

Rep. Jenny Armini recognized Whear for her work supporting older adults in Swampscott and across the North Shore.

"Heidi's work has made Swampscott and the North Shore a stronger, more supportive place to grow older," Armini said. The announcement said Whear serves as director of aging services in Swampscott and was the founding president of Seaglass Village, a nonprofit serving seniors in Marblehead, Nahant and Swampscott.

State Sen. Brendan Crighton highlighted Wendy Joseph’s work in Lynn, saying, "Our nominees for this year’s Commonwealth Heroines are true leaders in their community, making an incredible difference in the lives of those around them."

He added: "Wendy Joseph has been instrumental in connecting the City of Lynn to its history, and her engagement in our community reflects a strong commitment to collaboration, innovation, and accessibility in our history and in the arts, and I was proud to recognize her for this incredible work."

Joseph serves as a museum curator at the Grand Army of the Republic Hall & Museum in Lynn and is involved in cultural and historical projects, including the annual Frederick Douglass "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" reading, North Shore Juneteenth efforts, and work connected to Frederick Douglass Park and a memorial plaque.

Rep. Dan Cahill praised Connolly, who has worked at the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn since 2018 and now serves as director of club operations and camp director.

"Darby Connolly embodies the very spirit of a Commonwealth Heroine," Cahill said. He said her work has included youth programming, mentoring, fundraising and helping children learn to swim.

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. recognized Lynnfield resident Ellen Crawford, citing her volunteer work and long community involvement.

"Ellen Crawford's longtime contributions to her community and volunteer work exemplify the high standards and exceptional qualities that define a Commonwealth Heroine," Jones said.

Rep. Sean Reid recognized Jiménez, who has served as a Spanish teacher, former executive director of the Lynn YMCA, and now director of college and career counseling at St. Mary’s in Lynn.

"We are proud to recognize the leadership of extraordinary women from across the Commonwealth," Reid said. "Audrey embodies the spirit of this recognition through her dedicated service both professionally and in our community."