Somerville's Katie Gradowski was recently honored as a member of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women’s 2018 class of Unsung Heroines.
State Representative Mike Connolly nominated Ms. Gradowski for this recognition because of her deep commitment to social change. Ms. Gradowski was honored with other Unsung Heroines from across the Commonwealth for her outstanding contributions to her community in a ceremony on Wednesday, June 20 in the Great Hall at the State House in Boston.
Katie works tirelessly to create meaningful and innovative educational opportunities for children while also organizing and advocating for affordable housing and other progressive policies in her community. As the co-founder of Parts and Crafts, a family makerspace and community workshop based in Somerville, Katie has helped ignite the creative potential of young people with the belief that building, playing, and experimenting are the best ways to learn. In 2012, she co-founded the Semi-Conducted Learning Center, which fosters creative exploration and self-directed learning around technical projects for kids aged 7-13. As an organizer and advocate, starting with Occupy Boston and working more recently with community-based groups such as Union United and the Welcome Project, Katie has fought for affordable housing, community benefits, immigrant protections, and development without displacement.
The Unsung Heroines are women who don’t always make the news, but always make a difference. They are the women who use their time, talent and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others and make a difference in 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.
“I am proud to welcome my constituent Katie Gradowski to the State House to be officially recognized as the 2018 “Unsung Heroine” of the 26th Middlesex District,” said Rep. Connolly. “Thank you, Katie, for all that you do, and for truly embodying the progressive values of our community.”
Wednesday’s ceremony included a program emceed by MCSW Chair Margot Parrot, acknowledging each of the 2018 Unsung Heroines, along with remarks from Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Speaker of the House Robert A. DeLeo, Senate President Harriette L. Chandler and others. The ceremony was followed by a group photograph and a “Just Desserts” reception.
This event was made possible with the generous support of the following sponsors: Baystate Health, Eastern Bank, Girls Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, Jacqueline’s Gourmet Cookies, Kerry Goodwin Photography, Polar Beverages, and SM Lorusso and Sons, Inc.
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.
