WORCESTER — The YWCA Central Massachusetts is once again honoring remarkable women in the community through its 2024 Katharine F. Erskine Award, a prestigious recognition that has been celebrating leadership and service for nearly three decades.
The award shines a spotlight on women who have broken barriers, opened doors for others, and inspired change across Worcester County. YWCA CEO Deborah Hall speaks to the legacy of these women, stating they have “blazed trails, shattered glass ceilings, and laid the foundation for future generations.”
This year, the honorees — Christina Connolly, Laxmi Bissoondial, Judge Margaret Guzman and Maydee Morales — represent the diversity of professions and achievements that the award is known for celebrating.
Each woman has made significant contributions to her field, but what unites them is their commitment to bettering their communities, particularly for women and people of color.
Meet the recipients
Connolly, the community resources manager at the Worcester Public Library, is a public servant with more than 25 years of experience in urban libraries. Since joining the library in 2012, she has introduced vital programs that support vulnerable populations, transforming the library into a safe haven for many in need.
From helping patrons secure housing and food to overseeing life-saving training for staff, Connolly’s work is a testament to the library’s evolving role in the community. Her leadership in trauma-informed service has been crucial in addressing the needs of Worcester’s underserved populations, making her a key figure in the city’s public service landscape.
Bissoondial serves as the director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Worcester State University, where she plays an instrumental role in overseeing access programs and retention efforts for first-generation and underrepresented students.
Her leadership has had a measurable impact on Worcester State’s ALANA/BIPOC population, with significant increases in admission rates and student retention. Under her direction, the university’s multicultural programming has flourished, providing leadership development opportunities and cultural engagement that help close the equity gap in higher education. In 2022, her work was recognized when she, along with her office, received the Key to the City of Worcester for their dedication to supporting low-income and first-generation students.
Guzman, the first Latina to be appointed to the U.S. District Court in Worcester, has spent her career advocating for fairness and justice. Prior to her recent federal appointment, Judge Guzman served as the First Justice of the Ayer District Court, where she worked on criminal and civil cases while addressing bias and race issues within the judicial system. Her journey from public defender to private practice and eventually to the judiciary underscores her commitment to ensuring access to justice for all, particularly for marginalized communities. She is also actively involved in various educational and civic initiatives, helping to mentor and inspire the next generation of legal professionals, especially young women and students of color.
Morales, director of the Resiliency Center at Worcester Community Action Council, has spent more than 25 years in human services, making her a respected voice for underserved populations in the city. Originally from Puerto Rico, Morales has dedicated her career to racial equity and social justice, working with organizations such as Centro, Friendly House, and the Edward M. Kennedy Health Center.
Her efforts have ranged from resettling Puerto Rican families after Hurricane Maria to leading COVID-19 relief efforts in collaboration with the YWCA and LIFT. Morales now oversees a groundbreaking basic income pilot project in Central Massachusetts, providing financial support to low-income families and addressing the racial wealth gap. Her leadership continues to push forward systemic change for those most in need.
These four women will be honored at the YWCA’s 30th annual Tribute to Women Luncheon on Sept. 24, 2024, at the AC Hotel Worcester. The event, co-chaired by Kate McEvoy and Melanie Bonsu, is supported by a host of corporate sponsors who share the YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.
Proceeds from the luncheon go toward supporting the organization’s vital community programs, which range from housing and shelter services to leadership development and racial justice initiatives.
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the YWCA Development Office at 508-767-2505 or events@ywcacm.org.
Send news releases to Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
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