Awards

2010 Honors

• The Women’s Network of Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce - Pinnacle Award for Achievement in Management and Government, for recognition of excellence in business and management.
• Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council - Legislator of the Year for dedication to preserving services for people with developmental disabilities.
• Perkins School for the Blind - Paul McDad “Focus” Award for Distinguished Leadership, for recognition of support for people with blindness.

2009 Honors

• Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers - Public Service Award for extraordinary efforts on behalf of vulnerable people served by community health centers and throughout the Commonwealth
• The Alden Kindred of America - Speak for Thyself Award honoring exceptional women who make their own choices.

2008 Honors

• Mass Audubon - Legislative Leadership Award for protecting the nature of Massachusetts
• Irish Day of Culture - Irish-American Politician Award
• South Boston Citizens’ Association - John W. McCormack Award for Excellence in Government, in commemoration of distinguished and dedicated service
• Life Care Center of Plymouth - For advocacy to seniors and health care and continued support of the industry and championing health care resources.
• Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus - Dolores L. Mitchell Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize outstanding commitment from women leaders
• Dorchester Youth Charities - Woman of the Year Award for outstanding involvement in children’s issues.

2007 Honors

• Labor Education Center - The Arnold Dubin Award for commitment to social justice and spirited leadership.
• JFY Networks - Distinguished Service to Education and Workforce Development

2006 Honors

• Advocates For Autism of Massachusetts - Autism Awareness Award for continued efforts on behalf of the children and families living with autism
• Self-Esteem Boston - Extreme Esteem Community Award for supporting programs that help homeless women rebuild their lives
• Girl Scouts of Southeastern Massachusetts - Leading Women Award for setting an example of leadership for girls of Massachusetts
• METCO - Legislator Award for continued support of the METCO program in providing enhanced educational opportunities for urban minority students
• Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund - Leadership Award for efforts on behalf of children with catastrophic illnesses and their families through the creation of the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund
• Massachusetts Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs - Champion of Youth Award for commitment, vision, and leadership on issues affecting youths and communities
• Massachusetts Cultural Council - Leadership Circle Award’s Statewide Leadership Award for long-standing support for linking arts, culture, and tourism to the state's economic development efforts.
• Massachusetts Family Planning Association - Leadership Award  
• Equal Justice Coalition - Beacon of Justice Award in recognition of outstanding commitment to civil legal aid.