State Senator. M.P.A from Suffolk University. B.A from Boston College, Carroll School of Management. Currently State Senator, Elected May 2013. Former State Representative, 2005-2013. Presently in her 12th year of elected office in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. First woman and person of color to represent the Commonwealth’s 1st Suffolk District, a diverse and thriving cross-section of Boston which includes Dorchester, Mattapan, South Boston and Hyde Park. Received numerous recognitions and awards for her leadership, including some of the following: the United Way Women Who Live United Award- 2016; Community Health Center Leader Award – 2016; for her steadfast support of community health centers; YMCA Legislative Champion Award – 2014; Boys & Girls Clubs Champion of Youth Award – 2014; Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Ten Outstanding Young Leaders Award 2013; Local Initiatives Support Corp (LISC)’s Public Service Award – 2013.
