Women from across Massachusetts are being recognized for their contributions to their communities.
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women celebrated its 2026 class of Commonwealth Heroines. The annual program celebrates women who make a difference through leadership, advocacy and service, according to a community announcement.
This year’s class includes 147 honorees — the largest in the program’s history.
Honorees include eight from the Greater Fall River and New Bedford area.
The program is a partnership between the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women and state legislators. Each lawmaker is invited to nominate one woman from their district who has demonstrated outstanding service and leadership.
The list includes:
- Denise Barbosa Lane, North Easton, nominated by state Sen. William Driscoll.
- Rosemary Gill, Dartmouth, nominated by state Rep. Antonio Cabral.
- Michelle Hamilton, Foxboro, nominated by state Rep. Michael Chaisson.
- Cynthia “Cindy” Brogan, Taunton, nominated by state Rep. Lisa Field.
- Rebecca Frias, Assonet, nominated by state Rep. Carole Fiola.
- Leslie Kola, Raynham, nominated by state Rep. Dennis Gallagher.
- Joanne Roche, Mansfield, nominated by state Rep. James K. Hawkins.
- Keyanna Jones, New Bedford, nominated by state Rep. Christopher Hendricks.
- Frances Kelley, Swansea, nominated by state Rep. Steven Howitt.
- Wendy Morill, New Bedford, nominated by state Rep. Christopher Markey.
- Lisa Feitelberg-Costa, Westport, nominated by state Rep. Steven Ouellette.
- Jenny Mello Reis, Somerset, nominated by state Rep. Justin Thurber.
- Rachel Resendes, Fall River, nominated by state Rep. John R. Gaskey.
See more at heraldnews.com.
