Legacy Place is recognizing five humble heroes who have made a difference in the world. They are honoring the TogetHER event with this year’s selection of inspirational people coming from nominations by individuals outside of Legacy Place for their work to inspire others and take on difficult challenges.
As a caseworker at REACH, Gladys Ortiz supports Spanish-speaking women in need of social services. Her background and her experience learning English have given her the empathy to understand people from all backgrounds – she is able to talk with clients about their fears, hopes for better opportunities and give them support through difficult times without judgment or bias.
Ortiz worked through REACH to join forces with Greater Boston Legal Services to founded Latinas Know Your Rights. Ortiz works with lawmakers to develop legislation that protects immigrants in Massachusetts
Gina is a passionate and enthusiastic speaker, motivator and leader who likes to help women with achieving their goals.
After spending 20 years in digital advertising and becoming a leader herself, then realizing that she lost over half a million dollars due to gender bias and the pay gap, she decided to take action.
Leadership and communication skills are a necessity in the workplace. TeamPrez provides both as they teach women how to network, lead effectively, and communicate more creatively than ever before!
TeamPrez is an all-female organization that teaches leadership development for women who want to excel in business by networking with other powerful women from diverse backgrounds through workshops on effective presentation techniques. They also provide support networks where members can share their strengths with each other so they may help one another grow professionally together.
People at Youth on Fire want to provide a safe place for kids and teens. The needs of the people seeking help from this organization vary greatly- some are looking for basic necessities like food or shelter, while others need more specific services such as mental health counseling.
Youth on Fire is here to meet all those needs with its wide range of programming that ranges from providing a hot shower or mailing address, to life skills training and mentoring programs.
The organization also help with public services, transportation challenges, job applications, the interview process, and/or medical or mental health needs.
Julie recalls shifting from panic and uncertainty of ‘What are we going to do?’ into a new mindset with the question, “How are we going to get all this done!”
Julie worked to transform the comprehensive programming she and her team had always provided for Woburn communities. She began with an immediate shift to virtual programming, supply drop-offs, checking in on kids by phone calls, then opening up as a formal learning center. This allowed children access to technology and support when needed most!
Nila Shah has always disregarded the pressures and expectations of others, putting education first. She didn’t want the freedom and opportunity imbued by education for only herself and her daughters, but for everyone and anyone she came across who sought to work hard, to better themselves, and to contribute to society in meaningful ways.