I was invited to attend the City of #Boston’s 2026 EXTRAordinary Women Awards, hosted by the Mayor's Office of Women's Advancement (MOWA) at the Institute of Contemporary #Art. This event, in its fourth year, honors #women whose work uplifts women & girls in support of the four program- and policy-making pillars of MOWA:
• economic equity
• health
• representation
• safety
The individuals recognized are field leaders whose dedication & vision shape Boston into a diverse, world-class city. 🧵
It was a packed evening of #networking, #speakers, and #music and spoken #word performances. The #energy among the tremendous collective of powerful and influential women was palpable.
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City of Boston Mayor, Michelle Wu, lauded the honorees for their commitment and dedication to community and workplace. All award recipients were joyously celebrated by the invitees and their guests.
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I was fortunate to meet and spend a portion of the event with 2025 EXTRAordinary Woman Award recipient Mitzi Carrasquillo, founder of Loved, Healed, and Restored, a community partner and outreach resource for individuals healing from childhood sexual abuse and rape. As a Victim Advocate she aids and supports victims of sexual assault, and speaks publicly, using her own lived experiences to promote sexual assault awareness.
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It was a privilege to attend this annual celebration and be included in this wealth of women who are actively molding society into a culture that equitably addresses and meets the needs of all women.
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Alecia Batson (she/her)