If anyone wants an example of the power of women in public spaces, they don’t have to go any further than Chelsea City Hall.
On Monday night, the city council honored the many women who hold top positions in the city and schools in honor of Women’s History Month.
“When we were thinking of how we could celebrate Women’s History Month – personally, I think every day is Women’s Day, but there is a month, so let’s shine a light on women during March,” said District 5 Councilor Lisa Santagate. “One of the things that has been on my mind since I started on the council is the fact that in the conference room, there isn’t a picture of one woman on the walls.”
Historically, Santagate said city hall was designed to reflect that there were more men than women in positions of responsibility.
“As we were thinking, I thought there were so many great women in our community, but there are so many great women working here in city hall for the city, so it would be wonderful to recognize them,” said Santagate. “Some of them have made history for being the first female commissioner of public works (Kate Fox-Lent) for example. That is what we are doing tonight, recognizing our people in the city who work for the city.”
District 8 Councilor Calvin Brown said it was great to be part of a resolution recognizing and honoring the many great women in leadership positions in the city.
Those presented with a certificate of recognition included Superintendent of Schools Dr. Almi Abeyta; Director of the Chelsea Public Library Lisa Mucciarone; Treasurer/Collector Patrice Montefusco; Director of Elder Services Tracy Nowicki; Deputy City Manager of Operations Devon Fields; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer Dr. Candace Perez; Director of Recreation and Cultural Affairs Bea Cravatta; Public Works Commissioner Kate Fox-Lent; City Solicitor Cheryl Watson Fisher; City Clerk and Parking Clerk Jeannette Cintron White; Chief Procurement Officer Dragica Ivanis; and Director of Public Health Flor Amaya.
“Thank you ladies so much for everything you do day to day; for the new ladies who are taking over departments and for the ladies who have been in the departments their entire lives,” said Council President Norieliz De Jesus. “I am so proud that our city has such amazing leadership from you all. It is definitely a demonstration of how far our city has come with our departments within the municipality.”