Four Dorchester women recognized as 2020 Commonwealth Heroines

Four community leaders of the neighborhood have made it to the list of the 2020 Commonwealth Heroines organized by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW).

On June 24th, 2020, Isaura Mendes, Toni Wiley, Joanne Sullivan, and Cynthia Beckford-Brewington were named Commonwealth Heroines in a virtual ceremony for their “invaluable community contributions,” that “truly make the difference,” according to MCSW.

Originally from Cabo Verde, Isaura Mendes founded the Bobby Mendes Peace Legacy organization in 1999, after losing her elder son, with the mission of ending the violence in her community. Through scholarships, healing counseling, and other programs, Mendes has contributed to providing a better future to the youth of Dorchester and Roxbury. State Representative Liz Miranda recommended Mrs. Mendes.

Since 2008, Toni Wiley is the CEO of Sportsmen’s Tennis & Enrichment Center in Dorchester. She also serves on multiple tennis organizations, including the United States Tennis Association, the New England Tennis Association, and the American Tennis Association. State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz recommended Mrs. Wiley.

State Representative Dan Hunt recommended Boston Hokey Extraordinaire Joanne Sullivan for being the “personification of positivity, commitment, and hard work.” From local business owners to neighbors, many have spoken out about the “incredible diligence” of Mrs. Sullivan, Representative Hunt stated.

Boston Police officer Cynthia Beckford-Brewington has served more than 11 years at the B3 District (Dorchester-Mattapan), working with community associations, churches, housing developments, seniors, youth groups, and schools. State Senator Nick Collins recommended Mrs. Beckford-Brewington.

According to MCSW, the Commonwealth Heroines are women who “use their time, talent, and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others and make a difference in their neighborhoods.”