Pride's Linda DeMarco, Rep. Kathi-Anne Reinstein Honored

The Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus (MWPC) honored Linda DeMarco, president of Boston Pride, and marriage equality advocate Representative Kathi-Anne Reinstein, Second Assistant Majority Leader of the MA House of Representatives, with Abigail Adams awards on Wednesday night at their annual dinner. The MWPC introduced the Tribute to Abigail Adams in 1988 to recognize outstanding women leaders in Massachusetts who have worked to achieve parity for women. Award recipients are women who have demonstrated through their work and/or their community activism a firm commitment to the realization of equal political, economic, and social rights for women.

Other honorees included: Valerie Mosley, Chairwoman, Valmo Ventures; Alison A. Quirk, Executive VP, Chief Human Resources and Citizenship Officer, State Street Corporation; Elizabeth Scheibel, Former District Attorney of the Northwest District; Laura Sen, President & Chief Executive Officer of BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc.

DeMarco was introduced by Rep. Liz Malia, who recognized DeMarco's ability to marshal hundreds of volunteers and consistently run a successful Pride event-which generates income for the state. In her remarks, DeMarco reminisced about attending her first Pride and noted that delivering a great "first Pride" experience is what motivates her public service. She also thanked her family for always standing by her-and volunteering at Pride and twisting pretzels at her company, Boston Pretzel.

Reinstein was introduced by Speaker of the House, Rep. Robert DeLeo. In a heartfelt and funny speech, DeLeo described the many terms he uses to describe her, including "pit bull" and saluted her bravery in fighting for marriage rights for all. Reinstein's acceptance speech included memories of standing up for women, even at the tender age of four when she answered the calls for "Mickey!" at DisneyLand with her own call for "Minnie!"

Born in Weymouth, MA in 1744, Abigail Adams was one of the earliest women's advocates with strong beliefs in equal rights for women. Abigail was the wife of our nation's second president, John Adams, and the mother of six children.

Celebrating more than 30 years of supporting women in politics and public policy

The Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus is a non-partisan organization founded in 1971 to maximize the participation of women of all ages in the political process and to increase the number of women appointed and elected to public office and public policy positions.