HAWC Director, Board Member Honored As Distinguished Leaders

DANVERS, MA — The North Shore Chamber of Commerce honored Healing Abuse, Working For Change Executive Director Sara Stanley and Board member Paul Kruker as Distinguished Leaders at its annual dinner meeting last week.

Stanley, who became Executive Director of HAWC in 2018, was honored for consistently demonstrating remarkable leadership and advocacy for survivors of abuse. In addition to her work at HAWC she serves on the Essex County Commission on the Status of Women, on the Board of Directors for Jane Doe Inc. and on the Thrive Advisory Council for the North Shore Chamber.

Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of the inaugural
recipients of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce’s Diamond Awards in 2021, given to
extraordinary businesswomen who demonstrate positive influence and community impact.

Kurker, Senior Vice President at Eastern Bank, has been a committed community advocate for over 25 years. A long-time employee of Eastern Bank, Kurker has served on HAWC's Executive Committee since 2015, holding the position of Treasurer. His unwavering dedication to both the organization and the community exemplifies the spirit of the Distinguished Leaders Award.

The Distinguished Leaders Award is presented annually to individuals who have made a
profound and lasting impact within their company, industry, and community.

"We are immensely proud of Sara and Paul and grateful for their unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership in advancing HAWC's mission," HAWC Board of Directors President Elisa Castillo said. "Under their leadership HAWC has strengthened the operation and services available to the community. With a newly developed strategic plan in place that will have a profound impact, their awards are a well-deserved reflection of their tireless work and compassion."

HAWC said it extends its deepest appreciation for the recognition and support from the North Shore Chamber of Commerce, as well as the community as it continues its mission to support
survivors and challenge patterns of oppression and violence.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)