Milford Resident Honored as 2016 Unsung Heroine at State House

From the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:

Rep. John V. Fernandes, D-Milford, honored Maria E. Valença of Milford, as a 2016 Unsung Heroine at a State House celebration on June 22nd. The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) hosted the event attended by hundreds from across the Commonwealth. Rep. Fernandes was pleased to nominate Maria for her tireless outreach and positive work with the Portuguese community in Milford, which has included the improvement of educational services to first generation Portuguese students, the addition of Portuguese to the foreign language program at the high school, and the promotion of cultural exchanges.

Maria was one of 125 women from cities and towns across the Commonwealth who were recognized for their outstanding contributions to organizations with which they are affiliated and the communities where they reside.

“I proudly nominated Maria because she has been a powerful and effective voice for the large Portuguese community in Milford, where she has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of residents over the decades,” Fernandes stated. “Through her business ownership, her educational advocacy for bilingual programming in the Milford Public Schools, and her leadership through the Portuguese Cultural Alliance, Maria has served as an inspiration to so many individuals. She has been a trailblazer, serving as the first female member of the Milford Portuguese Club. She is definitely an Unsung Heroine in my book.”

The MCSW describes the Unsung Heroines as women who don’t always make the news, but truly make the difference. They are the women who use their time, talent and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others and make a difference in their neighborhoods, cities and towns. They are mentors, volunteers and innovators who do what needs to be done without expectations of recognition or gratitude. These women are the glue that keeps a community together and every community has them.

The MCSW is an independent state agency that was legislatively created in 1998 to advance women of the Commonwealth to full equality in all areas of life and to promote their rights and opportunities. The MCSW provides a permanent, effective voice for the women of Massachusetts.

Nomination of Maria E. Valença submitted by Rep. John Fernandes.

Maria E. Valença arrived in the United States in 1971 with her parents and six of her nine siblings. She loves her community of Milford and has enjoyed being an active part of all that is going on there. She is the owner of Central Mass Travel and some of the roles that have brought her a great sense of joy and accomplishment include her role as a PAC Coordinator with the Bilingual Program for the Milford Public Schools, where she played an active role in bringing the Portuguese language into the High School Foreign Language Curriculum. She is the Founder and President of the Portuguese Cultural Alliance, a not-for- profit organization for the preservation of the Portuguese-American heritage. The Portuguese Cultural Alliance celebrates several family oriented events throughout the year to encourage the preservation of the rich multicultural face of America. English as a Second Language for adults is one of the most important programs offered by the Portuguese Cultural Alliance since it was founded in 1995. She was also the first female member of the Milford Portuguese Club. She is married to José and they have two children, José and Paulo.

Photo via the Commonwealth of Massachusetts