For Immediate Release: March 25, 2023
Contact: Ligia Madeira, 508-821-1000
O’CONNELL WELCOMES STATE AUDITOR DIZOGLIO TO TAUNTON FOR WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION
Taunton, MA…On Tuesday, March 22, 2023, Mayor Shaunna O’Connell welcomed State Auditor Diana DiZoglio to Taunton to celebrate Women’s History Month with local businesswomen, community organizers and high school students.
“I am thankful to State Auditor Diana DiZoglio for joining us in our Women’s History Month Celebration. I had the honor of serving with Auditor DiZoglio in the House of Representatives and it was a pleasure introducing her to some of the impressive women in our City. The theme for this year’s Women’s History Month is 'Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories' and Auditor DiZoglio inspired us with her personal story of overcoming adversity and persevering in the face of hardship,” said Mayor O’Connell.
O’Connell started the Taunton Women’s Business Group in 2021 to bring local women together to form connections, network and provide support for each other. Every March, Mayor O’Connell hosts a celebration during Women’s History Month to recognize the achievements of women, both past and present. This year’s celebration included local and state officials, business owners, community activists, and City employees. “When women support women, we lift each other up,” said O’Connell.
Each year O’Connell invites local high school students to attend the Women’s History Month Celebration. This year, members of the Taunton Youth Commission and Taunton High School DECA Club joined the festivities. “It is important as women that we open doors for our youth and provide them with connections to business owners and community organizers. It is gratifying to see women embrace the younger generation and gather together to support each other and celebrate our accomplishments,” said Council President Kelly Dooner.
During the Celebration, Mayor O’Connell recognized three women as “Shining Stars” in the City of Taunton. Odete Costa, Erin Kelley-Green, and Tanya Lobo were presented with a Shining Star Award from Mayor O’Connell and a State Citation for their impactful contributions to the City of Taunton and its residents.
“It was a pleasure celebrating Women’s History Month by acknowledging three “Shining Stars” for their outstanding work in the community and the positive impact they’ve had on so many women around them,” said Auditor Diana DiZoglio. “Thank you to Mayor O’Connell for the opportunity to have been part of this wonderful event alongside State Representative Doherty - I look forward to our continued partnership!”
Erin Kelley-Green, Director of the Family Resource Center, was deeply moved by the award and citation presented to her. “It was a powerful evening of women supporting and encouraging other women by sharing their stories and recognizing their work and worth in the community. I am grateful to Mayor O’Connell for bringing us all together,” said Kelley-Green. ###
Thank you to the Mass Cultural Council for sponsoring this City of Taunton's Women's History Month Celebration!