photo/submitted
Westborough – Jody Hensley of Westborough was honored as a member of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women’s (MCSW) 2018 class of Unsung Heroines. State Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) recommended Hensley because of her distinguished history of municipal service and continued volunteer. She was honored with 130 other women for her outstanding contributions to her community in a ceremony June 20 in the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House.
“It was my privilege to nominate Jody Hensley as a Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women 2018 Unsung Heroine,” Kane said. “Jody embodies what it means to be an ‘Unsung Heroine’ and continues to tenaciously and bravely advocate for the safety, wellbeing and success of Massachusetts communities, residents, and mostly importantly, youth. Jody’s volunteer service in the town of Westborough and the commonwealth will most certainly have a long-lasting and meaningful impact.”
Hensley’s community involvement and civic engagement in Westborough spans decades. She currently serves on Westborough’s Advisory Finance Committee and previously served on the Westborough School Committee. Additionally, she has actively participated in several volunteer organizations, such as the Housing Partnership, Fine Arts Education Association and numerous school parent groups.
While impressive, her most significant contribution is arguably her devotion of countless hours, resources and immeasurable energy to fiercely lead the charge to reduce recreational marijuana use across Massachusetts and inspiring many to join her. Hensley had also played a pivotal role in engaging and educating the Westborough community about the 2016 Ballot Question 4, gathered a broad array of stakeholders to relentlessly champion policies designed to protect and empower local communities and their residents, and made history by successfully advocating for Westborough to become the first municipality in the commonwealth to “opt out” of allowing recreational marijuana establishments.
“I’m honored and humbled to receive this award in the company of 130 women who have made diverse contributions to make their community, and the world, a better place,” stated Hensley. “In truth, it requires countless unsung heroines and heroes in every community every day to tackle the challenge of addiction prevention, and to maintain protective community environmental factors for the healthy growth and development of our youth.”
The ceremony included a program emceed by MCSW Chair Margot Parrot, acknowledging each of the 2018 Unsung Heroines, along with remarks from Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Speaker of the House Robert A. DeLeo, Senate President Harriette L. Chandler and Representative Colleen M. Garry, co-chair of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators.
