High school of Commerce senior Aiyanna Rodriguez was recognized as the city’s youth leader during the city’s International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month celebration.
Reminder Publishing photo by Ryan Feyre
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Women’s Commission recognized International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month during a jam-packed gathering at City Hall on March 6.
In celebration of this year’s theme, “Women Educating and Inspiring Generations,” the commission honored four local leaders in education: Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Sonia Dinnall; President of the Springfield Federation of Paraprofessionals Catherine Mastronardi; Springfield Education Association President Tracy Little-Sasanecki; and High School of Commerce student leader Aiyanna Rodriguez.
“These are women who uplift, empower, and pave the way for future generations,” said City Councilor Kateri Walsh, the chair of the Women’s Commission and emcee of the March 6 event. “We have not only to honor them, but to reaffirm our commitment as women to a future where every woman and girl has the opportunity to learn, grow and lead.”
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and state Rep. Bud Williams (D-Springfield) were in attendance to give remarks and present proclamations declaring March 8 International Women’s Day before City Council member Tracye Whitfield provided a brief history of the holiday.
In ceremonial fashion, a member of the Women’s Commission offered a short introduction of each of the honorees and then bestowed gifts and awards to the leaders recognized.
The honorees were also given an EmpowerHER calendar from Take the Mic Public Speaking Program that showcases “all of the wonderful women” in the city, according to Women’s Commissioner member and Take the Mic founder Ayanna Crawford.
The first leader recognized was Dinnall, who made history as the first woman and first Black woman to be superintendent of SPS. In her introduction to Dinnall, Women’s Commission member and Make-It Springfield President Gillian Hinkson described the superintendent as a “trailblazing leader” who has spearheaded initiatives that have increased SAT participation, improved graduation rates and secured funding for schools.
In her remarks during the celebration, Dinnall thanked her family and the SPS community for shaping her into the leader she is today and recognized International Women’s Day as a day to “celebrate the resilience, the innovation and the sheer brilliance of phenomenal women in this room and across the globe.”
“This award isn’t just a recognition of my individual efforts,” Dinnall said. “It’s a testament to the power of collective action, the strength of shared vision and the unwavering support of women lifting each other up.”
Mastronardi was recognized by Karina Dise, the founder of Afri(K)que, a local nonprofit that helps women and girls from around the globe out of poverty, homelessness and hunger.
Dise said Mastronardi was always there for her when she worked as a paraprofessional and a special needs teacher. When Dise founded Afri(K)que, she said Mastronardi came as a guest speaker.
“Anything that was happening in the school system, things that I didn’t understand, I always asked her, and she was always there for me,” Dise said.
Mastronardi accepted the recognition by thanking her family and honoring paraprofessionals.
“I would not be here today if not for my parents,” she said.
When Little-Sasanecki was honored, Women’s Commission member Ellen Moorhouse talked about how the SEA president “profoundly” impacted the lives of students and staff as a Springfield school counselor for three decades.
Moorhouse also noted that Little-Sasanecki is the first Black woman to be president of the SEA, the union representing staff in the Springfield area. In that role, Moorhouse said Little-Sasanecki has fought for educators’ rights and helped improve working conditions for staff.
Little-Sasanecki said in her remarks that she is a strong advocate who does not back down from her principles.
“I’m a strong person,” she said. “I believe that our educators have rights, and I believe that our students have rights.”
A senior at Commerce, Rodriguez was celebrated by Crawford for her community service as a peer leader and student representative at the School Committee.
Rodriguez was accepted into American International College as a criminal justice major and was lauded for her intelligence and leadership abilities.
“I am so honored and grateful to be nominated for the city’s Youth Leadership and Academic Award,” Rodriguez said. “Receiving this award has made me proud of myself and made me realize that I’ve been recognized as a young Latina and Black woman here at Springfield.”
Readers can watch the full ceremony by visiting the Focus Springfield YouTube page at tinyurl.com/38z7ef8f.
