New Bedford Woman Nominated as ‘Unsung Heroine’

Representative Antonio F. D. Cabral (D-New Bedford) has nominated Rachel Mulroy, a New Bedford-based social activist, for the prestigious “Unsung Heroine” award, as part of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women’s 15th annual event, where women throughout the Commonwealth are honored for their significant contributions in their respective communities.

Mulroy will be recognized as part of the 2018 class of Unsung Heroines during a ceremony to be held on Wednesday, June 20 at the State House in Boston.

Mulroy currently serves as the Environmental Justice & Safety Net Coordinator for the Coalition for Social Justice (CSJ). She began her career in social justice as a volunteer with CSJ in 2011, while studying at Bristol Community College. In 2012, she became a full-time employee, working to improve economic and environmental conditions for low-income and working class families in New Bedford and throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, having experienced homelessness, hunger, and domestic violence in her personal life. Despite the challenges she faced, Mulroy received her Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology and Public Archaeology from Bridgewater State University in 2016.

“Rachel Mulroy is a remarkable young woman, a single mom of two daughters, who has persevered in all areas of her life,” said Marlene Pollack, Rachel’s former professor and Organizer for the Coalition for Social Justice (New Bedford & Cape Cod). "She gained a bachelor’s degree with honors in anthropology, all the time working as an organizer with the Coalition for Social Justice. She is now the Coalition’s Environmental Coordinator, specializing in efforts to gain equity for poor and minority communities.”

Over the course of her career, Mulroy has met directly with Rep. Cabral and other legislators and successfully advocated for an increased minimum wage, earned sick time, and changes to the family cap rule on cash assistance.

“I am routinely impressed by Rachel and her advocacy work,” stated Rep. Cabral. “She has the rare ability to connect her personal experience to critical social issues in a way that is both persuasive and informative. I am thrilled to have nominated such an exceptional woman for this award, and I am grateful that we have Rachel advocate on behalf of our community.”

--Rep. Cabral's Office