2026 Community Advocacy Awards

Each year our Community Advocacy Awards celebrate passionate nonprofit leaders and organizations focusing on the most critical needs in the communities Eastern serves. 

This year, we honored leaders and organizations expanding civic education and strengthening democracy. 

We celebrate these innovative, community champions and their teams for the work they do! 

First row, left to right: Shanique Rodriguez, Executive Director, Massachusetts Voter Table; Lisa Kovack, Director, NH Campaign for Voting Rights – America Votes Education Fund; Joan Ilacqua, Executive Director, Queer History Boston; Catherine Cushenberry, President and Co-Founder, The Disagreement; Danielle Allen, Director, Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation; Cindy Rowe, President and CEO, Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action; Eileen Musto, Vice Chair, Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights. Second row, left to right: Quincy Miller, President and COO, Eastern Bank; Sarah Chouinard, Program Manager, NH Campaign for Voting Rights – America Votes Education Fund; Julio Mejía, Executive Director, Merrimack Valley Project; Kelly Khan, Volunteer Engagement Director, Eastern Bank Foundation; Bob Rivers, Executive Chair, Eastern Bank; Turahn Dorsey, President and CEO, Eastern Bank Foundation; Alex Grodd, CEO and Co-Founder, The Disagreement; Steven Brown, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island; Pam Poindexter, Leadership, Indivisible Outer Cape; Dálida Rocha, Executive Director, Neighbor 2 Neighbor; Jenise Campbell-Means, Chair, Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights; Denis Sheahan, CEO, Eastern Bank.

ACLU Of Rhode Island
Executive Director Steven Brown 

“Freedom can’t protect itself. That’s why for over 65 years, we've shown up in courtrooms, committee rooms, and communities across Rhode Island to provide that protection." 

The ACLU of Rhode Island advances civil liberties and rights through public education, litigation, and advocacy, and ensures accountability in democratic systems. In the past 30+ years, the ACLU of RI's work has yielded precedent-setting decisions in areas including freedom of speech, separation of church and state, rights of the incarcerated, voting rights, immigrant rights, and nondiscrimination in addition to driving passage of numerous laws protecting the civil rights of Rhode Island residents. 

Learn more and get involved: www.riaclu.org 

Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation
Director Danielle Allen 

“A democracy is only as strong as the civic knowledge of its people. Rebuilding that foundation isn't idealism, it's the most urgent project of our time.” 

The Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation at the Harvard Kennedy School advances research and solutions to strengthen democratic institutions. Through civic innovation and education, it develops tools to expand participation and improve governance. 

Learn more and get involved: https://ash.harvard.edu/programs/allen-lab-for-democracy-renovation/ 

Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights 
Chair Jenise Campbell-Means 

“Juneteenth isn't just a celebration, it's a reminder of what it costs to wait for freedom, and a call to keep doing the work.” 

Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights promotes human rights and inclusive communities through education, dialogue, and civic engagement. By creating opportunities for connection, it encourages public participation and strengthens community voice. 

Learn more and get involved: www.bccrcivilrights.org/ 

The Disagreement 
Co-Founders Catherine Cushenberry and Alex Grodd 

“We've confused disagreement with dysfunction. Done right, it's actually how democracies think, and we've nearly forgotten how to do it.” — Alex Grodd 

“The goal was never to win the argument. It was to model something people have stopped believing is possible: two people who see the world differently, actually listening to each other.” — Catherine Cushenberry 

The Disagreement is a media and learning organization focused on modeling constructive dialogue across differences. Through content and tools, it promotes respectful, evidence-based dialogue. 

Learn more and get involved: www.thedisagreement.com/ 

Indivisible Outer Cape
Leader Pam Poindexter 

“Democracy is not a spectator sport, it requires showing up, speaking out, and holding the line, especially when it's uncomfortable.” 

Indivisible Outer Cape is one of the region's most active grassroots organizations that mobilizes individuals to engage in civic action, working to defend democratic values, hold elected officials accountable, and mobilize constituents on Cape Cod and beyond. 

Learn more and get involved: https://indivisibleoutercape.org/, https://indivisible-ma.org/ 

Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action (JALSA) 
President & CEO Cindy Rowe 

"Jewish values have always demanded we stand up for the vulnerable — not someday, but right now. That's activism, and it’s our sacred obligation." 

JALSA’s mission is to advance a more just and equitable society through public policy and community engagement — using community organizing, advocacy, coalition building, and legal strategies to drive broad policy impact. 

Learn more and get involved: www.jalsa.org/ 

Massachusetts Voter Table
Executive Director Shanique Rodriguez 

“Democracy doesn't work if the people most affected by its failures aren't the ones shaping its future.” 

The Massachusetts Voter Table coordinates a coalition of more than 40 organizations to build civic influence among underrepresented communities through nonpartisan voter engagement and grassroots organizing. 

Learn more and get involved: https://mavotertable.org/ 

Merrimack Valley Project
Executive Director Julio Mejia 

“No one is coming to save us, we have to save ourselves.” 

The Merrimack Valley Project is a coalition of faith-based, labor, and community organizations advancing justice through collective civic action. By organizing residents and building leadership, it helps communities influence decisions and advocate on issues affecting their daily lives. 

Learn more and get involved: www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/ 

Neighbor 2 Neighbor
Executive Director Dálida Rocha 

“I've seen what happens when communities refuse to be ignored. Laws change, lives change.” 

Neighbor to Neighbor brings people together in key cities for change, local and statewide. Through leadership development, coalition building, and coordinated efforts, it empowers residents to shape policies that affect their lives. 

Learn more and get involved: https://n2nma.org/ 

New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights
Director Lisa Kovack 

"Every eligible voter in New Hampshire deserves to have their voice heard, that's not a partisan issue, it's a founding principle. My job is to make sure the systems we rely on to protect that right are strong enough to hold.” 

The New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights is a nonpartisan coalition working to expand access to the ballot through policy, outreach, and education. A project of America Votes New Hampshire, it works to modernize elections and support local officials, ensuring accessible and effective participation. 

Learn more and get involved: https://www.nhvotingrights.org/ 

Queer History Boston
Executive Director Joan Ilacqua 

“Queer history isn't a footnote, it's a through-line in the story of every civil rights struggle this region has ever fought. Preserving it means knowing where we came from and why it matters where we're going.” 

Queer History Boston works to document, preserve, and share LGBTQ+ history across the region. Through storytelling and education, it strengthens public understanding and contributes to a more inclusive civic narrative. 

Learn more and get involved: https://www.queerhistoryboston.org/

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