Senator Keenan and Representative Ayers Nominated Constituent, Manet Community Health Center CEO 

For Immediate Release: 6/17/21

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) invited legislators to nominate a woman in their district to the Commonwealth Heroine Class of 2021. While never an easy task to pick just one person, Senator John Keenan and Representative Bruce Ayers, both of whom represent the City of Quincy, nominated Cynthia Sierra, the Chief Executive Officer of Manet Community Health Center. Manet is based in Quincy but provides services and programs for infants, children, adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout the South Shore.  

The Commonwealth Heroines are women who do not make the news, but make a difference. They perform unheralded acts on a daily basis that make homes, neighborhoods, cities, and towns better places to live. Cynthia Sierra personifies the qualities of innovativeness and compassion that are so common amongst Commonwealth Heroines.  

“At the outset of the pandemic, Cynthia quickly and efficiently prepared Manet to lead,” said Senator John Keenan (Quincy-D). “Beyond providing care and services to the Manet community, she partnered with the City of Quincy to provide a comprehensive testing program, with an early focus on testing the City’s homeless population. Her leadership led to the quick and efficient vaccination of Quincy’s first responders, and then to successful testing and vaccine distribution all across  the South Shore.” Senator Keenan also represents the Town of Abington, where Cynthia Sierra resides.  

When asked why he nominated Cynthia, Representative Bruce Ayers (Quincy-D) said, “As the CEO of Manet Community Health Center, Cynthia is a relentless advocate for local health organizations, believing that they hold the key to happier and healthier communities. Under her leadership, Manet has seen exponential growth in its programs and in its reach, providing outstanding care to their patients. Cynthia has helped create stronger, healthier communities across Massachusetts, and for that we are proud to recognize her as our 2021 nominee.” 

The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women will be virtually celebrating the 18th annual Commonwealth Heroines Class of 2021 on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at 12:00PM with a video presentation, and, to encourage family attendance and celebration of the heroines, MCSW will livestream the celebration on its Facebook page.   

“I am incredibly honored to be nominated for such a meaningful distinction from MCSW,” said Cynthia Sierra. “I humbly accept on behalf of Manet and the remarkable staff I have the great pleasure and privilege of leading. Together, we work to ensure that our health center is welcoming and responsive to the needs of our patients and the communities we serve. Also instrumental in this work are the cooperation among our community partners and support from our local, state and federal leaders, including Senator Keenan and Representative Ayers.” 

Commonwealth Heroines will receive a Heroine Package via mail that contains a letter of notification of the award, a printed copy of the program book, and a certificate to recognize their work within the community.  

The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is an independent state agency that was legislatively created in 1998 to advance women of the Commonwealth to full equality in all areas of life and to promote their rights and opportunities. The MCSW provides a permanent, effective voice for the women of Massachusetts. 

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