Greater Lowell Community Foundation/Lowell High School Scholarship Program Awards more than $682,000 to 271 Seniors

Greater Lowell Community Foundation/Lowell High School Scholarship Program Awards more than $682,000 to 271 Seniors. From l to r: Portuguese-American Scholarship recipient Raquel Bettencourt and fund founder Luis Pedroso, President of Accutronics Inc.
Photo: O’Connor Studios

 

On May 7, 2019, as part of the 2019 Lowell High School Honor Awards Night more than $682,000 was awarded to 271 graduating seniors at Lowell High School. Hundreds of students and their family members attended the ceremony.

From families who have lived in Lowell for several generations, to refugees arriving from war-torn countries, the audience reflected the diversity of the city. Over half of this year’s 311 applicants will be the first in their family to attend college.

The scholarship program is made possible by a partnership between Lowell High School and the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. Scholarships are provided through the generous contributions of donors, many of whom are Lowell High School graduates themselves, families honoring a loved one, or local business leaders supporting their community.

Through the foresight of these donors, and the Community Foundation’s stewardship of these funds, the scholarship endowment at the Greater Lowell Community Foundation now totals $4.9 million.

Marianne Busteed‏, Lowell High School Head of School and Greater Lowell Community Foundation President and CEO Jay Linnehan welcomed students to the event. Both congratulated students on their successes and spoke of the opportunities that lie ahead, and thanked the scholarship committee volunteers and generous donors.

“We are proud to work alongside the Greater Lowell Community Foundation to recognize and award so many deserving Lowell High School seniors.  We are especially grateful to our generous donors who support our students and who make these scholarships possible,” said Busteed.

Linnehan addressed the audience, “I’d like to thank our donors and congratulate this year’s scholarship recipients and their families. Your achievements are something to be proud of. I wish you great success in your endeavors. I hope this generosity will inspire you and that you will remember your community and choose to give back.”

To learn more about the scholarship program please visit: www.glcfoundation.org

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation is a philanthropic organization comprised of over 350 funds, currently totaling over $37MM, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life in 20 neighboring cities and towns. The Community Foundation annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from its staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $15 million to the Greater Lowell Community since 1999.

ABOUT LOWELL HIGH SCHOOL

Lowell High School (LHS) was recognized in 1999 as one of the nation’s top urban high schools by U.S. News & World Report for our outstanding educational program. Today, LHS continues to provide a healthy blend of time-tested and innovative lessons in its classrooms, the latest in computer and media technology, and top-notch educational and sporting facilities in an effort to foster within its diverse students the skills and attitudes needed to be responsible, contributing members of a global society and lifelong learners. LHS remains committed to helping all of its students—those bound for college, the workforce or the military—not only succeed but also excel in its classrooms and beyond.

Greater Lowell Community Foundation awards additional grant to support Detox Transportation for Lowell Community Health Center

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) has awarded $2,000 in grant funds to the Lowell Community Health Center to continue support of a transportation initiative to facilitate patients’ timely access to offsite detox treatment. From l to r: Representative David Nangle, GLCF President and CEO Jay Linnehan, Susan West Levine, CEO, Lowell Community Health Center (LCHC), LCHC Board Chairman Bruce Robinson, Sheila Och, LCHC Chief of Community Health & Policy, and GLCF Board Chair Chair Chet Szablak.

 

Lowell, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation has awarded an additional $1,000 grant to the Lowell Community Health Center to continue support of a transportation initiative to facilitate patients’ timely access to offsite detox treatment.

“This grant has allowed the Lowell Community Health Center to remove a key barrier, the lack of transportation, to the assist their patients in getting the help they desperately need. This critical intervention can change the trajectory of their lives for the better and improve the community in which we live. We are grateful to Rep. David Nangle’s office for bringing this need to the Foundation’s attention,” said Greater Lowell Community Foundation President and CEO Jay Linnehan.

“An essential component to effective substance abuse treatment is access to reliable transportation, and I applaud the Greater Lowell Community Foundation for their continued efforts in assisting local organizations by providing funding for those in need. Addiction affects families and communities in so many ways, and the GLCF is helping to make the difficult transition towards recovery more manageable,” remarked Representative David Nangle.

Since the beginning of the year, the initial grant of $1000 has facilitated a dozen patients to get to the detox treatment they need in a timely manner. Since 2016, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation has awarded more than $160,000 in discretionary funds to support local nonprofits battling the opioid crisis.

“Lack of transportation to treatment centers, particularly when a bed opens up far from Lowell, can be a major stumbling block to those wishing to get clean and sober, just when time is of the essence. The Foundation’s continued support will help address the growing need due to the opioid crisis,” noted Susan West Levine, CEO, Lowell Community Health Center.

The grant award is part of the GLCF President’s Discretionary Fund that enables Foundation leadership to respond quickly to community needs. This grant is one of the many grant programs offered through the Community Foundation.

For more information on the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, visit www.glcfoundation.org.

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GLCF’S Women Working Wonders Fund Made 15 Years of History

At the 15th anniversary of the Women Working Wonders (WWW) Fund, Planning Committee and Trustees gathered at Vesper Country Club in Tyngsboro on April 30th. (Photo by Meg Moore)

“Well behaved women seldom make history.” – Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Lowell, MA – More than 120 guests gathered at Vesper Country Club in Tyngsboro on April 30th to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Women Working Wonders (WWW) Fund and applaud past successes, present good fortune, and the future of women in philanthropy.

The WWW Crystal Campaign event raised $246,015 to surpass an endowment campaign goal of $1 million to ensure the future success of WWW and provide the means by which women can engage actively and meaningfully in the community.

“What a wonderful and exciting evening! Lowell has had a history of generous, progressive thinking women, and this group is continuing that legacy,” noted Terry O’Connor, one of WWW’s founders and WWW Crystal Campaign event co-chair. “A dream has come true! Be proud of your power,” said Brenda Costello, another of WWW’s founders.

What began in 2004 as a small group of women coming together to found a collective giving organization focused on women’s issues now has made 36 grants of $5000 to organizations supporting women and girls in the Greater Lowell area, creating positive change in countless lives!

“I think back to 2004 when the leadership group of thirteen women gathered to figure out how to launch this idea,” said Linda Chemaly, one of WWW’s founders and WWW Crystal Campaign event co-chair. “Now with over a million dollars in our endowment, I look around this room and see all the young faces and feel this amazing energy and I think job well done! Thank you!”

A fund within the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, the Women Working Wonders Fund supports programs that empower women and girls to effect positive change in the community. The Crystal Campaign event held on April 30th was in addition to WWW’s signature “Power of the Purse” event held annually in October.

“On behalf of our trustees, we are grateful to all of the women who have the courage to make waves in order to help women and girls in our community thrive,” said Bopha Malone, WWW board president. “We are also appreciative of the opportunities to learn from our founding mothers, and look forward to developing future women leaders as well as continuing to support organizations that empower women and girls to reach their full potential.”

WWW provides grants in three key areas that:

1.     Assist Women in Transition
Forty years of research shows that social investments in women reduce poverty, raise productivity and accelerate economic growth. This Fund will encourage women to build on their strengths and increase self-worth. In addition, a higher level of self-esteem will be passed along to future generations.

2.     Provide Leadership Development
The Women Working Wonders Fund will support organizations and activities that contribute to leadership development in girls and women.

3.     Contribute to the Beautification of the Environment
The Women Working Wonders Fund will support environmental beautification projects that provide a platform for women to showcase their commitment to maintaining the distinct character of their community.

WWW Power of the Purse 2019 is October 24, 2019. Tickets will go on sale soon! For information about WWW and the upcoming event, visit https://www.womenworkingwondersfund.com/

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GLCF, CTI and Middlesex District Attorney’s Office Partner in Drug Court Transportation Project

Community Teamwork, Inc. (CTI) receives $10,000 Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) Grant

Greater Lowell Community Foundation’s Annual Meeting keynote speaker Middlesex District Attorney Marian T. Ryan announced the Drug Court Transportation pilot program grant to 150 business leaders, nonprofit professionals, and community members at the Radisson in Chelmsford on June 5, 2018.

Community Teamwork, Inc. (CTI), Greater Lowell Community Foundation and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office are announcing a first-of-its kind partnership to provide transportation to individuals to and from Drug Court. Last year CTI received a $10,000 grant from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation to help start the pilot program, which kicked off in October, and is currently providing services three women who are being picked up from a Lynn Sober House and transported to their court appearances. The goal is to accommodate up to 13 individuals each week.

“This partnership with the office of District Attorney Marian T. Ryan, Community Teamwork and the Drug Court is the capstone of a multi-year commitment to fund programs for opioid prevention and treatment in our area and help ensure success for participants. In response to the opioid epidemic, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $160,000 in discretionary funds to support local
nonprofits,” said Greater Lowell Community Foundation President and CEO Jay Linnehan.

“By providing this transportation option we are filling a service gap that was prohibiting some
individuals from easily accessing the courts, which is essential to successful completion of drug
court,” said District Attorney Ryan. “We continue to work with the courts and our community
partners to ensure the criminal justice system is not just punitive. To do this we need to think
outside the box to come up with innovative solutions that will hopefully lead to a successful
outcome and ultimately interrupt the often cyclical effects of substance use disorders.”

The Drug Court is a special session within Massachusetts district courts where judges, prosecutors,
defense attorneys, probation officers, police and social-service workers team up to work with
defendants on probation whose crimes were motivated by substance abuse. Many defendants are placed where treatment beds are available, which can be located in Sober Houses far from their community and the Drug Court. These defendants risk violating probation because they are unable to secure transportation to attend their trial. In addition, various modes of transportation, such as public transportation and taxis can be cost prohibitive and often defendants can find themselves back in the neighborhoods and streets where drugs are being sold.

Community Teamwork recognized that its Transportation Department, which brings children to and from school, had flexibility to use drivers and vehicles during the school day to respond to other
community needs. With funding from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, CTI is deploying
drivers and vehicles to fill this need. GLCF provided a $10,000 grant to support the cost of a
driver and van for Community Teamwork to facilitate this innovative approach to assist the Drug
Court and its clients. Together, CTI, GLCF and the Drug Court probation officers developed a
framework for what the program might look like as well as a strict Code of Conduct which the
participants would have to follow in order to receive the benefit of this program.

“Most often, these defendants are in need of other basic services which CTI can provide, such as
housing, financial literacy, child care, etc. Through this pilot program, which can send employees
from CTI to work with the probation officials and social workers, we are able to identify the
various resources available to the defendants. We could not have taken this novel approach without
the help of this grant from GLCF,” stated Meghan Siembor, Director of Child and Family Services.

About Community Teamwork

Community Teamwork is a catalyst for social change. Our driving mission is to help people help
themselves with child care, family supports, nutrition, fuel assistance, housing, skills training,
employment, financial education, and individual asset and small business development. As a
Community Action Agency, a Regional Housing Agency, and a Community Development Corporation,
Community Teamwork helps nearly 50,000 individuals from 63 cities and towns in northeastern
Massachusetts gain greater economic independence.

About the Greater Lowell Community Foundation

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation is a philanthropic organization comprised of over 350
funds, currently totaling over $35MM, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life in 20
neighboring cities and towns. The Community Foundation annually awards grants and scholarships to
hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students, and is powered by the winning combination of
donor-directed giving, personal attention from its staff, and an in-depth understanding of local
needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the

Community Foundation to award more than $13 million to the Greater Lowell Community since 1999.

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Greater Lowell Community Foundation Awards Capital Grants to Organizations Battling Hunger and Homelessness

Interns Amsetou Pamboudem of Boston and Christopher McDonald of Medford prepare meals for House of Hope in Lowell, which received a recent $10,000 capital grant, made possible from an anonymous donor that partnered with the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, for a commercial stove and upgrades to their fire suppression system at the Fletcher Street Building.

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) has awarded $90,000 to 11 area nonprofit organizations through a 2019 Help Alleviate Hunger and Homelessness in Massachusetts grant. This generous one-time capital grant was made possible from an anonymous donor that partnered with the GLCF to distribute the funding to area nonprofits that are battling hunger and homelessness in the community.

“It is encouraging to see the great work that so many nonprofit organizations in our community are doing to address homelessness,” said Greater Lowell Community Foundation President and CEO Jay Linnehan. “GLCF, in partnership with a generous and visionary donor, is hopeful that these capital grants will provide some needed resources to battle the primary consequences of poverty – hunger and homelessness and ultimately positively impact the futures of so many.”

2019 Capital Grants – $90,000:

  • Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell at $10,000
  • Dwelling House of Hope (Lowell) at $10,000
  • House of Hope (Lowell) at $10,000
  • Life Connection Center (Lowell) at $10,000
  • Living Waters Ministry of Hope (Lowell) at $5,062
  • Lowell House Addiction Treatment and Recovery at $10,000
  • Lowell Transitional Living Center at $10,000
  • Mill City Grows (Lowell) at $10,000
  • New England Dairy + Food Council (Billerica) at $8,780
  • New Entry Sustainable Farming (Lowell) at $5,000
  • Open Pantry of Greater Lowell at $1,158

This capital grant program was part of a competitive grant process offered through GLCF in which nonprofit organizations applied for funds and an independent committee reviewed the proposals and selected awardees. This grant award was made possible by an anonymous gift made through GLCF and is not intended for renewal.

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Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund Awards 18 Grants to Local Nonprofits to Improve Health

Gaining Ground of Concord received a recent $5,000 grant from the Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund for their Growing Fresh Produce for Hunger Relief with Community Volunteers program.

 

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts awarded $176,881 in grants to 18 local nonprofits, from the Nashoba Valley Community Healthcare Fund, to help improve the health of residents in area communities.

Priority was given to proposals pertaining to prevention of health problems, access to healthcare, elder health, youth and adolescent health, mental health and health care service provision. Recipients of the grants were selected by the Nashoba Valley Community Healthcare Fund Advisory Committee, comprised of local leaders in business, health care and education.

“These are impactful grants for our community and we greatly appreciate the hard work and diligence of the volunteer grant committee in prioritizing the needs,” said Jay Linnehan, President and CEO of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation.

“With each year that we continue to support impactful grants through this fund, the communities served are made stronger, healthier and more vibrant.  The vision for the creation of this fund is being realized through targeted, outcome driven grants.” said Phil Grzewinski, president of the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts.

2018 Grant Recipients

  • Townsend Fire-EMS Department for Advanced Life Support Training Manikin – $14,993
  • Lunenburg Council on Aging for Eagle House Memory Café – $5,000
  • Community Teamwork in Lowell for Bone Builders Program – $10,000
  • Gaining Ground in Concord for Growing Fresh Produce for Hunger Relief with Community Volunteers – $5,000
  • Ashby Fire Dept. for Rad-57 with SPCO adult and pediatric monitor – $5,595
  • MAB Community Services, Inc. in Brookline for Nashoba Valley Vision Rehabilitation Program for Elders – $6,000
  • Montachusett Home Care Corporation in Leominster for Expanding the Medical Escort/Companion Program – $5,000
  • Our Father’s House in Fitchburg for Ensuring Health Wellness in Homeless Children – $16,000
  • Advocates, Inc. in Framingham for Advocates Community Counseling in Harvard – $10,000
  • Eliot Community Human Services in Lexington for The NAN Project – $15,000
  • Clear Path for Veterans New England in Devens for Veteran Wellness and Self-Care Training Program – $15,000
  • Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell, Inc. for Critical Home Repairs for Westford Elders – $10,000
  • 15-40 Connection in Westborough for 3 Steps Detect 2019 – Improving cancer survival rates in Nashoba Valley – $15,000
  • Virginia Thurston Healing Garden in Harvard for Clinical Cancer Support Programs and Services for NV Residents – $20,000
  • Boys & Girls Club of Lunenburg for Triple Play: Healthy Minds, Bodies, and Souls – $7,500
  • Montachusett Interfaith Hospitality Network, Inc. in Leominster for MIHN family shelter – $8,000
  • Seven Hills Family Services in Groton for WhisperGlide Swing for People with Disabilities – $6,663
  • Pepperell Council on Aging for Cycles for Seniors – $2,130

The Nashoba Valley Community Healthcare Fund provides annual distributions to nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and other agencies to advance the health of residents in 13 communities: Ashby, Ayer, Bolton, Dunstable, Groton, Harvard, Lancaster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Shirley, Townsend and Westford.

Community Teamwork Inc. in Greater Lowell received a recent $10,000 grant from the Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund for their Bone Builders Program, shown here are active adults from a recent program held at the Chelmsford Senior Center.

 

Greater Lowell Community Foundation awards grant to support 6th annual Science and Engineering Fair for Lowell Public Schools

Lowell Public Schools held the sixth annual Science and Engineering Fair recently at Lowell High School, support grant funding was received from Greater Lowell Community Foundation President and CEO Jay Linnehan (right) pictured with Martha Cohn, Coordinator of Science and Social Studies, PreK-12 Lowell Public Schools (left) and student participants.

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation has awarded a $1,000 grant to support the 6th annual Science and Engineering Fair for Lowell Public Schools.

“We want to encourage a passion for science and engineering among students in our community. By supporting these important learning opportunities, the Foundation seeks to further strengthen our community and support students.” says Greater Lowell Community Foundation President and CEO Jay Linnehan.

The grant award is part of the GLCF’s President’s Discretionary Fund that enables Foundation leadership to respond quickly to community needs.

The annual Lowell Public Schools Science and Engineering Fair recently held at Lowell High School, with students from all nine middle schools, Freshman Academy and Lowell High School presented projects they have been working on as part of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Club.   STEM club is overseen by at least one STEM adviser at each school who works with students weekly to prepare an independent research project that is displayed at the district fair. Many schools also have volunteer mentors, from around the community, who work with the advisers and students.

“The GLCF grant has helped over 200 students attend the Science and Engineering Fair by providing transportation, dinner and resources for student projects. We are grateful for the Foundation’s support,” said Martha Cohn, Coordinator of Science and Social Studies, PreK-12 Lowell Public Schools

This grant is one of the many grant programs offered through the Community Foundation. For more information on the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, visit www.glcfoundation.org.

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Now Open: Chelmsford Business Association, Eric S. Sullivan Memorial and College Club of Greater Lowell/Laura Greene Memorial Scholarships

Chelmsford Business Association Scholarship:
This fund awards scholarships to Chelmsford residents who upon graduation from the Chelmsford Public High School, the Nashoba Valley Technical High School or any other accredited private high school, including charter high schools, intend to pursue a degree at an accredited two or four year college or junior college.

College Club of Greater Lowell/Laura Greene Memorial Scholarship:
This fund provides scholarship awards to graduating seniors who reside in Lowell, Tewksbury, Chelmsford, Dracut, Billerica, Westford, and Tyngsboro.

Eric S. Sullivan Memorial Scholarship Fund:
Award to students graduating from Chelmsford High School in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, who have been involved in a swim team, tennis team, and/or theater program and have overcome a social or an academic challenge.

To apply, click here. If you have any questions, please contact us at 978-970-1600 or fatima@glcfoundation.org.

Greater Lowell Community Foundation awards $135,500 in community grants to 18 local nonprofits

Attendees at the Nashua River Watershed Association’s free “Citizen Scientist” training learning to identify aquatic invasive plants, made possible by grant funding from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation.

 

Lowell, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation has awarded $135,500 to 18 nonprofit organizations through its 2018 Discretionary Grants Program.

These grant awards are part of a competitive grant process in which nonprofit organizations apply for funds and an independent committee reviews the proposals and selects awardees.

The Discretionary Grants Program is one of several competitive grant programs offered through the Community Foundation each year.

“New this year, six social education grant requests were funded that will encourage active community leadership to help citizens understand and participate in their social, political, economic and cultural surroundings. The Foundation is proud to support the important work being done by our local nonprofits to strengthen our community.” says Greater Lowell Community Foundation President and CEO Jay Linnehan.

Social Education – $75,000:

  • Lowell Community Health Center for Teen BLOCK Lowell Youth-Police Dialogues (YPD) Initiative at $12,500
  • Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell, Inc. for My Community Matters at $10,000
  • History UnErased, Inc. for Greater Lowell Youth Equity Conference at $15,000
  • Do-it-Yourself Lowell for Young Ideas Project at $7,500
  • Project LEARN, Inc. for Seeing Our World: Youth Voices Matter at $15,000
  • UTEC, Inc. for Civic Engagement and Candidate Forums by Impact Young Adults at $15,000

Children’s Services – $15,000:

  • Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Inc. for Young Company at $5,000
  • Mass Audubon Society, Inc. for TREES: Inspiring Teen Environmental Leaders In Lowell at $5,000
  • Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Lowell, Inc. for Cambodian Cultural After School Program at $5,000

Leclair Elder Services – $31,000

  • The Open Pantry of Greater Lowell, Inc. for Food Pantry at $5,500
  • Westford Council on Aging for Helping Meet Unmet Transportation Needs of Older Adults at $4,000
  • Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) for MAPS Lowell Portuguese-Speaking Senior Outreach & Support Project at $5,500
  • Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts for Critical Home Repair for Aging in Place at $5,500
  • Mill City Grows for Increasing food access and education for older adults at $5,500
  • Lowell Housing Authority for Tech Savvy Seniors at $5,000

Water Resources – $14,500

  • Organization for the Assabet River Inc. (OARS) for Three-River Recreation Map at $4,500
  • Nashua River Watershed Association for Strengthening Citizen Scientist Teams with Enhanced Focus on River Fish at $5,000
  • Merrimack River Watershed Council for Getting Up to Speed on Sewers — A Community Introduction to CSOs at $5,000

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VP for Marketing & Programs joins Greater Lowell Community Foundation team

photo of Jennifer Aradhya

Jennifer Aradhya, Vice President, Marketing & Programs, GLCF

Lowell, MA –The Greater Lowell Community Foundation, a nonprofit philanthropic organization that serves Greater Lowell and the Merrimack Valley, recently announced that Jennifer Aradhya of Groton has been appointed to the role of Vice President for Marketing and Programs.

“Jennifer has the skill set, knowledge and experience to provide strategic leadership to the Foundation’s annual marketing plan, brand development as well as to our programs,” says president and CEO Jay Linnehan.

Aradhya brings more than 20 years of professional nonprofit marketing experience to this position. In this role, she will help the Foundation achieve its community building objectives in Greater Lowell by working to promote and expand the brand and promote the philanthropic and community investment goals.

“For the past 2 years, I have served on the GLCF’s Marketing & Development Board. I have been so impressed by the impactful work being done in the community under current leadership – I am excited to take on a larger role at the Foundation,” says Aradhya.

Jennifer Aradhya was previously the Dean of Marketing Communications at Middlesex Community College. She received a B.A in Graphic Design from Bridgewater State University, and an M.S. in Applied Communication from Fitchburg State University. Ms. Aradhya has received more than 200 design and marketing awards for her work, including the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations prestigious 2017 District 1 Communicator of the Year award. Aradhya has been active as both a volunteer and board member of numerous civic and nonprofit organizations including Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell.

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