State Sen. Diana DiZoglio has named a Haverhill native as an Unsung Hero of 2019.
Jackie Marte, who now lives in Lawrence, was backed by DiZoglio and honored by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women in recognition of her selflessness to the Merrimack Valley community where she lives and works.
DiZoglio said Marte’s leadership and commitment to social justice made her a natural fit.
“As co-founder of the nonprofit Suenos Basketball, Jackie has helped countless children in the Merrimack Valley develop the skills needed to succeed both in and out of the classroom,” DiZoglio said. “Moreover, as a member of the Merrimack Valley Project, a group of regional faith, labor and community leaders, Jackie has done extraordinary work taking action on economic and social justice issues and been dedicated to helping those battling addiction in this opioid epidemic.”
Calling her recent recognition “a blessing,” Marte was celebrated during a ceremony at the Boston Statehouse.