This month, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women announced the 2021 Commonwealth Heroine Award honorees. The annual awards recognize women across the Commonwealth for their extraordinary contributions to their local communities in public or community service. Among this year’s honorees is Tina Hein, a Holliston resident nominated by Rep. Carolyn Dykema.

“Tina Hein is an outstanding public servant,” said Rep. Dykema. “Her thoughtful, informed, and consensus-based leadership style, as well as her commitment to open communication, have made her a respected and effective advocate for lasting improvement in the community. It has been an honor to work with her and she is so deserving of this award.”

Currently serving as the Chair of the Holliston Select Board, Tina’s passionate advocacy for increased pedestrian and roadway safety has been instrumental to advancing policies improving safety for children, families, and elders. Tina spearheaded the Walking School Bus project for groups of children to walk safely to school in coordination with the state Safe Routes to School Program. She also led the successful effort to reduce minimum traffic speeds community-wide and is currently an active voice for safe and appropriate routing of truck traffic. Prior to serving on the Select Board, Tina was a member of the Rail Trail Committee and has consistently dedicated her career in public service toward promoting walkability and enhancing community connectedness.

Hein was recognized and honored at a virtual ceremony on June 23rd hosted by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. The Commission is an independent state agency that was legislatively established in 1998 to support equal opportunities for women in the Commonwealth in all areas of life and to promote their advancement. 

Representative Carolyn Dykema represents the communities of Holliston, Hopkinton, Southborough, and Precinct 2 of Westborough in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.