BOSTON, MA – The City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement has had a tough job over the past few months: sifting through hundreds of submissions nominating inspiring women to receive their coveted ExtraOrdinary Women Award.
Each year, the office hand-selects 40 women making great strides within their four pillar areas of Economic Equity, Health, Representation and Safety
From captivating performances to powerful spoken word, photo ops and sweet treats, the ExtraOrdinary Women Awards 2025 was a powerful tribute to the tireless work put in behind the scenes by inspiring women in the City of Boston. “An extraordinary woman is a woman that takes up space in her community , that leads on things that she thinks are important to her, that values the health the safety and making space for women here in Boston,” explains Dana Alas, Executive Director for the Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement.
The event launched intentionally to celebrate women’s history month is a tribute to past nominees, present and future celebrating the energy, time and care put in by everyday women working, many times, behind the scenes. “We were looking at impact, we’re looking at people who truly care about the community who truly care about embracing women and their overall purpose in pushing the city of Boston forward,” explains Hali Smith, Program Manager.
Mayor of Boston Michelle Wu was present at the event at Hibernian Hall, expressing her gratitude to each of the nominees for their contributions to the city and speaking to her experience as a new mother in office. “It’s more often than not the women leaders who don’t get the most credit and are always behind the scenes and trying to do the work for the community, without taking the time to have anyone know who they are.”
Dr. Nasrien Ibrahim, Executive Director of the Heart Transplant Project, was recognized as a 2025 ExtraOrdinary Woman in the Health Equity sector. Her groundbreaking organization assists those who need a heart transplant living with limited resource to receive lifesaving treatment in Boston and beyond. “It’s hard work, it’s hard to raise money, it’s a thankless job but it’s really amazing to be among so many incredible women in Boston and to just be honored for the work that we’re doing,” she explains. “Man times women just keep to our own pockets, but when we start to work together it’s limitless, you know, what we can do to improve the world for everybody around us.”
“Women run this city, says Alas.” Our mayor is a woman, in the great state of Massachusetts we have a woman Governor & Lt. Governor – I think particularly in Boston we take up space in economics, in businesses, we drive our restaurants, and we are the heart of the city.”
To learn more about The Office of Women’s Advancement, visit their website.
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Emmalyn Reid 