Loomis Communities, Stone Soul Inc. to Honor Six Women Leaders on March 19
SPRINGFIELD — The Loomis Communities will host a Women’s History Month celebration in partnership with Stone Soul Inc., where six women leaders in the region will be honored with Stone Soul’s Rebecca Johnson Award, on Thursday, March 19 at noon at Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing, 807 Wilbraham Road, Springfield.
The Rebecca Johnson Women’s History Award, named in remembrance of the first Black principal hired by the Springfield Public School district, will be given to six women leaders who embody Johnson’s legacy of leadership and service. The recipients all demonstrate a strong passion for the Springfield community; exemplify superb professional qualities and a positive attitude; and actively promote, mentor, and support other women.
This year’s honorees are Gloria Williams, Veronica McNair, Zaida Govan, Latonia Monroe-Naylor, Samantha Hamilton, and Ella Holman. The event, which is invitation-only and not open to the general public, will also allow attendees to celebrate the 82nd birthday of Jay Griffin, a founder of Stone Soul.
“We are happy to celebrate and host these incredible women who all have served the community in ways that make better the lives of others,” said Margaret Mantoni, president and CEO of the Loomis Communities. “We appreciate working with Stone Soul Inc., an important community organization right in our backyard that represents a bedrock organization for our neighbors in the Mason Square community.”
Williams concluded a 21-year tenure as a principal in the Springfield Public Schools, and her service was honored with the 2019 Educational Legacy Achievement Award. She now serves as president of the consulting firm Coalition of Experienced Black Educators Inc.
McNair is president and CEO of Hickory Street Harambee, an annual festival dedicated to preserving the history, culture, and legacy of the historic Harambee movement. In addition to her civic leadership, she is a professional counselor in Springfield.
Govan represents Ward 8 as a Springfield city councilor and is a leader within the Indian Orchard Neighborhood Council, where she has been instrumental in ensuring local development projects create a thriving environment for residents of all ages. With a master’s degree in social work, she also supports residents navigating substance use and mental health challenges.
Hamilton is director of Coalition Building & Community Engagement at the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, where she leads several initiatives committed to the well-being of those living in Springfield and the region. She is also co-founder of A Queen’s Narrative, a platform designed to provide a safe, inclusive space for women and girls to harness their personal and collective power.
Monroe Naylor is a nonprofit and business leader who has been a member of the Springfield School Committee since 2018. She is also president and CEO of Parent Villages, a nonprofit providing two-generational educational programs for families impacted by violence and trauma.
Holman rose through the ranks to become assistant manager of Food Services for Springfield Public Schools. Today, she continues her service as a volunteer with the Urban League of Springfield’s Foster Grandparent Program, where she acts as a mentor and role model for children with exceptional needs.
Stone Soul Inc. organizes the annual Stone Soul Festival, which, in its 38th year, is a celebration of arts and culture, attracting more than 20,000 attendees every Labor Day weekend. The Loomis Communities comprises three senior living communities: Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing in Springfield, Loomis Village in South Hadley, and Applewood in Amherst.