Danielle Hender Named 2025 Commonwealth Heroine by MCSW

Malden Community Leader Danielle Hender named 2025 Commonwealth Heroine by MA State Women’s Commission 

Women who don’t often make the news, but who always make the difference 

 BOSTON – Monday, June 30, 2025 – Representative Steven Ultrino (D-Malden) and his office celebrates Danielle Hender as she is named to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women’s (MCSW) Commonwealth Heroine Class of 2025. Every year the MCSW honors women who strive to make a difference and improve the lives of others within their community. This year, the Class of 2025 Commonwealth Heroines comprises more than 125 women from across the state, leaders in industry, business, nonprofit, advocacy, and more. These Commonwealth Heroines dedicate their time and efforts to protect and better the lives of those in need through extraordinary acts of service. These honorees are leaders, mentors, volunteers, and changemakers—women whose efforts may not always make headlines, but whose work consistently improves the lives of others. 

Danielle Hender is a dedicated attorney, civic leader, and passionate advocate for the Malden community. A partner at the law firm Shapiro and Hender, Danielle specializes in administrative law, bankruptcy, civil rights, and estate planning. Her legal practice is grounded in compassion—she provides vital legal support and guidance to families experiencing financial crisis, helping them navigate difficult and often overwhelming situations with dignity and care. 

In addition to her professional work, Danielle serves as the Municipal Hearing Officer for the City of Malden and currently holds the role of Lieutenant Governor for Kiwanis District 14. She is also an active member of the Malden Chamber of Commerce, where she was recognized as a Shining Star, and served on the YWCA Board of Directors for six years, including two as Board President. Through these roles, Danielle has consistently championed programs that uplift women, families, and children, lending her time and expertise to causes that create real and lasting impact. 

Whether she’s distributing turkey dinners to families in need, providing free helmets to young bicyclists, or donating a DVD player so YWCA residents can enjoy movie nights, Danielle’s service is always marked by humility and heart. Even with a packed schedule, she remains grounded in family—never missing a Wednesday with her nephew, Roman. 

“Danielle Hender embodies what it means to be a Commonwealth Heroine,” said Representative Steve Ultrino (D–Malden). “Her tireless advocacy, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment to the people of Malden reflect the very best of our community. I’m honored to recognize her with this well-deserved award, and I thank her for the many ways she continues to give back to our city.” 

The MCSW celebrated the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Heroines Class of 2025 on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the Massachusetts Statehouse in the Gardner Auditorium. For additional information regarding this event, please contact the MCSW at 617-626-6520 or email mcsw@mass.gov.  

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Malden House Delegation Votes to Pass FY26 Budget

Boston - Friday, May 2, 2025 - This Wednesday, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed H.4000, the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget. Funded at $61.47 billion, the House’s FY26 budget addresses the critical needs of families and residents across the Commonwealth while dedicating funding to making our communities and state more affordable, livable, and equitable. While taking into consideration the uncertainty of federal cutbacks, this spending bill provides for many critical investments, including significant funding for education, transportation, health care, housing, and workforce development. 

In the past week, the Malden House Delegation has worked with leadership and other legislators to ensure the bill will provide financial support and much-needed resources to the Malden community. Representatives Steve Ultrino, Paul Donato and Kate Lipper-Garabedian have successfully advocated for and secured $850,000 in local earmarks in the FY26 budget, which include the following:    

• $300,000 for Triangle,Inc.’s School to Career Program that connects special education students with disabilities in Greater Boston to careers and their local communities; 

• $150,000 for Portal to Hope as part of their community based domestic violence program that includes a "teens-at-risk" project; 

• $100,000 for improvements to Linden Park;  

• $100,000 for the Leadership Next Gen Fellowship Program;  

• $50,000 for Action for Boston Community Development’s Mobile Homeless Outreach Team; 

• $50,000 for Housing Families to support the homeless children program in Malden; 

• $50,000 for flood mitigation efforts at Town Line and Linden Brook in the City of Malden;  

• $50,000 for the Malden Police Department’s mental health emergency crisis response efforts. 

“This budget reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a more livable and inclusive Commonwealth by balancing critical issues in our communities such as housing instability and workforce development, with financial uncertainties on the federal level,” said State Representative Steve Ultrino (D–Malden). “I’m especially proud to have worked with Representative Donato and Lipper-Garabedian to secure $850,000 for Malden that will support a range of important initiatives in our community. From youth career development programs to supporting mental health crisis response, these investments will make a real difference in the lives of Malden residents. Lastly, I sincerely thank Speaker Ron Mariano and House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz for their leadership throughout the budget process.” 

“I am very satisfied that the House Budget was passed,” said State Representative Paul Donato (D – Medford). “I am glad to report that there were not any tax increases included. I look forward to working with the Senate soon to keep the Commonwealth moving.” 

“The House FY26 budget bill is a powerful statement of our values as a Commonwealth at a time of unparalleled and astonishing federal executive branch actions that undermine our civil rights, civil liberties, and safety,” said State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian (D-Melrose). “We recognize the value of supporting public education, the imperative to make investments to address our climate crisis, the right to reproductive health care including abortion, and the dignity of our immigrant neighbors and friends. I’m also glad the Malden House delegation secured funding that will enhance the efforts of City departments as well as critical community partners." 

As a result of responsible fiscal management, the House’s FY26 budget is balanced, and makes significant investments across several issue areas, without needing to include new taxes or tax increases. Moreover, this spending bill includes $1.95 billion in investments for transportation and education initiatives made possible because funding generated by the Fair Share ballot initiative that voters approved in November of 2022, which established a surtax of 4 percent on annual income above $1 million, including:  

• $360 million for Child Care Grants to Providers; 

• $190 million for Universal School Meals; 

• $94 million for Free Community College; 

• $450 million for MBTA Capital Investments; 

• $40 million for the MBTA Academy, to support recruiting and training efforts, and to establish a pipeline for a skilled workforce across departments.  

Other key highlights included in the FY26 budget were:  

• $483.2 million for Circuit Breaker Special Education reimbursement; 

• $448.2 million for child care for children involved with the Department of Children & Families; and the Department of Transitional Assistance; 

• $517.6 million for child care for low-income families; 

• $275 million for the Emergency Assistance (EA) program, which provides shelter to families with children and pregnant women; 

• $258.1 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP); 

• $20.9 million for Labor and Workforce Development Shared Services; 

• $163.4 million for the Department of Conservation and Recreation; 

• $81.8 million for Veterans’ Benefit Payments; 

• $3 million to implement an access-to-counsel pilot program to provide legal representation for low-income families in eviction proceedings. 

The FY26 budget proposal (H. 4000) was introduced by Speaker Mariano and the House Committee on Ways & Means on April 16, 2025, following a review of the Governor’s proposal and a series of public hearings. The budget passed the House of Representatives 151-6, and now goes to the Senate for consideration.  

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Press Contact:  

Antonio Nunziata, Legislative Aide 

Antonio.Nunziata@MAHouse.gov  

(617) 722-2877 

Malden Community Leader Neal Anderson named 2025 Black Excellence Award Honoree

BOSTON (March 4, 2025) – State Representative Steven Ultrino (D-Malden) and his office celebrate Neal Anderson as he is named to the Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus’s (MBLLC) Black Excellence on the Hill Class of 2025. Every year the MBLLC honors black leaders who strive to make a difference and improve the lives of others within their community. This year, the Class of 2025 Black Excellence Honorees comprises more than 100 men and women from across the state, leaders in industry, business, nonprofit, advocacy, and more. These Black Excellence Honorees dedicate their time and efforts to create lasting impacts on the lives of so many in our communities.  

Born and raised in Malden, Neal Anderson has dedicated his whole life and career to public service and helping underserved communities. Neal served as Malden Ward 7 City Councilor for 14 terms or 28 years and played a pivotal role in shaping his community into what it is today. Neal first ran for Malden Ward 7 City Councilor in 1983 and ran his campaign on his belief “There is a role for people of color in shaping the regulations and shaping the ordinances, and rules, and laws.” Prior to serving as City Councilor, Neal served in the United States Navy during the civil rights movement. His experiences, lessons, and encounters with injustice and poverty during his time in the Navy was carried with him back to Malden and inspired a career in human services. Neal is known for his promotion of civic engagement and serving the community with his family on his side, from campaigning to the annual Fourth of July celebration, community engagement was a family affair. Throughout Neal’s time as Ward 7 City Councilor, he has championed initiatives for civic engagement, the arts, energy efficiency and sustainability, and many more. Neal Anderson’s character, love of service, and dedication to his community are a shining example to all of what a life devotion to caring for others look like.” 

“I'm honored to nominate Neal Anderson as a 2025 Black Excellence Honoree,” said Representative Steve Ultrino. “For over twenty-eight years, Neal has been a tireless advocate for the residents of Malden. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, determination, and love Neal pours into his community. From his years of public service and leadership in Malden, Neal embodies the very essence of excellence and service.”  

“As a dedicated leader, Neal Anderson embodies the spirit of service, advocacy, and honor that the Black Excellence Award represents,” said State Representative Paul Donato. “From his time serving in the Navy during the Civil Rights Movement to his impressive tenure as a Malden City Councilor, Neal has consistently shown his deep commitment to public service and social equity. His leadership has made a long-lasting impact on our community, and we are forever grateful. I congratulate Neal on this well-deserved nomination for this award and recognize his invaluable contributions to Malden and the Commonwealth.” 

“I’m humbled and grateful for this acknowledgment by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus,” said Neal Anderson. “It had been the privilege of my lifetime to serve the community for these many years and to be recognized along with others for what we have done to try to improve the lives and wellbeing of our communities” 

The MBLLC celebrated its 2025 Black Excellence on the Hill on Friday, February 28th at the Massachusetts Statehouse in the Great Hall of Flags. For additional information regarding this event, visit the MBLLC website. 

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Press Contact:

Hannah Li

Office of State Representative Steve Ultrino

Hannah.Li@MAHouse.gov