Girls Inc. Names 'She Knows Where She's Going' Award Recipient

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Carolyn Valli will be recognized with the Girls Inc.'s "She Knows Where She's Going" Award, to be presented at the Ruth P. Boraski Celebration Evening on Thursday, May 3.

Presented annually since 1990, the "She Knows Where She's Going" award recognizes a strong, smart, and bold Berkshire County woman, who, through her leadership and example, exemplifies the values of Girls Inc. of the Berkshires.

Valli has been the executive director of Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity since 2007 and has been a lead proponent of improving access to services for under-resourced Pittsfield residents. 

"Carolyn has been an integral part of our community and has worked tirelessly to help resident's access resources to enable many to realize the dream of homeownership," said Kelly Marion, CEO of the Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center, home of Girls Inc. of the Berkshires. "Through her leadership, Central Berkshire Habitat has been recognized as one of the area's most effective organizations for helping residents break the cycle of poverty. Carolyn most certainly seems to know where she's going and how to get there."

Past honorees include P. Keyburn Hollister, Barbara M. Callahan, Katherine M. O'Brien, Gilda H. Palano, Jane P. Bresnahan, Joan McFalls, Maria S. Brodeur, Marilyn L. Sperling, Margaret Downing, Tracy Ruberto, Kay Klem, Beth Wallace, June Roy-Martin, Gwen Davis-Ouillette, Gail Molari, Sr. Julia Sullivan, Julianne Boyd, Carole Siegel, Dr. Maria Sirois, Jeannie Norris, Nancy Woitkowski, Beth Mitchell, Dr. Mary Grant, Shirley Edgerton, Kate Maguire, Ellen Kennedy, Ruth Blodgett and Brenda Burdick.

The Celebration Evening also recognizes the accomplishments of girls who will be graduating from Berkshire County high schools and furthering their education. This year, Girls Inc. will present $10,000 in scholarships to assist area young women who will be pursuing higher education.  The scholarships are based on demonstrated involvement in community service and financial need. Scholarships are underwritten by the Ruth P. Boraski Funds for Girls Inc. of the Berkshires, Berkshire Community College Foundation, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Rotary Club of Pittsfield and Zonta Club of Berkshire County. Scholarship applications are available online.

For more information on Celebration Evening, including sponsorship opportunities and tickets to the event, contact Pam Knisley, at 413-442-5174, ext. 12, or by email.

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