2026 Berkshire Nonprofit Awards Honorees Chosen

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires, in partnership with The Berkshire Eagle, has announced the names of 7 honorees receiving recognition at the 9th annual Berkshire Nonprofit Awards on May 19.

The Berkshire Nonprofit Awards recognize the accomplishments and dedication of the people who work in the nonprofit sector.

A panel of 22 judges from the business and nonprofit sectors deliberated via Zoom to choose honorees in each of 7 categories from among over 65 nominations. The honorees are: 

Board Leadership: 

Liliana Atanacio/ Latinas413

Executive Leadership: 

Sabrina Allard/ Railroad Street Youth Project

Samya Rose Stumo Youth Leadership: 

Gloria Williams/ R.O.P.E. & Price Memorial AME Zion Church

Rock Star:

Jennifer Golin/ Child Care of the Berkshires

 Unsung Hero:

Kathryn Benson/ Berkshire Food Project

Volunteer:

Lisa Alberti/ Literacy Volunteers of Berkshire County

Lifetime Achievement:

Cathy Marchetto, RN/ Berkshire Health Systems

"If there was ever a year that revealed the true impact and necessity of our Berkshire County nonprofits, this was it. From food insecurity and housing shortages to disruptions in healthcare and challenges facing our arts and cultural organizations, so many in our community have felt the strain—and witnessed the unwavering commitment of those working behind the scenes to meet it," said Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires Associate Director McCaela Donovan. "On May 19, with the support of our sponsors, NPC will honor seven of these dedicated and creative leaders who continue to inspire their organizations and strengthen our communities. We hope you’ll join us for an uplifting morning as we come together to express our deep gratitude for the nonprofit sector and all who sustain it."

The 2026 Berkshire Nonprofit Awards are made possible by  sponsors: Adams Community Bank, Acrisure/Toole Insurance, 1Berkshire, Beacon Bank, The Berkshire Eagle, Berkshire Healthcare Systems, Berkshires Tomorrow Inc/Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, BlackRock/Donald C. McGraw Foundation, Doctor Sax House, Feigenbaum Foundation, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Jane & Jack Fitzpatrick Trust, Keiter Construction, Liz Albert Fundraising, Mazzone Hospitality, Mungy Design, NBT Bank, Pryjma Petals, Renaissance Investment Group, Tricia McCormack Photography, Warrior Trading and the Wright Collective. 

The Berkshire Nonprofit Awards breakfast will take place on May 19 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Country Club of Pittsfield. The celebration will feature breakfast and networking, a performance by hip hop artist Jackson Whalan, and presentation of awards. NPC founder Liana Toscanini will be honored, and incoming Executive Director Samantha Anderson will be introduced.

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online at npcberkshires.org.

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Reps. Leigh Davis, Bud Williams Filing Legislation Honoring Freeman

SHEFFIELD, Mass. — State Reps. Leigh Davis of the 3rd Berkshire District and Bud L. Williams, of the 11th Hampden District, are filing legislation establishing Aug. 22 as Elizabeth Freeman Day of Equality, Healing, and Remembrance in the commonwealth.
 
The legislation would direct the governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the courageous contributions of Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved Black woman known as Mum Bett, whose landmark freedom suit helped spark the legal end of slavery in Massachusetts.
 
"Elizabeth Freeman's story began here in the Berkshires, but its impact reached every corner of the commonwealth," said Davis. "More than two centuries later, her legacy continues to inspire us. Establishing Elizabeth Freeman Day will ensure that future generations learn not only about her extraordinary bravery, but also about the power of one person to change the course of history."
 
In 1781, Freeman, of Sheffield at the time, challenged the institution of slavery by filing suit against her enslaver, Col. John Ashley. In the landmark case Brom and Bett v. Ashley, a Berkshire County jury ruled in favor of Freeman and her fellow plaintiff, Brom, granting them their freedom. The case demonstrated the power of the Massachusetts Constitution's declaration that all people are born free and equal and helped pave the way for the Quock Walker decisions that ultimately ended slavery in the commonwealth. 
 
"Freeman's courage changed the course of history in Massachusetts," said Williams. "At a time when the odds were stacked against her, she stood up and demanded that the promises of liberty and equality contained in our Constitution apply to her as well. She risked everything to challenge an unjust system, and her victory helped lay the foundation for the end of slavery in our commonwealth. Her legacy deserves to be recognized and remembered by every resident of Massachusetts."
 
Although unable to read or write, Freeman understood the meaning of freedom and equality and took extraordinary action to secure those rights for herself and others. Her story remains one of the most powerful examples of individual courage in the face of injustice. 
 
Elizabeth Freeman Day will provide an opportunity for reflection, education, healing, and remembrance, said Williams. 
 
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