EMPath is thrilled to announce the trifecta of remarkable women who will be receiving the EMPower Award at our upcoming 200th Anniversary Gala on June 6th. We are honored to celebrate Mayor of Boston Michelle Wu, entrepreneur Shellee Mendes, and philanthropist Sandy Edgerley. Last year’s EMPower Award was presented to Governor Maura Healey.

Mayor Wu is the first woman and first person of color to be elected Mayor of Boston. The daughter of immigrants, a Boston Public School mom, and an MBTA rider Mator Wu believes that the key to solving our deepest challenges lies in building community and embracing diversity. In her first week as mayor, she worked with the City Council to make three Boston bus lines—which serve predominantly Black and brown neighborhoods—fare-free for two years. To take decisive action against climate change and improve conditions for Boston Public Schools’ students, teachers, and families, Mayor Wu has launched a Green New Deal for BPS and expanded early childhood services.

Shellee Mendes is the founder/owner/stylist at Salon Monét on Newbury Street and serves a diverse, multicultural clientele. Mendes grew up in housing developments in Roslindale and Dorchester. As a single parent, she and her two small children lived in a Quincy shelter while she worked full-time and put herself through cosmetology school. An inspirational speaker and active philanthropist, Mendes always finds time to support the many causes in which she believes. Her charitable giving focuses on organizations that help children, women and families.

Sandy Edgerley is a trustee of the Edgerley Family Foundation. She has served on more than 15 nonprofit boards and is committed to supporting local and national organizations focused on youth, creating opportunity, providing access to education and community healthcare. Edgerley founded The ‘Quin, a social club in Boston, with husband Paul. A graduate of Harvard Business School, Edgerley was awarded the honor of Distinguished Bostonian from the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce in 2017 and the United Way National Tocqueville award in 2011.

Please join us at this exciting night to celebrate EMPath’s 200-year anniversary, honor incredible women and enjoy amazing food from local female chefs! Tickets to the event and more information can be found here.