Mayor Gary Christenson was the recipient of the 2023 SCI “Connect for Community Impact Award” on behalf of the Malden community. The award is presented annually by Eastern Bank as part of the SCI Social Capital Inc. Connect & Inspire Series. It is presented to recognize a community that is effectively collaborating across sectors to create a vibrant and healthy community for all its residents.
CEO of Eastern Bank, Bob Rivers, nominated Malden to receive this community award as part of the 2023 SCI Connect & Inspire series. “Since becoming Mayor in 2012, Gary Christenson has established Malden as a vibrant Gateway City, with a lively downtown, effective cross-sector collaboration and inclusive economic development,” said Bob Rivers. “Mayor Christenson is a true social capitalist, always seeking out opportunities to connect with the increasingly diverse community.”
The award presentation to Mayor Christenson was followed by a panel discussion on cross-sector collaboration to promote healthy, equitable communities. Joining the Mayor on the panel were Boston City Councilor At Large Julia Mejia, Rahn Dorsey from the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, and Jay Wong from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Bob Rivers moderated the panel.
SCI is a nonprofit organization with a mission to strengthen communities by connecting diverse individuals and organizations through civic engagement initiatives. SCI serves the Greater Boston area, including partnering with Malden organizations working on vaccine equity.
SCI has historically held an annual awards program at which individuals who are making a difference are recognized. Since 2016, SCI has recognized one gateway city with the Connect for Community Impact award sponsored by SCI Corporate Sponsor Eastern Bank. This award recognizes a community in which diverse individuals have come together for the common good with inspiring results. Following the award ceremony there was a question-and-answer panel.
Pictured (from left):
Police Chief Glenn Cronin; Malden Resident Alyssa Adai; Business Owner Ralph Long; Kashawna Harling, Malden Career Services Coordinator; Tamerlie Roc, Board of Health Communication Specialist; Robert Rivers, Chair and CEO of Eastern Bank; Mayor Gary Christenson; Angie Liou, Executive Director ACDC; Elena Martinez, Language Access Coordinator; State Representative Kate Lipper Garabedian; Dan McGrath, Senior Vice President Berkeley Investments; Deborah Burke, Director of Strategic Planning and Community Development; and Sandi Silk, Senior Vice President of Jefferson Apartment Group