Boston, MA (July 10, 2025) – The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) is proud to announce that Carmen Nieves, Executive Director of Alianza DV Services, will be honored with the 2025 Gladys Vega Outstanding Community Leader Award at the annual Catalyst for Change event on September 18th, 2025. Debuted in 2023, this distinguished award recognizes exceptional leaders who champion the rights of their communities across Massachusetts.
“We are deeply honored to recognize Carmen Nieves with the Gladys Vega Outstanding Community Leader Award,” said Georgia Katsoulomitis, Executive Director of MLRI. “Carmen’s unwavering dedication to survivors of domestic violence, her visionary leadership at Alianza, and her commitment to community education and empowerment have transformed lives in Holyoke and across the Commonwealth. Her advocacy and collaborative spirit embody the heart of our mission at MLRI.”
Carmen Nieves has devoted more than two decades to Alianza (formerly Womanshelter/Compañeras), rising through the organization to become Executive Director after serving as a program leader. She is widely recognized as a champion for survivors of domestic violence, both locally and statewide. Carmen has played a key role on numerous domestic violence advisory committees and is a sought-after bilingual trainer on domestic and intimate partner violence. Her innovative approaches to program development and community collaboration have set new standards for survivor-centered support.
Since its founding in 1980 as a grassroots collective, Alianza has sheltered more than 10,000 women and children and assisted over 22,000 others through its community-based programs. Each year, Alianza provides safe shelter for 80 to 100 women and 140 children, and continues to empower those whose lives are affected by battering and abuse.
“It is a privilege to be recognized by the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, an organization that shares our commitment to justice, dignity, and empowerment for all,” said Carmen Nieves. “This award is a testament to the strength of our community. Together, we will continue to empower survivors and walk with them on their journey to safety, healing, and hope.”
This is the third Gladys Vega Outstanding Community Leader Award bestowed by MLRI. The first was awarded in 2023 to its namesake, the Executive Director of La Colaborativa. Last year, MLRI recognized Dr. Geralde Gabeau of Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI) with the award.
The 2025 Catalyst for Change event will be held on September 18 at Mintz, and will raise money for MLRI’s new Massachusetts Legal Aid & Community Education (LACE) Project. The LACE Project coordinates statewide poverty law training and works with community partners to empower community members regarding their rights.
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About the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
Founded in 1968, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) is a nonprofit poverty law and policy program that provides statewide advocacy and leadership in advancing laws, policies, and practices that secure economic, racial, and social justice for low-income people and communities. To learn more, visit MLRI.org.
Media Contact
Madeline Graf, mgraf@mlri.org , 617-357-0700 ext. 368