Gladys Vega was born to fight for others.
On March 15, our leader, our inspiration, and the President and CEO of La Colaborativa, Gladys Vega, was honored with the Heroes Among Us Award by the Boston Celtics, recognizing her unwavering commitment and humanitarian spirit.
But her true legacy does not live in awards.
It lives in people.
In the mother who found safety.
In the family who found food.
In the immigrant who found protection.
In the neighbor who found a home.
This is what she has built: dignity, hope, and belonging.
Seeing Gladys recognized at center court during Celtics Latino Night was a deeply moving moment. For more than 35 years, she has stood alongside the Chelsea community, fighting, uplifting, and creating opportunities for families through the transformative work of La Colaborativa.
To witness that lifelong dedication celebrated on such a stage meant so much to all of us who know the heart behind the work, and to a community that has grown stronger because of it.
We are grateful to the Boston Celtics for this meaningful recognition and for creating a space that uplifted not only Gladys, but the entire community she represents. It was a proud and unforgettable moment.
Gracias, Gladys, for showing us what it means to truly love and serve our community.
This is how we serve. This is how we keep Levantando al Pueblo.
