PROVIDENCE, RI – This afternoon, Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore presented National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Medallion Awards, as well as the NASS John Lewis Youth Leadership Award, to honorees at a State House ceremony.
NASS Medallion Awards are presented by Secretaries of State to individuals or organizations for excellence in categories closely related to the goals of NASS, including elections, civic education, state government services, and philanthropy.
"Each year, it's my honor to recognize some of the incredible civically-engaged individuals and organizations in our state," said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. "We are so fortunate to have such a broad spectrum of civic leaders, whose varied skills, expertise, and interests contribute to a better Rhode Island."
This year, Secretary Amore presented NASS Medallion Awards to the following individuals and organizations: • Chris Butler, Executive Director, IN-SIGHT (formerly the RI Association for the Blind), who has, over the last several years, transcribed ballots into Braille for visually impaired Rhode Island voters. Chris's commitment to voting access has allowed voters with disabilities the chance to vote privately and independently. • Jeffrey Emidy, Executive Director, Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission, a State agency that identifies and protects historic buildings and sites, districts, landscapes, and archaeological sites. Jeff serves as Vice Chairperson of the RI250 Commission, and he has ensured that the semiquincentennial commemoration has honored Rhode Island's role in the American Revolution and fostered civic engagement. • Theresa Moore, Founder and CEO, T-Time Productions, which has a mission to shine the light on untold or little-known histories. In collaboration with students and teachers at the Rhode Island Training School, Theresa undertook the restoration of an historical indigent cemetery and researched the individuals buried there to preserve and share their stories. • Peter F. Neronha, Attorney General, has, in his eight years as Rhode Island's Attorney General, protected Rhode Islanders' right to vote. In coordination with the Department of State, the Attorney General's Office publishes a "Know Your Rights" guide, and the Office accepts and responds to complaints from voters. Attorney General Neronha and his team are defending Secretary Amore in a lawsuit brought by the US Justice Department in their unconstitutional attempt to get private voter information. • South Eastern Economic Development (SEED) Corporation is a regional nonprofit economic development corporation that offers a lower barrier to entry for businesses and entrepreneurs looking to access capital in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including through microloans that can be difficult to obtain through a traditional financial institution. SEED has been a strong partner of the Department's Business Services Division.
In addition, Secretary Amore presented the NASS John Lewis Youth Leadership Award to Daniela Muralles Mendez. The John Lewis Youth Leadership Award recognizes gifted, civic-minded young people who demonstrate leadership abilities, have a passion for social justice, and are motivated to improve the quality of life in their community.
Daniela is a senior of the Met (Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center) School. Central to the Met's curriculum is "Learning Through Internship," and Daniela has used her internship experiences since her freshman year to explore her interest in politics and government. She has interned with the Department of State for nearly two and a half years, and she serves as a State House tour guide.
Soon after she began giving tours, Daniela took the initiative to expand the program to offer tours in Spanish and to include more information about women and people of color in our tours. Daniela did her own outreach to elementary schools in Providence and Pawtucket with high percentages of English Language Learners, and she has given over 25 tours in Spanish. Daniela has also promoted civic engagement through her tours, bringing in groups of other students from the Met School and connecting with young people about how their government works.
Daniela received the Department's Rhode Island Civic Leadership Award in recognition of her outstanding commitment to her school and community, and she is an alum of the Department of State's Rhode Island Civic Leadership Program. Her incredible dedication to the Department of State and to visitors from around the state, country, and world shows her exemplary civic engagement.
"Serving as a State House tour guide requires individuals to display tremendous professionalism and a deep understanding of Rhode Island history," said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. "Daniela has demonstrated both of those qualities, and more – going above and beyond the typical requirements of the role to make our program more inclusive and informative. We are immensely grateful for her contributions and she is very deserving of this award."
Honorees received their awards at a ceremony in the State Library.
To learn more about NASS and NASS awards, visit https://www.nass.org/about-nass/awards.
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