The Newton Fair and Affordable Housing Partnership and Mayor Marc Laredo recently presented the 2026 Sheila Mondshein Award to Jini Fairley and Josephine McNeil for their leadership in promoting fair housing in Newton.

As the Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator for Newton until her recent retirement, Fairley advocated for accessible and affordable housing throughout the city. McNeil founded Can-Do, a nonprofit provider of affordable housing in Newton, and actively promoted fair and affordable housing throughout her career.

Elizabeth Matos, chief of the Civil Rights Division within the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, praised Fairley and McNeil for “standing up and using your voice to advocate for people,” particularly as the federal government pulls back on fair housing enforcement.

Noting that Massachusetts’ protections go far beyond those enshrined in the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Mayor Laredo said, “We are not afraid to do the right thing and protect the most vulnerable among us.” State Representative Amy Sangiolo read a legislative citation praising the work of the women.

Mayor Marc Laredo presents Josephine McNeil with the 2026 Sheila Mondshein Award for her leadership in promoting fair housing. Photo by Joe Hunter

Mayor Marc Laredo presents Jini Fairley with the 2026 Sheila Mondshein Award for her leadership in promoting fair housing. Photo by Joe Hunter