Our Golden Shoes Awards recognize individuals, agencies, municipalities and companies exemplifying the ideals of WalkMassachusetts’ mission. The winners accept their award during our Annual Celebration on April 10th, which will be in-person starting at 5:30pm (and live streamed starting at 6:30pm) from the Venture Cafe @ 1 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02142. Register here to join us in celebrating & honoring their work!

This year’s Golden Shoe Awards go to…Noemy Rodriguez, First Resource Companies, and The City of Worcester’s Division of Public Health. Congrats to all the winners!

Noemy Rodriguez

Noemy Rodriguez‘s dedication to community engagement and language justice is commendable. Her leadership in the Caminatas initiative has created a space for local community members to address walkability and environmental justice.

We sincerely appreciate Noemy and GreenRoots for their inspiring leadership, which highlights the transformative impact of grassroots organizing in communities. Learn more about Noemy.

First Resource Companies

WalkMassachusetts applauds your efforts to install pedestrian safety measures, especially in Springfield. A new crosswalk and installation of a Rapid Flashing Beacon at the Mason Square Apartments at Indian Motorcycle has provided additional pedestrian safety in the area. Additionally, we acknowledge the positive impact of many of First Resource’s projects on creating walkable community nodes. Your commitment to fostering pedestrian-friendly environments is truly admirable and contributes significantly to the well-being of the community. Read more about First Resource Companies.     

The City of Worcester’s Division of Public Health

WalkMassachusetts extends its gratitude to the City of Worcester Division of Public Health leadership team for their dedication to improving the pedestrian experience and fostering an age-friendly Worcester. We will be recognizing Director Soloe Dennis, Sandy Amoakohene, and Ydalia Heimann with this award. We commend Worcester DPH for their commitment to meaningful community engagement and for setting an example for future Walk Audit Academy cohorts. Your efforts have laid the groundwork for the implementation of Vision Zero strategies in Worcester, and we eagerly anticipate collaborating with you to create safer, more equitable, and inclusive streets and neighborhoods for all residents.  Learn more about the City of Worcester Division of Public Health and the city’s Vision Zero efforts.

Keynote Speaker

Our 2024 Annual Celebration Keynote Speaker this year is Monica Tibbits-Nutt. 

Monica Tibbits-Nutt is the current Secretary and CEO of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). Her responsibilities include overseeing the four divisions of MassDOT, namely Highway, Rail and Transit, Registry of Motor Vehicles, and Aeronautics. She is also a member of the Massport and MBTA Board of Directors. Tibbits-Nutt has extensive experience in transportation planning, urban design, and transit equity. She is committed to educating transportation stakeholders and the public about the planning process and serves as the Vice President of the non-profit Youth Engagement Planning. She is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and is a LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design & Construction with the U.S. Green Building Council. Prior to her appointment as Secretary, she served as Undersecretary of MassDOT and Executive Director of the 128 Business Council. Learn more about Monica.

We hope you’ll join us on Wednesday, April 10th at 5:30pm to celebrate our wonderful honorees!

To read about previous Golden Shoe winners, click here.