Boston Center for Independent Living > BCIL Marie Feltin Award Ceremony

BCIL Marie Feltin Award Ceremony

This event honors individuals and institutions who exemplify the pioneering spirit of the late DR. MARIE FELTIN, a tireless advocate for disabled and chronically ill patients. Marie was a founder of Boston’s Community Medical Group, East Boston Health Center’s Home Care Program and the Urban Medical Group, neighborhood healthcare services that focused on encouraging patients to become actively involved in their care as a critical means to bettering their health. Marie was always available for her patients and was a modern day pioneer in providing medical care to society’s most neglected and vulnerable populations. The ceremony is held in support of BCIL, and as a tribute to Marie’s legacy, which epitomizes BCIL’s mission of empowering individuals with disabilities to take control of their lives and live independently. BCIL promotes the CIVIL RIGHTS of all people with disabilities and our ENERGIZED ADVOCACY and SERVICES support and help create EQUAL ACCESS to healthcare, affordable housing, accessible transportation, and ADA compliance for thousands of Greater Boston residents each year, leading many to jobs, an education, and SELF-SUFFICIENCY for themselves and their families.

Watch Marie’s story and learn more about BCIL’s Annual Award Ceremony:

29th Annual BCIL Marie Feltin Award Ceremony

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at the Union Hall of 32BJ, 26 West Street, Boston, MA 02111

We invite you to support the BCIL Marie Feltin Award Ceremony, an event honoring individuals exemplifying the spirit of the late Dr. Marie Feltin, a tireless advocate for people with disabilities and those with chronic health conditions. She was a modern-day pioneer, helping found Boston’s Community Medical Group, East Boston Health Center’s Home Care Program, and the Urban Medical Group, focusing on care for marginalized and vulnerable populations.

The BCIL Marie Feltin Award Ceremony supports BCIL’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities to control their lives and live independently. We promote the civil rights of all people with disabilities and our energized services and advocacy advance equal access to healthcare, affordable housing, and transportation for thousands of Greater Boston residents, leading many to jobs, housing, and self-sufficiency.

The ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 12 from 6:00 – 8 :00 p.m. in the union hall of SEIU 32BJ, 26 West Street, Boston. The ceremony will have a real grassroots flavor— which reflects the great work of our award winners and the work before us in very challenging times.

Please note that with increasing financial pressures on organizations such as independent living centers and a very significant need to advocate for people with disabilities, we elected to gather BCIL’s constituency and friends in a decidedly grassroots way this year. The site of the event evokes advocacy and organizing— it will be distinct in appearance from past ceremonies, though for sure embracing the spirit of community that the BCIL Marie Feltin Ceremony embraces. Space will be limited so you must register to attend.

This year’s award winners are:

Mic Cepeda: Community Activist and Vital Plaintiff in the MBTA Lawsuit

Vicky Pulos: Steadfast Attorney with Mass Law Reform Institute

Reggie Clark: Advocate Who Left Fernald and Became a Champion of Disability Rights

Sponsorship Opportunities – For sponsorship information, to purchase tickets or questions about the event, please
contact Susan Smith at ssmith@bostoncil.org or 617-338-6665 x 210.

2026 BCIL Marie Feltin sponsor information

Sponsorship Categories and Benefits 2026

Ad-Specs-BCIL-Feltin-2026

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28th Annual BCIL Marie Feltin Award Ceremony
2025 honorees

Dianna Hu – Software Engineer by Day, Disability Activist by Life!

Kim Shellenberger– Dedicated Health Care Advocate & Builder of Vital Services and Programs.

Marie Gentile (posthumously) – Exemplar of Independent Living through courage, determination, and faith at home and in the community.

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27th Annual BCIL Marie Feltin Award Ceremony

2023 Honorees:

Henry Korman – Housing Justice Champion and Civil Rights Advocate

Dr. Nadia Valentin – Passionate and Compassionate Clinician and Entrepreneur Unmasking the Stigma of Disability Care

Carine Luxama, RN – Lifelong Learner and Student Dedicated to Serving Underserved Communities

Alex Green – Educator, Advocate, Writer, and Scholar on the History of Disability Institutions in America

BCIL 2023 Marie Feltin Program book

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26th Annual BCIL Marie Feltin Award Ceremony

2022 Honorees:

Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) during the Pandemic – Countless PCAs have provided invaluable service to persons with disabilities during the Covid crisis. We salute all PCAs, who will be represented by Maria Alejandra Alessio, Gwendolyn Brown, and Ruiyi Tan, members of 1199SEIU, the PCA union.
Taciana Ribeiro-Saab of the Boston Center for Independent Living – a longtime activist for equity and services, is directing BCIL’s new satellite office in Dorchester and has led the organization’s vigorous antiracism efforts.
Dan Manning of Greater Boston Legal Services – has litigated numerous cases with the GBLS team to advance rights and services for low-income people for decades, including the ADA class-action lawsuit against the MBTA

BCIL 2022 Marie Feltin Program book

25th Annual BCIL Marie Feltin Award Ceremony

2021 Honorees:

Dr. Thea James – Unwavering interrogator of the status quo
Howard Trachtman – Champion for peer services, self-determination, and independence for persons with mental illness
Jim Wice – Lifelong disability advocate for adaptive sports and access to higher education and jobs

25th Annual BCIL Marie Feltin Award Program Book

PCA Recognition

2020 Honorees

Zary Amirhosseini – Champion of InclusAbility in healthcare through education and accommodation
Mala Rafik – Believer in the hard, unglamorous work of advocacy and justice
Shirley Simmons and Darryl K. Williams (posthumous) – Turning hate into love: A mother’s and son’s contribution

2020 BCIL Marie Feltin Award Ceremony

2019 Honorees

Catherine Hardaway – Dedicated Social Justice Advocate, Champion of Elder Rights, Supporter of Youth, Families, People with Disabilities and Business Diversity, a Builder of an Inclusive Society Brick by Brick
Nancy Lorenz – Leader in Health Care Justice, Stalwart Advocate for Disability Rights, Spirited Defender of Consumer-Controlled PCA Services
John Ruiz – Empowered 36-year Survivor of the AIDS Epidemic Using Lived Experience to Empower Marginalized Individuals to Take Control of Their Health and Well-Being, Supporting Consumer Voice and the Fight Against Stigma

Photos from the 2019 BCIL Marie Feltin Award Ceremony

2019 Honorees standing holding their awards

People eat dinner while live music plays.

A group of people gathering for a photo.

Person in a wheelchair takes a photo with a person in a gray suit.

People talking to each other in a ballroom.

Two people and a person in a wheelchair posing for a photo.

People talking to each other outside the ballroom.

A wide shot of the ballroom as people have dinner.

A pair of BCIL employees taking a group photo. One points at their name tag.

A person introduces someone at the podium while another person offers sign language interpretation.

Three people stand in the doorway for a group photo.

Person in a black suit gestures to the podium..

Two people smile for a photo holding drinks in their hands.

Person with a grey suit speaks while another person holds a purse.

2019 honoree stands holding their award.

Four people seated at a table enjoy refreshments.

Person in wheelchair wearing red sweater reads from paper

Three people seated at a table take a picture while having refreshments.

Three people group together for a photo outside the ballroom.

People gather in the ballroom talking and having refreshments before the event begins.

Two people in wheelchairs and a person with crutches take a group photo.

A person in a floral dress speaks at podium.

Various groups of people speak with each other.

People speaking to each other in the ballroom..

A person with a drink in their hand takes a photo with a person in a wheelchair.

A person a striped sweater takes a photo with a person in a wheelchair.

Person in a mint green blazer speaks at podium

People seated at a table speaking to each other.

Four people grouped together and smiling for a photo.

People smiling for a photo in the ballroom.

Person in gray suit speaking at podium about person in black suit.

People seated at a table talk to each other.

Person in a striped sweater speaks at the podium.

A group of attendees get together for a photo.

A wide shot of people eating dinner in the main room. At the head of the room is a large projector.

A person in a wheelchair and a person standing next to them smile for a photo.

Attendees speaking to each other in the ballroom.

Two people seated at the registration table smile for a photo.

Two people smile for a photo seated in easy chairs..

Two people smile for a photo in the lobby.

Two people smile for a photo. One on the right is seated in a wheelchair.

Six people grouping together for a photo.

Two people smile for a photo in the ballroom.

Two people holding drinks smile for a photo in the ballroom.

Person in a suit speaking at the podium.

Two people, one in a wheelchair, smile for a photo.

Three people take a group photo among the guests.

A person in a wheelchair smiles for a photo while holding a drink.

A group of people talk among themselves in the ballroom.

Three people assist with handing out name badges at the registration table.

A person speaks at the podium while another person in a suit stands to the left.

A wide shot of the main room as attendees watch a presentation.

Some people seated or standing for a photo.

Two people posing for photo while one holds award plaque.

Four people at registration table smiling for photo.

People, two in wheelchairs and two standing, speaking to each other.

2018 Honorees:

Taramattie Doucette – Tireless Advocate Defending the Rights of Children and Adults with Disabilities and Mentor to Tomorrow’s Advocates
Chris Hart – Spirited Activist for Equal Access
Linda Landry – Advocate for Justice, Superstar Teammate

Photos from the 2018 BCIL Marie Feltin Award Ceremony

Three people, one in a wheelchair, present their awards at event. — 2018 BCIL Marie Feltin Award winners

A person wearing a dark suit writes a bid on an item in the silent auction. — silent auction

A person wearing a suit in a wheelchair examines some of the silent auction items while another person in a blue dress shirt bids on an item. — silent auction

People at the registration table smile for a picture.

Staff assist guests at the registration table.

A person in a wheelchair wearing a black shawl speaks with another guest while a child stands next to them.

A wide view of the lobby as guests arrive for the event.

A person wearing a gray dress sits in a highback chair speaking to a person in a wheelchair.

A person in a dark gray suit and red staff badge speaks with a person wearing a blue dress shirt.

A person in a wheelchair wearing a green dress talks with other people and gestures with her hands.

A group of people make conversation before the event.

A person wearing a blue puffer jacket and glasses is seated in a wheelchair.

A person in a gray dress shirt smiles with a drink in their hand.

Two people in wheelchairs talk to each other.

A person in wheelchair listens in on a conversation.

A person wearing a black dress smiles for a photo.

A person in a black suit speaks with two people in wheelchairs.

Staff assisting guests at the registration table.

A person wearing a black suit and lavender dress shirt converses with a person wearing a red BCIL T-shirt.

Staff member in checkered shirt smiles at camera for photo outside the grand ballroom.

Three staff members smile for a group photo at the registration table outside the grand ballroom.

A staff member shakes hands with a person in a wheelchair.

A group of people converse with a person in a wheelchair.

A group of people talk among themselves.

A group of people get together for a group photo.

A person in a red blouse embraces a person in a wheelchair.

A group of people engage in conversation over refreshments.

A person in an olive green suit jacket speaks to other people.

Three people talk among themselves with drinks.

A staff member converses with a person in a wheelchair.

A group of eleven people get together for a photo.

People talk within a group over refreshments in a ballroom.

Three people engage in conversation over refreshments.

A person with a dark suit jacket and striped tie converses with a person in a wheelchair wearing a dark jacket.

A person in a black suit and red tie speaks to a group of people in wheelchiairs.

A staff member in a gray suit smiles during a conversation.

A person in a wheelchair talks with a person in a brown suit jacket.

Three people in wheelchairs listen as a person speaks to them.

A guest in a wheelchair checks in at the registration table.

A pair of guests in suits engage in conversation.

A person in a dark suit plays an electric bass.

A group of people smile for a photo at dinner.

Seven guests seated at tables smile for a photo.

Three guests seated at a table smile for a photo.

A group of people pose for a photo outside the ballroom.

Three guests seated at a table smile for a photo while two people stand behind them.

Four guests seated at a table smile for a photo.

A pair of guests attending the event smile for a photo during dinner.

Guests attending the event smile for a photo during dinner.

Guests attending the event converse during dinner.

A person in a blue dress stands at an electric keyboard and sings into a microphone while a pair of people in suits play guitars.

A person in a blue dress stands at an electric keyboard and sings into a microphone while a pair of people play guitars.

A person in a blue dress stands at an electric keyboard and sings into a microphone.

Guests attending the award ceremony dinner.

A child in a lavender dress, a person in a wheelchair and person holding a cane smile for a group photo.

Staff members seated for dinner smile for a group photo.

A person in a blue dress sings into a microphone.

A live band plays music to the audience while a person in a blue dress sings into a microphone.

A person wearing a pink shirt and black sweater vest reads from a tablet to the audience.

A person wearing a pink shirt and black sweater vest seated in a wheelchair reads from a tablet.

A person in a gray suit stands at the podium and addresses the next honoree award.

A person in a wheelchair wearing a white sweater a light brown scarf speaks to the audience.

A person in a dark gray suit addresses the audience at the podium.

An interpreter translates for someone speaking to the audience.

A person wearing a suit and glasses reads from a podium.

Audience watches a slideshow presentation.

Speaker in black suit and red tie addresses audience at podium.

Slideshow presentation displays various photos of people with disabilities rallying for equality.

Person in brown suit speaks at podium to audience.

Person with gray scarf speaks at podium during event.

A speaker in a black suit and red tie addresses the audience.

Speaker at podium announces 2018 honoree award winner.

2018 honoree steps up to podium to receive award.

2018 honoree speaks at podium about receiving award.

Slideshow gives information about 2018 honoree.

Person speaks to audience about award honoree.

Person speaks to audience while interpreter stands nearby to offer sign language.

Slideshow presents honoree to audience. Screen depicts person in a wheelchair on a platform.

A person in a dark gray suit sits off to the side of the podium.

A speaker in blue shirt stands at podium while interpreter uses sign language nearby.

Person seated in wheelchair accepts award from a person in a gray suit.

Person seated in wheelchair gives speech for accepting award.

2017 Honorees:

Robin Callahan – Leader in Public Service Dedicated to Advancing Access to Quality Health Care
Jeff Keilson – Lifelong Innovator and Champion of Self-Determination for Individuals and Families
Disability Policy Consortium – Advocates for Disability Rights: About Us, By Us

Photos from the 2017 BCIL Marie Feltin Award Ceremony

Three people and person in a wheelchair take a group photo.

Two people in wearing purple suit jackets and a person in a pink blouse take a group photo in the ballroom.

Two guests in dark brown suits smile for a group photo.

Two guests stand with two other guests seated in wheelchairs for a group photo.

Four staff members at the registration smile for a photo.

Two staff members at the registration smile for a photo.

A guest in a black suit speaks with a guest in a wheelchair wearing a black vest.

Wide view of the lobby where the guests have arrived.

Two people in dark brown suits smile for a picture.

A person in a blue dress converses with a person wearing an olive green coat in a power wheelchair.

Attendees converse with each other before the event begins.

People are standing and talking with a staff member of BCIL.

Guests check in at the registration table.

Two people and a person in a wheelchair talk to each other in the ballroom.

Two people and a person in a wheelchair talk to each other in the ballroom over drinks.

Two people talk to each other in the ballroom over drinks.

Two people get together for a group photo.

Three people get together for a group photo.

People are standing and talking with a guest in a wheelchair..

People are standing and talking. — People are standing and talking

A staff member of BCIL takes a picture with another guests.

A staff member of BCIL takes a picture with two other guests.

Five people get together for a group photo.

Two BCIL staff members take a picture together.

Staff members get together for a group photo at the registration table.

A person in a dark suit sits for a photo in a chair.

Wide view of the guests having drinks in the ballroom. — Crowd of people talking

Four people, one in a wheelchair, take a group photo.

The three Marie Feltin Awards to be presented.

Wide view of the ballroom as guests have dinner. — Crowd of people talking

One of the honoree awards. Blue plaque on a dark wood base.

Wide view of the ballroom as speaker addresses audience. — Crowd of people talking

A table of guests have dinner and make conversation. — Crowd of people talking

A table of guests have dinner and smile for a group photo. — Crowd of people talking

Wide view of the guests having dinner in the ballroom. — Crowd of people talking

Three people seated at a table take a picture. — Women smiilling

Two people at a table take a picture while a third person looks away. — Women smiling

A speaker wearing a dark gray suit stands at the podium and reads from a prompt while a speaker in a lavender dress shirt sits in a wheelchair to the right of the podium reading from a tablet. — man is talking into a mic.

A speaker wearing a dark gray suit stands at the podium while a speaker in a lavender dress shirt sits in a wheelchair to the right of the podium reading from a tablet. — man is talking into a mic.

Slideshow shows a sunrise at Winthrop Beach. — picture of Winthop Beach

Person is talking into a mic, while a person in a wheelchair sits to the left. — man is talking into a mic.

A person in a striped blouse prepares the speech for a speaker in a wheelchair. — Women in the wheelchair talking into a mic.

Person in an electric wheelchair talking into a microphone. — Women in the wheelchair talking into a mic.

A person stands at the podium speaking to the audience. — Women talking into a mic.

A person stands at the podium speaking to the audience while a person in a power wheelchair watches nearby. — Women talking into a mic.

A speaker in a gray suit presents an honoree award to a person at the podium. — man is talking into a mic. While giving the man at the potium a reward.

An award honoree speaks to the podium. — man is talking into a mic.

Person is talking into a mic to the audience. — man is talking into a mic.

A staff member of BCIL poses with an honoree award winner.

Person in wheelchair speaks to audience. — Man in wheel chair talking

Person in dark suit to left of speaker in wheelchair addresses audience. — Man talking

Two people speaking to a crowd of people about BCIL. — man and woman speaking to a crowd of people about Bcil.

Person at podium speaking to a crowd of people about BCIL. — woman speaking to a crowd of people about Bcil.

Person at podium speaking to a crowd of people. — man is talking into a mic.

Person in wheelchair is talking while person in dark gray suit holds the mic. — man in wheelchair is talking whikle man holds the mic.

Person in wheelchair is given an award by person at podium. — man in wheelchair isghetting a reward.

Person in wheelchair is talking into a mic, while a person stands and holds it. — man in wheelchair is talking into a mic. While a man stands and holds it.

Person in wheelchair is talking into a microphone and reading speech. — man in wheelchair is talking into a mic.

Person in wheelchair is talking into a microphone. — man in wheelchair is talking into a mic.

Person in wheelchair is talking into a microphone while a person holds it. — man in wheelchair is talking into a mic while a woman holds it.

2017 Honoree sits with others for a group photo.

2016 Honorees:

Kate Nordahl – Spirited Leader for Innovative Medicaid Policy & Programs in Massachusetts
Neil Cronin – Tenacious Activist &Strategist for Disability, HIV, & Poverty Issues for Three Decades
Peggy Johnson and Lauren Easton – Inspired Champions & Designers of Community-Based Mental Health Services at Commonwealth Care Alliance

Photos from the 2016 BCIL Marie Feltin Award Ceremony

2016 Feltin Award Winners pose together: (l-r) Neil Cronin, Laura Easton, Peggy Johnson, and Kate Nordahl

Speaker presents 2016 winner with their award. — Bill Henning presents Kate Nordahl with her award

2016 winner speaks at podium. — Kate Nordahl

Guest speaker addresses audience at podium.

Person seated in wheelchair sits next to seated person strumming a guitar as the two sing a duet.

Person seated in wheelchair sits next to seated person strumming a guitar.

BCIL staff member and 2016 honoree winner pose together. — Bill Henning and Neil Cronin pose together

BCIL staff member shakes 2016 honoree's hand at podium. — BILL Henning shakes Neil Cronin’s hand.

Speaker stands at the podium, presenting 2016 winner with their award. — Bill Henning stands at the podium, presenting Neil Cronin with his award

2016 honoree speaking to the audience. — Neil Cronin speaking.

Person in blue jacket speaks into microphone. Honoree stands behind them.

Person speaks into the microphone. Honoree stands behind them.

Person in blue coat speaks at podium with person in blue blouse standing to right of podium. — Peggy Johnson speaks at the podium, with Laura Easton standing to her left.

Speaker smiles as they speak into the microphone.

Honoree speaks into the microphone while person stands to her left.

Person in patterned dress speaks at podium.

Speaker at podium addresses audience while person in electric wheelchair is seated to their left.

Speaker holds the microphone for person in wheelchair, to their left.

Attendees seated in the ballroom for a group photo.

Four guests smile for the camera, seated around their table.

Four guests smile for the camera, seated around their table in wheelchairs.

Six attendees seated in the ballroom for a group photo..

Attendees seated in the ballroom. A projector screen is open at the front of the room.

Attendees seated at tables in the ballroom. A projector screen is open at the front of the room.

A pair of guests get their picture taken.

A pair of guests converse in the ballroom.

Attendees talk among themselves while seated in the ballroom.

Three guests seated at a table have their photo taken.

A pair of guests, one seated in a wheelchair, have their picture taken.

Three guests converse over refreshments.

A group of attendees converse over refreshments.

BCIL staff at the 2016 Marie Feltin Awards.

A pair of guests have their picture taken.

Two people and two children have their picture taken.

A person and two children have their picture taken.

A group of people have their picture taken.

Guests engage in conversation over refreshments.

Five people get together for a group picture.

Attendees seated in the ballroom conversing over refreshments.

A person in a wheelchair has his photo taken.

Attendees in the ballroom conversing over refreshments.

Three guests and a BCIL staff member take a photo together.

Four people, one in a wheelchair, smile for a picture.

Two people, one in a wheelchair, smile for a picture.

A person in a wheelchair smiles for the camera.

A BCIL staff member takes a picture with two people in wheelchairs.

A BCIL staff member takes a picture with four guests, two people in wheelchairs.

Four guests take a picture, two people in wheelchairs.

A pair of guests engage in conversation over drinks.

A pair of guests, one in a wheelchair, smile for a picture.

A BCIL staff member has their photo taken with two guests.

A person seated in a wheelchair takes a photo next to a child in a white dress.

Two BCIL staff members organize guest name tags.

BCIL staff welcome attendees to the Marie Feltin Awards.

A person in a wheelchair and a person on crutches smile for a photo.

A person in a wheelchair and four other people get together for a photo.

2015 Honorees:

Laura P. Brelsford – Leader for Equal Access & Inclusion in Transportation
Jean Flatley McGuire, PhD – Leader for consumer-driven public health & disability policy
Lisa Sloane – Leader for housing and disability rights and super soccer mom