KATHLEEN O'BRIEN

Mystic Valley

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Kathleen O'Brien became familiar with ABCD eight years ago in her role as manager of population health initiatives at Cambridge Health Alliance which, along with ABCD, was a member of the Everett Community Health Partnership. 

Much of her work has focused on supporting food justice groups to create or revise policies that support food affordability, access and cultural appropriateness, such as tax incentives and zoning around land use, housing and transportation. She says that delivering workshops and activities that bring people together to feel welcome and safe to discuss food insecurity issues makes her work meaningful and worthwhile. “Being a part of people’s empowerment and shared experiences is like a wellness intervention,” she said.  

“I am so grateful to receive the Community Hero nomination. Being recognized by an organization like ABCD that provides trusted services and which I hold in high regard is an incredible honor,” she said.  

She encourages others to volunteer their time and expertise to experience that “feeling you get when you’re a part of a bigger movement to help others. It just feels so good,” she said. 

Kathleen is a native of Everett and resides there with her husband, two children and six chickens.