Speak for Thyself Awards Dinner 2025

The Alden Kindred of America owns and operates Alden House Historic Site in Duxbury, MA, part of the property settled by Mayflower passengers John and Priscilla Alden and home to generations of their descendants.  Today the Site is designated a National Historic Landmark and offers tours of the Alden family home and archaeological foundation of the Alden's original Duxbury home, education programs  and offers assistance for those seeking to certify their lineage to John and Priscilla.

Alden Kindred of America

The 18th Speak for Thyself Awards Dinner celebrates outstanding women in the spirit of Priscilla Mullins Alden.

Jones River Trading Post

The 18th Speak for Thyself Awards will recognize three remarkable women who have paved the way as pioneers, advocates, and leaders in their communities: Jennifer Cummings Hillery, Reading, MA, Michele Pecoraro, Plympton, MA, and Kimberly Phipps-Nichol, Houston, TX. In addition, Duxbury High School Senior Maeve Downes will be recognized with the "Aspiring Priscilla" award for her exceptional potential and contributions.These honorees embody the spirit of Priscilla Mullins Alden, the courageous Mayflower passenger who spoke for herself and inspired generations.The Alden Kindred of America owns and operates the Alden House National Historic Site, part of the property granted to Mayflower passengers John and Priscilla Mullins Alden and home to generations of their descendants. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, Alden House welcomes visitors from around the world to explore one of America's founding stories through guided tours of the museum and educational programs.The awards dinner will be held at the picturesque Jones River Trading Post in Kingston.<a href="https://alden.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/AKA-Speak-2025-Sponsorship-Opportunities-final-QR-code.pdf" title="https://alden.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/AKA-Speak-2025-Sponsorship-Opportunities-final.pdf" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">To be a sponsor, please click here.</a>Cocktails, Dinner, Awards Program. Tickets $85.

Jennifer Cummings Hillery is the Co-Founder of Redwood Speaking LLC, where she empowers individuals and organizations to master public speaking. Previously, she led a women’s speaking club and began her journey as an Assistant District Attorney, earning the Justice Ruth Abrams Award for her advocacy. Her storytelling accomplishments include winning a Moth StorySLAM and appearing on “Stories from the Stage.” Jennifer’s expertise blends courtroom advocacy with storytelling, helping clients craft compelling narratives. She holds degrees from Skidmore College and Northeastern University School of Law, serves on Skidmore’s Alumni Board, is a member of the Alden Kindred of America, and has been an elected Town Meeting Member for nine years. Outside of work, she enjoys nature with her husband, three children, and two dogs.

Michele Pecoraro, of Plympton, MA, has dedicated her career to leadership in cultural tourism, non-profit administration, and marketing, impacting Massachusetts cultural and historical organizations. As Executive Director of Plymouth 400, Inc. (2016–2021), Michele led commemorations of the Mayflower's voyage and the Plymouth Colony’s founding, uniquely amplifying Wampanoag Indigenous voices. It was the first time indigenous people were invited to have their voices represented in the planning of a commemoration of Plymouth Colony. Amid the pandemic, she adapted events digitally to preserve the anniversary’s spirit. She also developed the Massachusetts 400 initiative to extend this momentum through key anniversaries. Michele's roles include Vice President of Operations at the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and Marketing Manager at Plimoth Plantation. Now an independent consultant, Ideaz Ablaze, LLC, her strategic expertise and statewide connections elevate her clients' projects locally, nationally, and internationally.

Kimberly Phipps-Nichol of Houston, Texas, founded Blue Water Studio in 2004, an award-winning design firm that assists communities in transforming formerly scarred and contaminated places into healthy, revitalized community-centric spaces. She is also co-founder of RoKi Design, a silk scarf company producing sustainable, wearable works of art.Kimberly is a member of the Alden Kindred of America and the Lady Washington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution through her late mother, Martha (Phipps) Nichol. Kimberly was purpose-built by her parents to leverage her privilege for the benefit of those less fortunate. As a “neuro-spicy” only child, Kimberly started using her voice from a very young age. Martha frequently had to tell people: “Don’t be offended by Kimberly, her brain just works differently.”A Rotarian, a stroke survivor, and community organizer, Kimberly proposed to her husband, Dr. Nguyen “Tom” Griggs, and is a bonus mom to a 16-year-old teenage boy (prayers welcome).

Maeve Downes, a senior at Duxbury High School, plans to pursue an undergraduate degree and a clinical doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Passionate about disability advocacy, sustainability, and yoga, Maeve is a Duxbuds Club officer fostering friendships between people with and without disabilities. As President of the Sustainability Club, she organized pollinator gardens and thrift stores to promote eco-friendly practices. A bassist in the DHS string ensemble, Maeve has taught young musicians and performed at venues like Carnegie Hall. She volunteers at the Standish Humane Society, completed her 200-hour yoga instructor training, and teaches yoga. Maeve also works at a local bookstore, spends time with a young man with spastic quadriplegia, and provides childcare for Duxbury families.

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Speak for Thyself Awards Dinner 2025

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