Speak for Thyself Awards Dinner

The 17th Speak for Thyself Awards will recognize three outstanding women who, in the spirit of Mayflower passenger Priscilla Mullins Alden, have led the way to promote extraordinary outcomes in their communities by speaking on behalf of themselves and others as pioneers, advocates, and leaders. Sponsored by the Alden Kindred of America, this year's awards will honor Pauline Kezer, Pat Dowd, and Susie Caliendo at a dinner on May 15 at the Jones River Trading Post in Kingston. Hannah Stout will be recognized with the "Aspiring Priscilla" award.

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 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.

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Cocktails, Dinner, Awards Program. Tickets $85.

Pauline Kezer, from Old Saybrook, Connecticut, has cast a wide net of public service that ranges from helping to found the Connecticut Komen Race for the Cure and being a National Board Member of Girl Scouts of the USA, to her 20-year political career that began in local government and as a state representative and culminated with her election to become the Connecticut Secretary of State. Pauline's mother brought her to Duxbury for summer vacations as a child so that she could be close to her Alden family roots and today she serves as the president of the Alden Kindred of America. As president, she has shepherded the organization through a $2.3 million campaign to build the Center for Living History that will share the Alden story for the next generation.

Susie Caliendo has been a well-known and effective community leader in Duxbury for decades. She launched her business career as a successful home staging consultant whose work has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens and the Wall Street Journal. Her consulting expertise is the foundation of her real estate brand, “Susie Sells Houses by The Seashore,” which has led the industry in Duxbury for three years running. Susie has a generous community spirit and her volunteer efforts are numerous. They include helping organize the Duxbury Beach Reservation's annual "Beach Dance" event, fundraising for the Ellison Center and the Duxbury Art Association, and serving as a five-year key volunteer for decorating the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society's much-loved "King Caesar House Christmas."

Patricia Dowd, a native of New York City, was one of the first women to graduate from Fordham University’s School of Business and moved to Duxbury in 1976 with her husband. While raising four daughters, she founded a bookkeeping business, served on the Holy Family Church Parish Council, and was active in the Duxbury Newcomers organization, and the local PTA. She co-founded a high school parent’s group in the 1980s. Turning her attention to local government, Pat served three terms on the Finance Committee and was twice elected to the Board of Selectmen, serving two terms as chair. While in office, she established the position and hired the first Town Manager, improved the town’s solid waste collection system, and facilitated Duxbury's membership in Old Colony Elder Services, which was Duxbury's first step toward creating its award-winning Senior Center.

Duxbury High School senior Hannah Stout was selected as this year's "Aspiring Priscilla." Hannah balances a full schedule of school and sports while finding time for activities close to her heart including teaching sign language to the deaf community and volunteering at the Duxbury Senior Center. Hannah was pivotal in the successful launch of Sagers and Seekers Intergenerational Program that connects teens and seniors to navigate life's challenges together.