Gómez nominates Gillian Hinkson as 2026 Black Excellence Honoree

Senator Adam Gómez (D-Springfield) announced today the nomination of Gillian Hinkson for the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus’ Black Excellence on the Hill celebration at the Massachusetts State House. The annual event in the Great recognizes Black leaders, advocates, and changemakers whose work strengthens communities across the Commonwealth.  

“I am proud to recognize Gillian Hinkson as this year’s Black Excellence honoree,” said Senator Gómez. “Her leadership across civic life, community advocacy, and political engagement has made an unmistakable impact in the Hampden District and throughout Massachusetts. Gillian’s commitment to public service, justice, and community wellbeing exemplifies the purpose of this celebration.”  

Gillian Hinkson’s bio can be found here:  

Gillian Hinkson is a civic leader, survivor advocate, and community steward who serves in the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office. She is President of the Corporation and Board Chair of Make-It Springfield, a member of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee, and has served as Chair of the Affirmative Action Outreach Subcommittee within the Massachusetts Democratic Party. Her work has included coordinated voter outreach, cross state collaboration during national election cycles, and sustained local party building. She has served on her ward committee, supported candidate campaigns at the municipal level as Campaign Manager for Tracye Whitfield, overseeing strategy, field coordination, messaging discipline, and day-to-day campaign operations, and contributed to civic education through the League of Women Voters. 

Gillian is the founder of Just Aging Different, a wellbeing and leadership platform for people in their prime years, with a particular focus on women of color carrying significant professional and emotional responsibility. 

Shaped by her experience as a Caribbean American woman and years of service across justice, politics, and community life, Gillian approaches leadership as a human practice.