Jessie Steigerwald of Lexington Honored by Representative Ciccolo COMMONWEALTH HEROINES OF 2025
BOSTON—On June 26, 2025, Jessie Steigerwald of Lexington was recognized by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women as a 2025 Commonwealth Heroine. Previously named the Unsung Heroines of Massachusetts, the Commonwealth Heroines ceremony has been recognizing hundreds of women since 2004.
Nominated by Representative Michelle Ciccolo, as well as State Senator Cindy Friedman, Jessie is the president of LexSeeHer, a Lexington-based nonprofit that sheds light on the historic women of the area. Leading the formation of an advisory board and hearing committee, Jessie worked to organize, fund, and initiate construction of a groundbreaking monument in the center of Lexington, just a short walk from the historic Battle Green.
This monument depicts two dozen women, including Abigail Harrington. In the early hours of April 19, 1775, the first day of the American Revolution, Abigail woke her son, crying, “The reg’lars are coming and something must be done!” Almost 250 years later, Abigail’s words would be commemorated in the Something Must be Done monument, courtesy of LexSeeHer.
Several factors inspired Jessie to embark on her journey of building Something Must be Done, a project that was completed in mid-2024. Using her B.A. from Harvard University in History and Visual and Environmental Studies, Jessie sought to change the reality that she had been noticing for years: female recognition was noticeably absent in the landmarks of downtown Lexington.
“Less than 7% of monuments in America have women,” she says. “Even fewer have women of color.” She later remarks, “So many of us have grown up in a way—and surrounded by a built environment—where it just seems normal that there aren’t any women.”
Jessie notes her appreciation for Rep. Ciccolo’s mention of her other women’s rights advocacy at the Commonwealth Heroines Ceremony. “Women and girls are incredibly important,” Jessie says. “It may not always feel that way… but anything we can do to put a spotlight on the fact that women are important will make a difference in improving the quality of our lives.”
Rep. Ciccolo, the 199th woman to be voted into the Massachusetts legislature, appreciates the differences Jessie has made in the Lexington community. “Jessie motivates people to get outside of their comfort zone, to take part, to engage, to come together, and to create community. She has created a true legacy for our community, and I look forward to seeing what she does next.”
I’ve known Jessie for decades. I am so glad to see her work recognized in this way. I urge anyone reading this to go to Jessie’s bio and read about all that she has done for this town, for women’s rights, for human rights and, even, for promote pet adoption! I don’t know how she does it all, frankly. I’m in awe.
We are very proud of Jessie who have done so much and continue to do as we read above
-a true inspiring women who has brought past and present via women’s monument and helping and exciting future, act , serve and be proud of Lexington – the town where it began
thank you Michelle for recommending her for well deserved honor
Dinesh Patel
precinct 6 tm