Springfield — On Monday, July 24th, State Senator Jake Oliveira (Hampden, Hampshire & Worcester District) and State Senator Adam Gomez (Hampden District) moved to adjourn the Senate in memory of Dora Robinson. Robinson was a longtime Springfield community leader and mentor, former CEO of the United Way of Pioneer Valley, and Executive Director of Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services.
Oliveira and Gomez submitted a joint adjournment letter to the Senate that President Pro Tempore Senator William Brownsberger read. The letter touched on Robinson’s commitment to the community, which began at a young age. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in 1976, Dora’s passion for making a difference led her to pursue a master’s degree in social work from the University of Connecticut.
Dora carried her social and racial justice activism throughout her life, influencing organizational justice and equity initiatives at the staff, executive, and board levels. She served as Vice President of Education at the Urban League of Springfield and Corporate Director & Vice President of Child and Family Services at the Center for Human Development.
Her dedication to serving and unwavering commitment propelled her to achieve remarkable milestones. Dora shattered barriers as the first female president of the United Way of Pioneer Valley and faithfully served as the executive director of Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services for an impressive 18 years.
Senator Oliveira highlighted her legacy and spoke about her impact on those she served, “Dora’s legacy is one of strength, compassion, and boundless care for the city of Springfield. Her absence will be felt deeply by all whose lives she touched. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to honor Dora’s memory alongside my colleague Senator Gomez by adjourning a Senate session in her name. May her remarkable spirit continue to inspire us to build a better future for our community.” – said Oliveira.
Senator Gomez spoke about the inspiration Robinson was throughout her career. “Dora Robinson’s passing was a monumental loss for the City of Springfield. Her devotion to social and racial justice serves as an inspiration to lose ourselves in the service of others. Senator Oliveira and I are honored to recognize Dora’s work with the reverence she deserves.” -said Gomez.
After Senator Brownsberger read the joint adjournment letter, the Senate ended the session with a moment of silence in honor of Robinson.
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