Central Falls reveals city’s first Women’s Hall of Fame during Women’s History Month

Permanent Hall of Fame honors exemplary women, Mayor Rivera gives key to city to local healthcare hero Dr. Beata Nelken

CENTRAL FALLS, RI – Tonight, the City of Central Falls revealed the city’s first Women’s Hall of Fame during Women’s History Month, a now permanent gallery in City Hall, added to annually, honoring women who have paved monumental paths in the city.

"Tonight is monumental for Central Falls – for the women before us and the women who will come after us. I am so privileged to be serving a community that has been supported by the work and leadership of so many phenomenal women, including our City Council President Jessica Vega, Councilwoman Glendaliz Colon, Councilwoman Tatiana Baena, Councilwoman Meaghen Levasseur, Councilwoman Adamaris Villar, and our honorees tonight, including Dr. Beata Nelken, Viola Davis, and the legacy of Councilwoman Sandra Moreau," said Mayor Rivera. "I know this is only the beginning for many more women, particularly women of color, rising to important roles and making a difference throughout our community and beyond. I hope we continue to challenge what’s possible together.”

In addition to the induction of honorees, tonight Mayor Rivera honored local pediatrician Dr. Beata Nelken with a key to the city in recognition of her dedication to the Central Falls community during the COVID pandemic. As a pediatrician, Dr. Nelken first opened the doors of Jenks Pediatrics just before the COVID pandemic started last year, and quickly pivoted to support the hard-hit city. She selflessly offers free medical care for children when their families cannot pay, and through this pandemic, have been a lifeline for so many, providing COVID tests and vaccines.

The 2021 Women’s Hall of Fame inductees include:
 

The late Sandra A. Moreau, First City Councilwoman
Sandra Moreau was the first woman to be elected to the Central Falls City Council, serving from 1988 to 1999. She served Ward 5 for five terms, and also served as chairwoman on committees focused on Municipal Court, the Police Department, and Fire Department. An important elected official who paved the way for future women leaders, Sandra Moreau was, and still is, a role model for all women in Central Falls.

Viola Davis, Actor, a Central Falls Native and first African American to receive the Triple Crown of Acting
Raised in Central Falls, Viola Davis is the first African American to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting. She went to school in Central Falls, including Central Falls High School, where she started acting in school productions and theater competitions. She graduated from Rhode Island College with a major in theater, and has outstanding acting roles in films such as Doubt, The Help, and Fences.

Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera, City’s First Woman Mayor and Rhode Island’s First Latina MayorMayor Maria Rivera is the 33rd Mayor of Central Falls. She’s the city’s first woman mayor and Rhode Island’s first Latina mayor. Before her role as mayor, she was the first woman city council president and first Latina city council president, a position she earned in just her second term as a city council member.

Click here to view the Central Falls virtual celebration from tonight.