Triangle, Inc. Presents Public Official of the Year Award to U.S. Senator Ed Markey
On Tuesday, April 15th, Triangle, Inc. was honored to present its Public Official of the Year Award to U.S. Senator Ed Markey during a special visit to his Boston office, ahead of our annual Celebration event on May 1st. Although the Senator will be unable to attend the event in person due to his work in Washington, D.C., our touching and heartfelt meeting also served as a meaningful tribute to a lifetime of partnership and advocacy between the Senator and Triangle that goes back decades.
Senator Markey was welcomed by Triangle CEO Rachel Kaprielian and Chief Program Officer Drew Warren, along with longtime Triangle program participants and residents, Jimmy and John. Together, they reflected on shared history, local roots, and the enduring power of community and belonging.
Senator Markey’s connection to Triangle and its mission spans more than four decades, beginning in the 1970s when as a newly graduated law student, he returned home to Malden. While weighing a career in law, he was inspired by local leaders—many of whom would go on to become the founding champions of Triangle. Among them were one-time Malden Mayor and future Judge John P. Donnelly as well as Carmella “Mel” Gregorie, both of whom were passionate advocates whose spirit ran throughout the local community. During the meeting, the Senator admired an archival newspaper clipping from the 1970s that included photos of some of those faces from early in his career. As he looked at it, he discussed how influential those community leaders were to him at an early point in his life. It was foundational to his lifelong commitment to equity, inclusion, and the rights of people with disabilities. As his career and influence in Washington grew, the values instilled by his hometown always remained.
The conversation with Triangle participants Jimmy and John highlighted the incredible connections that bind Triangle’s mission to Senator Markey’s career. They shared memories of local schools, clubs, and neighborhoods, and the conversation painted a wonderful portrait of how meaningful change often begins at the community level—and how that change can broaden and echo all the way to Capitol Hill. Senator Markey has stood with Triangle and the broader disability community through decades of progress and challenge. He championed inclusion long before it was a national conversation, and he continues to be a constant and powerful voice for access, opportunity, and dignity for all.
In a time when disability services face uncertain funding and policy futures, it is more important than ever to recognize leaders who lead with empathy, vision, data and unwavering resolve. We are proud to honor Senator Ed Markey as our 2024 Public Official of the Year. His legacy is one of deep connection, steadfast leadership, and an unshakable belief in the potential of every individual.
We thank Senator Markey for his lifelong dedication—and for continuing to fight for a world where everyone belongs.
