Mary-dith Tuitt is an ideal candidate for the Veteran of the Year® or Vetrepreneur® of the Year (VOY) Award due to her exceptional service in the United States Navy, her extensive involvement in community advocacy, and her unwavering commitment to promoting veteran and women's issues.
Having served fourteen years as a Navy jet mechanic on both active duty and reserve, Mary-dith exemplifies the discipline, dedication, and leadership that are hallmarks of military service. Her experiences in the Navy, including her time stationed at various locations such as San Diego and Rota, Spain, shaped her understanding of teamwork and the importance of service to others.
After her military career, Mary-dith served as Chief Legislative Aide for State Representative Gloria L. Fox for over a decade. In this role, she provided crucial support to underserved communities in Boston, ensuring their voices were heard and their needs addressed. As a former Program Manager at the Veterans Outreach Center, she directly supported veterans in need, demonstrating her commitment to uplifting those who have served.
Mary-dith’s impressive array of leadership positions reflects her dedication to advocating for women's rights and veteran affairs. She currently serves as the President of the National Association of Commissions for Women and as Vice Chair of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. Her involvement as Commander of the Wm E. Carter American Legion Post 16 and her participation in various committees, including the Holyoke Soldiers' Home Reconstruction Access, Inclusion, and Diversity Committee, further exemplify her advocacy efforts.
In summary, Mary-dith Tuitt’s military service, community advocacy, and leadership in promoting veterans’ and women’s issues make her a deserving candidate for the VOY Award. Her dedication, compassion, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others truly embody the spirit of this honor.
There is one woman that has been the foundation and a major influence in my life. I truly believe that my mother; Henrietta, an immigrant to this country, a young bride with five children, was resilient and embodied true compassion. As a young adult she attended school for Emergency medical training all while working a full time job and raising 5 children. But as life would go things changed she got a job working with people with mental health disabilities. I watched my mother care for adult clients and those clients became family to me and my brothers because of her love for them. Still today her clients are our family; everyday of the year, every holiday and every birthday. My mother has taught me that giving is receiving; compassion for others and helping them through their issues is fulfilling. Positive impact.
Mary-dith E. Tuitt, a member of the Navy JROTC until I graduation from Boston Technical High School(1985) and entered the United States Navy. She served fourteen years as a (AD3)Aviation Machinist in both active duty and reserves. Marydith served for State Representative Gloria Fox; for Boston City Councilor Charles Yancey. Former Program Manager Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center. She has been active with organizations and groups that focus on Veteran and Women Issues; presently serves as President of the NACW, Chair of the MCSW, Vice President of MA Women's History Museum Board, a member of the MA WVN Collaborative, Commander of the Wm E. Carter American Legion Post 16, a member of the Organization of African American Veterans, Holyoke Soldiers' Home Reconstruction - AID Committee and PRO for MPS of Boston. She has received various awards over the years for her community service and advocacy. Most recently the Deborah Sampson award 2024.
