Somerville Youth Leader Honored as 2025 Commonwealth Heroine

Somerville Positive Forces (SPF), in partnership with City of Somerville’s Prevention Services, is proud to announce that Bhavika Kalia, a dedicated and inspiring SPF youth leader, has been named a 2025 Commonwealth Heroine by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW). 

Each year, MCSW partners with state legislators to identify women who make outstanding contributions to their organizations and communities. Elected officials are encouraged to nominate one woman from their district to be recognized for her invaluable service and extraordinary impact. Massachusetts State Representative Christine Barber proudly nominated Bhavika for her leadership and advocacy with SPF. A member of the SPF youth leadership program since sixth grade, Bhavika has dedicated years to promoting youth health and well-being, championing social justice, and creating meaningful change in Somerville and beyond. 

"Her recognition as a Commonwealth Heroine underscores the incredible impact that young people can have when given the tools and support to lead," said Lovelee Heller-Bottari, SPF Advisor and Program Director of Somerville Cares About Prevention (SCAP). “Bhavika is a leader among leaders and a true gem in our community. Her dedication and drive to create positive change are truly inspiring. Her voice is powerful, her presence is impactful, and it’s no surprise that leaders across the state are taking notice as she continues to shine.
 

 2025 Commonwealth Heroine, Bhavika Kalia.
 

“Working in prevention alongside such incredible leaders has given me the invaluable opportunity to drive real social change. I’m deeply honored and forever grateful to be recognized as a Commonwealth Heroine for my work. I want to thank everyone who has supported me on this journey, especially SCAP Program Director Lovelee Heller-Bottari and MA State Representative Christine Barber, for their continuous guidance and encouragement,” said Bhavika Kalia, award recipient. 

Bhavika will be honored alongside more than 125 other exceptional women from across the Commonwealth at the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Heroines Celebration on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in the Gardner Auditorium at the Massachusetts State House. For more information about the 2025 Commonwealth Heroines Celebration, contact the MCSW at (617) 626-6520 or email mcswprograms@mass.gov. For more information about Somerville Positive Forces and Somerville Cares About Prevention, please contact: Lovelee Heller-Bottari, CPS, Program Director, Somerville Cares About Prevention at (617) 625-6600 x4322 or email: lheller@somervillema.gov.

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.