Women’s Advocate Jamie Zahlaway Belsito is the Recipient of the Salem State University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award.
Effie’s Grace founder and advocate for positive policy outcomes in women’s perinatal, mental health and reproductive wellness was recognized by Salem State University for her work.
On February 11, 2019, Salem State University awarded Jamie Zahlaway Belsito the Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award during the Martin Luther King Jr. Vigil. The MLK Vigil is held in partnership with the City of Salem’s No Place for Hate Committee. Salem State University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award has been in place since 1997 with the first recipient being past President Dr. Nancy D. Harrington. This award is given annually to a Salem State student, faculty member, staff or administrator, an alumnus. The MLK Leadership Award recognizes individuals for their outstanding and significant contributions to the cause of freedom, justice, peace, and equality.
Jamie Zahlaway Belsito is the founder of Effie’s Grace, a firm that specializes in State and Federal Government Relations, Direct Advocacy, Coalition Building, Policy Development and Strategies around positive women’s health outcomes. Alumni Affairs nominated Belsito for her commitment to women’s prenatal care, mental health, and reproductive rights. In 2018 Governor Baker appointed Belsito to the Salem State University Board of Trustees
Jamie Zahlaway Belsito is a former Reading resident, RMHS graduate, and lives in Topsfield with her husband Peter and two daughters Hadia and Rose. To learn more about Effie’s Grace go to www.effiesgrace.org.
