AMHERST — Over the years, Jennifer Moyston’s jobs have included being the pantry coordinator at the Amherst Survival Center and serving as a community participation officer for the town of Amherst.
Having marked her 10th anniversary of employment at Amherst Town Hall, Moyston also helped develop the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Department, for which she serves as assistant director.
In all of her professional experience, Moyston has emphasized outreach to make sure those who may be silenced or ignored are heard and amplified.
For her accomplishments, Moyston earned recognition at the recent Black Excellence on the Hill event at the State House, put on by the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus to honor the contributions of people of color throughout each of the state Senate and House districts across Massachusetts.
“As a longtime Amherst community member, I gain a holistic view that centers the voices of those who are disempowered to ensure their voices are heard, represented, and empower them to become part of the change process,” Moyston said in a statement.
Moyston was nominated for the 3rd Hampshire District award by Rep. Mindy Domb, who cited her paid and volunteer work for the town.
At Town Hall, Moyston serves as liaison to committees including the African Heritage Reparation Assembly and the Community Safety and Social Justice Committee, and has helped with the organization of various community celebrations, from Juneteenth and Kwanzaa to the Human Rights Hero Awards that are presented to deserving youth.
Outside of her paid position, Moyston also is the vice president of the directors for the Amherst Survival Center, co-chairs the Equity Task Force for the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of the board for Community Action Pioneer Valley.
Her roles in the community have also included coaching youth football, basketball and lacrosse.
Domb said Moyston, who graduated from Amherst Regional High School and has raised her own family in town, has done much to make Amherst a better place.
“Jennifer is a champion of civic engagement, creating a welcoming community, and meeting our neighbors’ basic needs,” Domb said.
That is a sentiment shared by Town Manager Paul Bockelman, describing Moyston as embodying everything that makes Amherst a special place.
“She is all about building community, giving voice to those who aren’t often heard, and ensuring access,” Bockelman said. “I really love how she is able to contribute to the town professionally and, at the same time, is such a solid member of the community as a resident who grew up in Amherst.”
Joining Moyston in Boston for the ceremony were her family, several members of the Amherst Town Council, fellow nominees and elected officials. She was later presented with an official congratulations and citation from Domb on behalf of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
