Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission Presents First-Ever Susan L. Quiñones Humanitarian Award to Ayesha Shafi
Photo: (from left) Alex Jackson, Ayesha Shafi and Human Rights Coordinator Leslie Dominguez-Santos
April 24, 2025 (Barnstable, MA) – The Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission proudly recognizes Ms. Ayesha Shafi of Mashpee Middle-High School as the inaugural recipient of the Susan L. Quiñones Humanitarian Award. Created in memory of the late Barnstable County Human Rights Coordinator, this award honors a young person actively engaged in advancing civil rights, health equity, food security, or other vital humanitarian efforts. Ms. Shafi received the award during the Human Rights Academy on April 15.
Ayesha Shafi exemplifies student leadership and a deep commitment to community service. At Mashpee Middle-High School, she serves as President of the Student Council, Vice President of the National Honor Society, and Captain of the Field Hockey team. This fall, she will attend the University of Pennsylvania.
Beyond her academic and extracurricular excellence, Ms. Shafi has served for three years as the Student Representative to the Human Rights Academy and is Vice President of the school’s Human Rights Club. Her contributions include participating in the “Who We Are” Immigration Legacy Project, acting as a Peer Leader, and serving as a Student Representative to both the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and the Mashpee Inclusion & Diversity Committee.
Ms. Shafi was nominated for the award by MMHS educators Debra Troyanos and Aphrodite Troyanos. “We can’t imagine a candidate more qualified for this award,” they said. “She is a fierce advocate for social justice, cultural tolerance, and the celebration of diversity.”
The Susan L. Quiñones Humanitarian Award was established by her husband, Alex Jackson, to honor Susan’s legacy of passionate, persistent advocacy for human rights and social equity across Barnstable County.
ABOUT THE BARNSTABLE COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS ADVISORY COMMISSION: The mission of the Human Rights Advisory Commission is to promote equal opportunity for all persons of Barnstable County regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, gender, age, ancestry, sexual or affectional preference marital, family or military status, source of income, neighborhood or disability, where unlawful discrimination exists in housing, employment, education, public accommodations, town or county services, insurance, banking, credit, and health care. Learn more at https://www.capecod.gov/departments/human-rights-advisory-commission/
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD: Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at https://www.capecod.gov/
