Janice Rosario stands with Rep. Rodney Elliott (left) and House Majority Leader Michael Moran (right)
The members of Lowell’s State House delegation nominated another outstanding group of local individuals for recognition at the 2025 Latino Excellence on the Hill awards.
The ceremony took place on Beacon Hill Thursday, in the State House’s storied Great Hall.
16th Middlesex State Representative Rodney Elliott nominated Janise Rosario for her invaluable contributions to the City of Lowell as a Latino Leader who has made a lasting impact on the community.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Roasario embarked on a journey of service and dedication that has profoundly impacted the lives of youth in Greater Lowell.
After serving six years in the Army and the Puerto Rico Army National Guard, Janise moved to the Mill city in June of 1998 and has since become a cornerstone of support for vulnerable communities.
Enrique Vargas
She’s been a Lead Case Manager at YouthBuild of Greater Lowell for the last six years, offering comprehensive wrap-around services to program participants. She’s also served as an ESL Paraprofessional at the McAuliffe School, a Spanish interpreter at the Department of Transitional Assistance, and a Case Manager at the Mental Health Association of Greater Lowell – FOCUS Program.
In the 17th Middlesex District, Representative Vanna Howard nominated Mill City Grows Associate Director Enrique Vargas.
Vargas was also born and raised in Puerto Rico, until coming to Lowell at the age of 17 in 2001 to pursue his passion for music. He earned a Sound Recording Technology degree from UMass Lowell. His other passion for community and social justice led him to join Mill City Grows, first as a member of the Farm and Mobile Market team, then as Gardens Manager before achieving his current position.
Francisco Maldonado (left) with Rep. Tara Hong
18th Middlesex State Rep. Tara Hong nominated recently retired Lowell Police Officer Francisco Maldonado, citing Maldonado’s service to our country with the United States Air Force and his dedication to the City of Lowell as a member of the Lowell Police Department for 28 years.
Maldonado was born and raised in the Mill City. He’s a proud graduate of Lowell High School and the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
State Senator Ed Kennedy’s nominee was Maria Vejar-Mason, who came to the United States from Ecuador, working as an educator and administrator at Lowell High School. She was the first Latino woman to serve as House Dean at the school.
Pictured left to right: State Reps Rodney Elliott and Vanna Howard, Maria Vejar-Mason, Janise Rosario, Francisco Maldonado and Rep. Tara Hong
