Celebrating Peacemakers and Fueling CDSC’s Impact
CDSC promotes better ways to understand and peacefully resolve conflict through skilled pro bono mediators and training programs in mediation and conflict management. We also provide free and low-cost mediation and conflict resolution services, which helps keep vulnerable residents in their housing, students out of the school-to-prison pipeline, and families and co-parents in healthy relationships, among many other important outcomes.
The celebration will be held virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 from 5:30- 6:30pm.
2026 Peacemaker Award Recipients
Senate President Karen Spilka
Senate President Karen E. Spilka has established herself as a respected leader in state government. Those who work with the Senate President witness the power of her mediation and facilitation skills as she brings parties together and navigates complex issues. It is no surprise that prior to becoming a legislator, the Senate President worked in private practice as an arbitrator and mediator, specializing in labor and employment law and community and court mediation.
In addition, she has been a facilitator and fact finder in disputes in the public and private sectors, as well as a social worker and trainer of adult mediation and school-based peer mediation programs, collaborative-based collective bargaining and conflict resolution strategies.
De Novo Center for Justice and Healing
De Novo Center for Justice and Healing provides legal help in the areas of housing and homelessness prevention, family law/domestic violence, immigration law, and disability benefits, as well as a full range of mental health services and case management to help clients cope with the emotional impact of trauma.
Its holistic model of care means clients not only receive effective legal assistance, but they are also better able to navigate the enormous struggles they face.
De Novo provides many of its services through the efforts of over 100 volunteer attorneys, clinical social workers, psychologists, paralegals, interpreters, student interns and other professionals who together contribute one-half million dollars in direct services each year.
De Novo and CDSC share a common history – come to BASH to learn more!
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We gratefully acknowledge the sponsors whose contributions make this work possible.
Facilitator
Charlotte Iselin |
Amy Mariani |
Champion
Steve Bardidge |
Jeanne Cleary |
Gail Packer |
Karen Schwartz and Jack Esher |
Bob Smith |
Pedro Spivakovsky-Gonzalez |
Amy Wanger |
Supporter
Fredie Kay |
Elizabeth Leahy |
Bob Licht and Lila Heideman |
Ellen Waldorf |
Fan
John and Holly Cratsley |
Ruth Freedman |
Deborah Heller |
Sheila Hubbard |