The GLASS Reflects Memorial Award
Honoring the contributions, achievements, and legacies of
Ta’aliyah “Endego” Ayanna Jones and Jahaira M. DeAlto
“Endego never stopped trying to learn her way to something better for herself - whether it was going to the hair school in Downtown, or starting her college career off with an AA in Justice studies before achieving dual Bachelors: BS in Sociology, and BA in Justice Studies; and then capping that off with an MBA, she showed us all that you don’t have to accept the cards that are dealt to you. You can give a few back in favor of better ones, and that’s exactly what she did.”
— Brian Salman
“Black, proud, driven and unashamed, Endego reminded us that we could achieve and that we too deserved success. At the same time, she was always so giving, caring, and protective, and she supported others in every way that she could. She was such a beautiful soul who was and will continue to be an inspiration to so many of us.”
— Devin Monteiro
“[Jahaira] had a charismatic personality and was a magnet for other Simmons students who admired her tremendous experience as a community leader. As a vocal supporter of her peers, Jahaira stood up for issues of equality, justice, and inclusion.”
— Professor Diane Grossman
“Over the past 25 years, she spoke about her experiences and more broadly about issues of gender, race, and sexuality at hundreds of events, including the Ryan White National Youth Conference and Shades of Color. Jahaira has also voiced her belief about the importance of providing educational opportunities for people, including to learn about trans people.”
— Lynn Perry Wooten, President
Simmons University
SUBMIT A NOMINATION FOR THE MEMORIAL AWARD
If you know someone who exemplifies the tenacity of spirit, dedication to community, and fierce commitment to achievement (despite all roadblocks) embodied by these iconic Boston GLASS alumnae, click here. Nominations are due by September 30, 2023.
The Selection Committee will consider all nominations of those who
Are enrolled/enrolling in a degree, certificate, licensure, technical or other training program or individual course, or
Have recently completed any of the above, or
Are participating in an internship or residency, and
Live or have lived in the Boston area and have made contributions to the visibility and wellness of Boston’s trans communities of color.
