State Representative Lipper-Garabedian Nominates Melrose Resident Kate Hartke for Latino Excellence Award
September 25, 2025 – State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian (D-Melrose) nominated Melrose resident Kate Hartke as a 2025 Latino Excellence Awardee. The Latino Excellence Award, sponsored by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (Caucus), aims to recognize leaders, trailblazers, and changemakers contributing to municipalities across the Commonwealth.
“I was proud to nominate Kate as a 2025 Latino Excellence Nominee in light of her contributions to Melrose, her city of residence, and to Somerville, where she is employed,” said State Representative Lipper-Garabedian. “Carrying forward a family tradition of public service, Kate is devoted to getting things done with ‘feet on the ground.’ Residents across the Commonwealth have had their lives positively impacted by Kate’s diligent efforts, strong work ethic, and dedication to serving her community, whether by enjoying outdoor spaces created with grant funding or benefiting from American Rescue Plan funds she helped manage. Kate’s deep-rooted passion for public service alongside her willingness to listen and find solutions to challenges has left an impact on the communities she serves.”
“It's an honor to be recognized by the communities in which I live and work,” said Kate Hartke. “There's no greater feeling of accomplishment than having an impact on the lives of your family, friends, and neighbors across the Commonwealth. Civic engagement is the single biggest indicator of success in our municipalities, and in our democracy overall.”
As the Grants Director for the City of Somerville for over a decade and a professional member of MMA, GFOA, and NGMA, Kate Hartke has helped secure millions of dollars for projects that have benefitted Somerville residents including flood prevention improvements in environmental justice areas, the redevelopment of Union Square, the launch of the Somerville Police Department jail diversion program, and the creation and renovation of numerous parks and open spaces. Kate additionally oversaw the deployment of nearly $80 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since moving to Melrose in 2019, Kate has been an active member in the City, engaging in local efforts such as the “Yes for Melrose” override campaign and serving as a Mayoral appointee to the Melrose Education Fund. Kate engages with her neighbors to find solutions, showcasing her willingness to learn and understand different perspectives with a goal of helping the community. She is currently studying for a Master of Public Administration from Suffolk University and lives in Melrose with her husband and daughter.
The Latino Excellence Awards took place on September 25, 2025, at the Massachusetts State House with remarks from La Colaborativa Executive Director Gladys Vega and Caucus members.
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