Business leader receives Commonwealth Heroine honor

Weston resident Jeanette Velasquez lives by the motto “Light overcomes darkness.” She carries this motto with her in her everyday and professional life, always trying to provide for people who may need a ray of light.

Velasquez is the founder and CEO of Core Values Strong Families, a non-profit organization that strives to transform the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged children and families through purpose-driven mentorship.

She also runs Velasquez Tax & Business Services (VTBS), which offers advisory and strategic guidance and other services to small businesses and non-profits in underserved communities.

For all of her work in helping others transform their lives and achieve their goals, Jeanette Velasquez will receive the 2026 Commonwealth Heroine honor from the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. Velasquez was nominated by state Sen. Michael Barrett and will be honored in a ceremony at the Massachusetts State House on June 24.

“My focus has always been underserved communities and folks who might not have a voice for themselves,” said Velasquez, who has been a Weston resident since 2023.

Through Core Values Strong Families and VTBS, Velasquez provides tools to help people address a wide range of challenges. That assistance takes many forms and may involve teaching participants how to access available resources, free tutoring services for homeless families and helping people pay a fair price for a vehicle.

“I find it extremely liberating to help transform others’ lives,” said Velasquez. “Changing impossibilities to possibilities and helping families change the trajectory of their net worth.”

Velasquez was placed in foster care at a very young age, and was adopted at age 10. She said her upbringing gave her a different perspective on the type of leader she wanted to be.

She believes it’s very important to teach, rather than just to give.

“It’s like the Chinese proverb,” said Velasquez. “You give someone a fish they eat for a day; you teach them to fish and they eat for a lifetime.”

Velasquez noted the popularity of the robotics community in Weston, saying children in other communities might not be exposed to activities like robotics.

“I want to shed light to everybody,” said Velasquez, “From Weston, to Massachusetts to beyond.”

After being notified she was receiving the Commonwealth Heroine award, Velasquez said she was excited and honored, but also inspired to continue her work.

“It feels right,” said Velasquez. “It feels like I’m in the right space. It’s part of what I am supposed to be.”

“One cord alone is weak,” said Velasquez, “But three or more cords working together is very strong.”

“It’s fulfilling knowing that this is part of my assignment,” said Velasquez. “It’s part of my mission. This is my act of service. Light overcomes darkness, and that’s who I am. I’m a problem solver overcoming negativity and challenges.”