Women Leading the Way in Holliston

As we enter Women’s History Month, we turn our attention to the incredible women shaping our community. One such leader is Tina Hein of the Select Board, a dedicated public servant and passionate advocate for positive change in Holliston. Tina defines herself as a mother, a mentor, and a woman committed to creating spaces for others to lead. Her journey has been shaped by strong women who came before her, and she’s determined to pay it forward, fostering the next generation of female leaders. In her conversation with HDAAC, she shared her thoughts on leadership, mentorship, and the importance of supporting young women striving to make a difference in their community. 

A Legacy of Mentorship and Service 

Tina’s commitment to public service is rooted in the example set by her mother, who was an early member of the Youth and Family Services Board. As a legal resident alien her mother helped shape a department that would have a lasting impact on Holliston. “She created spaces and opportunities for me to feel like this was something I could do, something I should do,” Tina shared. Her mother’s work not only paved the way for Tina but also instilled in her the belief that women could—and should—be leaders in their communities. 

Mary Greendale, another Holliston leader, also played a significant role in Tina’s path. Mary’s tenure on the Select Board and her mentorship helped reinforce the idea that women could hold positions of power and make lasting change. Tina noted, “Mary Greendale is a wonderful example, someone who said, ‘Yes, you can do this!” The presence of strong female role models in Holliston has been vital to Tina’s development as a leader, and she’s determined to continue this legacy by inspiring others to step up. 

Supporting Women in Leadership 

As an advocate for women’s leadership, Tina believes that creating opportunities for young women to learn and grow is essential. One of the challenges, she notes, is connecting with younger generations. “It’s an area of growth for the town—how women in leadership connect with the youth,” Tina explained. “Girl Scouts is one way, but there are many others.” Tina is especially passionate about helping young girls recognize their potential and encouraging them to take on leadership roles, whether in government or other fields. 

In her work, Tina has seen firsthand how young people respond when given the chance to make a difference. She pointed to Zoe, Coordinator of HDAAC, who has successfully built a Youth Action Team in Holliston through The Coalition. What started as a handful of students has blossomed into a group of nearly 20. “That’s stunning,” Tina said. “It speaks to that interest, and how young adults respond when they’re given meaningful opportunities.” Tina believes that programs like Zoe’s are vital for developing leadership skills in young people, and young women. 

Navigating Challenges in Male-Dominated Spaces 

Tina’s approach to leadership is deeply rooted in mentorship. She emphasized the importance of finding mentors who support and guide you, especially for women entering fields traditionally dominated by men. She shared a piece of advice she often gives to her daughters: “The world’s going to be hard enough on you, but give yourself the grace of making a mistake and knowing that it’s from your mistakes that you’re going to learn.” This advice is something Tina lives by, both as a leader, a mother, and a woman. “We are judged so hard when we make mistakes,” she explained, noting how women often hold themselves to higher standards than their male counterparts. “It’s important that young women know it’s okay to make a mistake, that they’re supported, and that there’s nothing wrong with learning from those mistakes.” 

Tina also shared her experiences of frequently being the only woman in a room during meetings when critical decisions are being made on behalf of the Town of Holliston. She sometimes has to repeat and clarify her thoughts and opinions in order to participate effectively in those moments – because communication styles can differ among men and women. Tina feels strong support and respect from many male peers who participate in debate and discussions alongside her. However, she recognizes that her gender can bias others against her and she has been challenged at times by having to overcome these biases. 

She also reflected on the historical shift of the Select Board’s name from “Selectmen” to “Select Board,” which was an important step in recognizing the growing presence of women in leadership roles. “It took years for us to shift the terminology, but it was a symbolic victory. “Women are no longer overlooked in these spaces, and this change was an important step in recognizing that.” 

Looking ahead, Tina has a new goal for her next term on the Select Board: if re-elected, she hopes to name a public space in Holliston after a significant woman in the town’s history. She pointed out that many streets and landmarks have been named after men over the years, and she believes it’s time to give women the recognition they deserve. “There are so many women in Holliston whose contributions deserve recognition,” Tina explained. “We should honor their legacy in the town in the same way we have honored their male counterparts.” 

Concluding Thoughts: A Thank You to Women of the Past 

Ultimately, Tina’s message is one of gratitude for the women who have paved the way before her, and a commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders. “I feel blessed to live in a community where I’m surrounded by strong women, and I’m grateful for all of their mentoring and the examples they set for me,” she said. She recognizes that there’s still work to be done in terms of creating more opportunities for young women, but she remains hopeful for the future. 

“I’m grateful for the women ahead of me who demonstrated, and made me feel like this was something I could do,” Tina added. As she continues her work in Holliston, she remains committed to ensuring that future generations of women have the same opportunities to succeed and lead. 

Tina’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship, the value of creating opportunities for young women, and the need to honor the contributions of women in our communities. By supporting each other and lifting each other up, we can build a future where women are empowered to make a positive difference in Holliston, Massachusetts, and beyond.