Wellesley's Lise Olney & Dr. Robyn Riseberg named Class of '25 Commonwealth Heroines

Former Wellesley Select Board Chair and member Lise Olney and Boston Community Pediatrics Founder Dr. Robyn Riseberg have been named as part of the Class of 2025 Commonwealth Heroines by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. They were nominated by state legislators who represent Wellesley.

The text from the nominations:

Lise Olney, Wellesley

Lise Olney served on the Wellesley Select Board for six years. During her time on the board, she served as both Chair and Vice Chair and on various boards and committees as the Select Board liaison. Prior to her time on the Select Board, she served on the Wellesley Natural Resources Commission for five years and on the board of Sustainable Wellesley for eight years. She has been a long-time advocate for climate action. As a member of the Climate Action Committee, she helped engage community members, creating greater understanding of the climate crisis and developing a Climate Action Plan. Beyond climate action, Lise initiated and served on the town’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, served on the Wellesley Freedom Team to address incidents of discrimination and bias, and launched and coordinated the Wellesley Civil Discourse Initiative to build understanding and connection in the Wellesley community. – State Representative Alice Peisch

Dr. Robyn Riseberg, Wellesley

I am proud to nominate Dr. Robyn Riseberg for the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women’s Woman of the Year award. A Wellesley resident and pediatrician with a visionary approach to healthcare equity, Dr. Riseberg founded Boston Community Pediatrics (BCP), the first nonprofit pediatric private practice in Massachusetts. Her groundbreaking model ensures that all children—regardless of income, race, or insurance status—receive the same high-quality, comprehensive care typically reserved for the most privileged. Through BCP, Dr. Riseberg has created a holistic, patient-centered environment where medical, behavioral, and social needs are addressed under one roof, in partnership with community organizations. Dr. Riseberg’s impact extends beyond her clinical work. She has dedicated her career to mentoring future healthcare professionals, serving as a teacher to medical, nurse practitioner, and pediatric residents. In addition to her work with Boston-area childcare centers and camps as a healthcare consultant, she has served on the board of Casa Myrna and is a corporation member of Beacon Academy. Her leadership and compassion have made a lasting impact on countless families, including many here in Wellesley. Dr. Riseberg exemplifies what it means to be a community change-maker, and her dedication to reimagining pediatric care makes her a truly outstanding candidate for this honor. – State Senator Cindy Creem