It’s been 33 years since Iris Calderon’s came to Boston in search of a better life. Since she arrived from Guatemala in 1990 and she has worked two jobs in public service, cleaning City Hall for 26 years, and working separately at the BHA for ten.

Iris’s work ethic hasn’t gone unnoticed. Early this year, Councilor Tanya Anderson presented Iris with a plaque at City Hall, honoring Iris “for her 26 years of service keeping Boston City Hall clean and welcoming to all, and her stalwart leadership and commitment in representing the city employee union.”

“I was very happy to receive this award, I’m glad they took into account all of the hard work I put in to help support my family,” Iris said. “I’m proud of myself.”

Iris’s children we’re thrilled that their mother was recognized for her hard work throughout the years, they can remember the times they would sit outside on the City Hall benches while they waited for their mother to finish her shift.

As a cancer survivor and a single mother of 4 juggling two jobs, the path hasn’t been easy for Iris, who speaks Spanish but says that everyone she works with is “accepting and I’m grateful for it. They let me work and support my family even though I don’t speak English.”

Working for City Hall and the BHA has brought many benefits to Iris’s life, because of these jobs she was able to secure a mortgage loan and purchase a home in the Boston area.

City Hall and the BHA appreciate and are grateful for Iris’s dedication and her work ethic every day! Congratulations Iris!