There are so many threads we need to hold on to to work together
— Shareen Davis, 2026 Mercy Otis Warren Woman of the Year
Meet Shareen Davis, Mercy Otis Warren Woman of the Year
The 13th-generation Chatham resident embodies the spirit of the revolutionary-era writer and thinker Mercy Otis Warren
Click on image to watch short conversation with Shareen
11 June 2026 – CHATHAM, MA – Shareen Davis received this year’s Mercy Otis Warren award in a ceremony on June 10 in West Barnstable.
Who received the award?
The award says that Davis, a 13th-generation Chatham resident embodies a modern rendition of revolutionary-era writer and thinker Mercy Otis Warren. Davis’ life-long work sustaining and advocating for Cape Cod, through political work on the Chatham selectboard, as well as in her work with the fishing industry and its families carries on Mercy Otis Warren’s spirit.
“It’s an important award because is recognizes women and women’s advocacy in their communities,” said Davis.
What is the Mercy Otis Warren award?
Now in its 25th year, the Mercy Otis Warren award recognizes a woman who follows the footsteps of one of the Revolutionary War era’s most powerful voices, Barnstable born Mercy Otis Warren.
Mercy Otis Warren was born in September 1728, third of 13 children, at time when women didn’t access formal education and were expected to be quiet in the political sphere. Her 1772 satire, “The Adulator” (published anonymously) tackled British colonial rule four years before Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence.
Who is Shareen Davis?
Davis grew up in Stage Harbor and has always worked in the fishing industry, even at a time when women weren’t always welcome. She advocated for the industry during a time of shifting regulations and founded structures to help fishing families. She served nine years on the Chatham selectboard.
Her current work includes the ongoing development of a fishing co-op, which in 10 years has grown to 1300 members delivering Cape Cod fresh fish to more than 10 pick up locations, as well as working to integrate fresh fish into food pantries and regional schools.
Meet Shareen Davis by clicking on the image and hearing a conversation with her about the award, her love of the Cape, and the ongoing challenges of the region.
