Maeghan Driscoll, 25, is this year’s honorary mayor of Dorchester, a title she earned by raising the most money to support Sunday’s parade. The contest is one of the primary ways that the parade committee finances the annual march up the avenue.

The manager and part-owner of Dot Tavern, Driscoll was encouraged to throw her hat in the ring by Dot Day Parade committee president Brianne Gore. She took off full steam ahead by filling her schedule with fundraisers across the neighborhood she has called home her entire life.
“I interpret OFD to mean that you understand that special experience and you are proud to have lived it,” said Driscoll. “It also means that you spread that experience to wherever your life takes you to live.”

The Reporter had the opportunity to connect with Driscoll, who reflected on her childhood in Dot and what it has been like to run for honorary mayor.

Q. What was growing up in Dorchester like for you?
A. I had a wonderful childhood growing up here. There are many great things I can say about it, but I’d like to focus on the sense of community. There are too many times to count when I witnessed the neighborhood supporting local families in need who were facing a difficult situation. Having that example set by the community impacted who I have become as a person, and I credit growing up in a special place like Dorchester.

Q. Now that you are an adult, what is living in the neighborhood like?
A. I think the neighborhood is better than ever. I think we embrace change better yet try to maintain some of the unique features that make Dorchester unique.

Q. What are your favorite activities, groups, or places in the neighborhood?
A. I have to first give a shoutout to the St. Ann’s Colorguard! I was part of a WGA world championship team in high school, and it was a very special experience with a great group of women. More recently I have had the chance to interact with passionate people in the small business community and in community groups. I really enjoy the discourse and problem-solving.

Q. What was your fundraising strategy for this contest?
A. I focused on having events where people could come and enjoy a small business for a good cause. I also have a great support network of people who I tapped into, and they responded generously.

Q. What event was the most popular or successful?
A. My event at the Harp and Bard with live music and brunch was a big hit and sent me on the right trajectory to raise a great total. But my events at the Banshee and the Dot Tavern were great as well!

Q. What are you hoping to do with this new platform?
A. I would like to encourage more women to get involved with small businesses. We provide a great perspective in terms of what the marketplace needs and how the void can be filled.

Q. What impact have you had and hope to continue to have on the Dorchester community?
A. I think I have shown that people from my generation have a great voice to add to the conversation and need to be involved more in community engagement.

Q. What would you like to see for Dorchester in the future?
A. I would like to see Dorchester Ave become a “go-to” destination in Boston. From Lower Mills to the Polish Triangle, we have an amazing collection of traditional American, Irish, Vietnamese, Polish, Chinese, Indian, and many other restaurants that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

Q. What has been your favorite part of running for honorary mayor?
A. Getting to engage with people from Dorchester I had never met and introducing them to people I have known my whole life!

Q. What was it like to find out you won?
A. Shocking! My “opponent,” Chris McCoy, was a strong candidate and has tremendous support. I was honored to compete with him. He raised a tremendous amount of money as well and should be lauded.

Q. What are your plans for the parade?
A. I am going to have a big street party by the Dot Tavern. Everyone is invited!!!! Country Western theme.

If you’re interested in keeping up with the 2024 mayor, visit her on Instagram at mayorofdot.