Michaelann Bewsee, who co-founded Arise for Social Justice in 1985, has died.
The organization has focused on issues like housing, homelessness and the environment.
The current executive director, Tanisha Arena, said Bewsee believed people impacted by government decision-making needed to make their voices heard.
"That's how she lived, that's what she imparted," Area said Friday. "And [she would explain] that to the people in the community, like, 'You might be poor, but still you should be at that table.'"
Bewsee retired from the organization last year.
Among Arise's accomplishments, it helped push through a change to Springfield's government in 2007, moving it away from councilors only running city-wide.
"We have eight wards and five at-large councilors that run for elections now," she said. "I would say we have one of the most progressive city councils that we have had in decades."
For city officials, Bewsee wasn't always easy to deal with, but advocated well for her cause, according to Commissioner of Health and Human Services Helen Caulton-Harris.
"Michaelann Bewsee could be a thorn in everyone's side, particularly when she was passionate about an issue," Caulton-Harris said. "We were not always aligned in terms of topics and issues and our stance, but I always had an amazing amount of respect for that woman and her tenacity."
Bewsee was 71 years old. Her granddaughter said she had cancer.
A community event to honor her life is planned, but no date has been set.