MARCH 2024 EDITION

In solidarity, 

Shaitia Spruell

MCSW Executive Director

Register Now for our Next Public Hearing

We want to hear from you!

Join the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) at this hybrid in-person and virtual event focusing on issues affecting women and girls in the Commonwealth. The event is free and open to the public.

Leaders and residents from Worcester, Franklin and Upper Middlesex counties and all across the Commonwealth are invited to attend, and testimony is open to any member of the public including elected officials. Register below by Thursday, March 21, 2024. If you register after the deadline we cannot guarantee accessibility accommodations.

What: Hybrid Public Hearing

When: Thursday March 28, 2024

Where: Community Group Room, Mount Wachusett Community College

Time: 5:30-7:30pm ET

Register Now for GELI 2024!

We need your help! Our new system had a glitch when GELI registration was first launched. If you've previously registered before 3/1/2024, we're asking that you re-register.

If you haven't registered yet, this is a great opportunity to share this year's 2024 GELI Summit with a young person in your life. Help us spread the word!

The GELI Summit takes place Saturday, April 20, 2024. Registration and check-in from 9:00-10:00am, programming from10am to 3pm, at Simmons University. Lunch, snacks, and transportation will be provided.

Space is limited, so register now! For more information on the MCSW Girl's Empowerment Leadership Initiative, learn more at our website or email MCSWgeli@mass.gov.

Nominate a 2024 Heroine

CALLING ALL LEGISLATORS: Nominations for the Class of 2024 Commonwealth Heroines are now open! Celebrate the new year by honoring and recognizing an amazing woman in your community today. Commonwealth Heroines are women who don’t always make the news, but truly make a difference in their communities, businesses, or volunteer endeavors.

Each year the Commission partners with state legislators to identify women who make outstanding contributions to their organizations and communities. Each legislator is encouraged to submit one woman from their constituency as a means of recognizing their invaluable community efforts. To date, the MCSW has awarded over 2,100 women since 2004 when the program launched.

MCSW accepts recommendations solely from Legislators, but commissioners and constituents are encouraged to reach out to their legislators if they would like to offer a constituent as a suggestion. The Commonwealth Heroine Initiative begins in January and continues until the Commonwealth Heroine Celebration in June.

The nomination portal will close on Monday, April 1, 2024 at 5pm ET.

Honorees will be notified of their nomination in mid to late April and the 2024 celebration will take place on June 14, 2024 at the Statehouse.

You asked, we answered.

The deadline for MCSW’s Scholarship Opportunity is now March 15th at 11:59pm!

Take advantage of this extended deadline to apply today for MCSW's new scholarship program! Designed to support woman-identifying students already enrolled in a Massachusetts Public Higher Education Institution, scholarships will be available to help an individual complete their degree. 

But time is running out! The deadline to apply for the MCSW scholarship for nontraditional adult women now closes on 3/15/2024. There's less than two weeks left to apply - share this opportunity with a student in your life!

Questions? Email mcsw@mass.gov.

The team here at the MCSW is grateful for the love and support of our Awesome Administrative Assistant, Darlene Kelter! Darlene worked for the MCSW back in 2009 and came back part-time in 2022 after raising her children (two sets of twins!). We're celebrating her two-year anniversary - but more than 15 years of supporting the MCSW and our mission! Thank you Darlene!

MCSW Executive Director Shaitia Spruell took aprt in a Women of Color Panel in partnership with Girls Inc. of Worcester. The girls had some awesome questions and the panelists brought so much wisdom and interesting stories!

By showcasing the experiences, achievements, and unique perspectives of women of color, we aim to inspire, motivate, and empower the next generation of leaders.

This event provided an opportunity for open and honest dialogue about the challenges and triumphs faced by women of color in various fields

Massachusetts was well represented at the National Association of Commissions for Women (NACW) Annual Members Meeting. Two of our very own were elected to leadership positions! Commissioner Tuitt was elected to serve another term as the NACW President. MCSW Executive Director Shaitia Spruell will serve a 2-year term as NACW Director-at-Large. Congratulations!

In the News

Above:

Hampden County Regional Commissioners welcomed new commissioners at their annual planning retreat in February: Ariana Nunez, Magdalena Gomez, Jacqueline Velez, Sasha Viands, Jennifer McNeill, Nicole Coakley (community guests: Nicole Esposito, Myriam Vega)

Hampden County Commissioners Nicole Coakley and Ariana Nunez greet community participants at their recent "Mothers and Daughters Movie & Discussion" event in West Springfield where they focused on the importance of empowering women and girls.

 Our regional commissions have a lot planned for Women's History Month - and continue to work with community partners on events and initiatives that support women and girls in their regions. Many are engaged in conversations with their legislators regarding regional priorities - and are finding ways to work together on legislative advocacy and community dialogues. Maternal healthcare has become a primary focus for several of our regional commissions with some partnering on initiatives and co-hosting events. Our regional youth advisory councils are stepping up to assist with this year's GELI Summit and will be co-facilitating a town hall segment. 

Here's a snapshot of what's happening across the Commonwealth through the efforts of our regional commissions:

• The Berkshire County Commission will be hosting a series of conversations with community partners during their public meetings this spring as they work together on initiatives that advance the needs of women and girls in Berkshire County. They also look forward to follow-up conversations with their state legislators regarding ways to collaborate on their legislative priorities.

• The Bristol County Commission will be hosting a women's history event on March 14th in Taunton focused on black women. They'll be gathering with community partners, legislators, and constituents for a conversation on issues and concerns, including maternal health which is their primary legislative focus. They're also planning a spring public hearing and will continue with plans to launch a girls advisory council.

• The Cape Cod and Islands Commission is working with the League of Women Voters of the Cape Cod Area to host a candidate forum focused on voter education. CCICSW Commissioner Natalia Frois will be speaking on a panel at the March 8th International Women's Day event in Hyannis, hosted by several community partners, where they'll be celebrating women elected leaders who have made a difference, as well as young women and girls who are making an impact at the local level.

• The Eastern Regional Commission recently partnered with the Upper Middlesex Regional Commission to co-host a screening of the documentary, "At Your Cervix" at Simmons University which was followed by a panel discussion with Q&A. They also co-hosted the 4th Annual Lunar New Year Rolling Parade in Boston on March 3rd - and are planning a spring panel discussion focused on women veterans and women in public service.

• The Essex County Commission is co-hosting a conversation in Beverly on Wednesday, March 20th with community partner, Leading Ladies at The Cabot - which will feature ECCSW Commissioners Nicole McClain and Sara Stanley as panelists. The event, "Herstory: How Far Have We Come?" will reflect on the progress we've made and the work that still needs to be done, highlighting Women's History Month. Members of the ECCSW Ginsburg Initiative will be joining other young leaders for a town hall at this year's GELI event on Saturday, April 20th at Simmons University.

• The Hampden County Commission recently held their annual planning retreat where they discussed legislative priorities and provided new commissioners with an overview of HCCSW work. They also co-hosted a community mother/daughter movie event which was followed by a discussion on empowering women and girls, facilitated by guest speaker Lucinda Lopez. HCCSW will be joining other community partners in Springfield for a Women's History Month Celebration on Sunday, March 10th which will feature a student art showcase.

• The Hampshire-Franklin Commission is looking forward to their annual planning retreat after a recent reorganization which included new leadership and the welcoming of several new commissioners. They're also planning a spring listening session with state legislators to discuss their regional priorities.

• The MetroWest Commission will be hosting an International Women's Day event in Natick on Friday evening, March 8th. The event will feature several inspirational speeches by local women leaders and will include performances and exhibits by regional female artists. Members of the MetroWest Athena Council will be co-facilitating a town hall at this year's GELI event on Saturday, April 20th at Simmons University.

• The Plymouth County Commission will be hosting a March 19th panel discussion in Marshfield on the topic of domestic violence. They are also reviewing their legislative priorities and considering new ones, like maternal health and how it affects black women - and planning a spring listening session.

• The Upper Middlesex Commission led the efforts on a community screening of the documentary, "At Your Cervix" at Simmons University on February 22nd, which was followed by a panel discussion with Q&A. They worked with community partners, including the Eastern Regional Commission, to bring the film screening to the area. Members of the UMCSW Athena Council, along with UMCSW Commissioners Christina Li and Shreya Kesarwani, are assisting with the town hall at this year's GELI event on Saturday, April 20th at Simmons University.

• The Worcester County Commission is planning a public hearing on Tuesday, April 23rd in Leominster and distributing a community survey to assess the needs and concerns of women and girls in Worcester County. WCCSW continues to expand their community advisory board which includes over a dozen members who are engaged with the work of their commission and who serve as ambassadors across the region.

Updates from the Coalition Corner

The MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women is proud to announce its upcoming International Women's Day event, scheduled for March 8, 2024 from 7-9 pm, at the Common Street Spiritual Center located at 13 Common Street in Natick. This event promises to be an empowering celebration of women's achievements and a platform for advocacy and unity within the community. Register now.

To register or for more information email hampdencsw@mass.gov.

Join us for "Dear Black Women" – a heartfelt tribute to the heroines in our communities and beyond. Whether you're coming to listen, learn, or share, this event is a space for empowerment and recognition for all attendees.

"Dear Black Women" is an immersive experience where celebration and dialogue meet, honoring the remarkable journey of Black women. We welcome you to a vibrant gathering that highlights their triumphs, acknowledges their struggles, and showcases the enduring spirit and rich narratives that define their existence. Learn more and register now.

Have you heard of the Pink Tax? Learn all about this and more at our event for Women’s History Month. After a short film, we will be joined by commissioners from the Essex County Commission on the Status of Women to discuss recent accomplishments, current threats to women’s rights, and ways to get involved in women’s advocacy. Learn more and register now.

Grateful to the many coalition partners who joined us at the Massachusetts Statehouse on January 24, 2024 for the #PRO Press Conference! Vote Mama recently released important new data showing #CampaignFundsForChildcare is not only smart policy, but it also supports families and supports a diverse candidate pool in our great Commonwealth.

The PRO Coalition consists of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators (MCWL), MA Women’s Political Caucus (MWPC), MassNow, sponsoring legislators and countless others, they called on Massachusetts legislators to pass An Act Supporting Parents Running for Public Office (H.669 & S.422).

Learn more about their latest report, watch the recap of the press release held at the Massachusetts Statehouse in January 2024: Campaign Funds for Childcare: A Data-Driven Report on a Structural Solution for Caregiving Candidates.

MCSW State Commissioner Audrey Hall interviewed Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and State Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis on The Audrey Hall Show which airs on Comcast Channel 9, Verizon Channel 43 and Astound/RCN Channels 3 and 1100. Check it out!

Take action today to support the MA Parentage Act Coalition! Key action steps:

• Contact all members of the Judiciary committee with this easy online tool, to let them know how much you care about the MPA and how it needs to pass this session. Personalize the message to make it stronger!
• Contact your OWN State Representative and State Senator – where you live and/or where your organization is based – to let them know that the MPA is your priority bill (or ONE of your top priorities) for this session, and why. Please ask them to support/sponsor it AND for them to tell leadership how important it is that the MPA pass this session. There is also an online tool you can use for this ask as well, if helpful. Even if you have called or written to your legislators before, please do it again. In this case, the redundancy is a good thing, as they will see how much you care.
• Get as many Massachusetts-based attorneys as possible to sign the Attorney Letter to the Judiciary Chairs (we’d like each coalition member to get at least 5 signers). There is a Google form that includes a link to the letter and makes it very easy for people to add their name. Please share it with the attorneys you know.
• Follow the MPA Coalition on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and share posts regularly!

Massachusetts is the only state in New England without updated parentage laws. It's time to protect MA children and families. The MCSW recently signed on in solidarity to a coalition letter offering testimony in support of this crucial legislation. Read the Letter and learn more here.

Good news: The Senate has UNANIMOUSLY passed the I AM Bill!

We’re thanking our Senators for passing the bill today, and tomorrow we start calling our Representatives to encourage them to bring the bill to a vote in the House!

Lean more: https://bit.ly/passIAM

The Common Start Coalition has great news from GBH News - backers of this bill are poised for transformational change in Massachusetts. But it'll take all of us working together to make legislators hear our voices!

Contact your legislator and ask them to co-sponsor the bill https://bit.ly/CommonStartVision

Women and people of color account for 52% and 28% respectively of the state's population, yet are significantly underrepresented in leadership positions.

An Act to Ensure Gender Parity on Public Boards and Commissions (H.2711 | S.1878) hopes to change that! Learn about how you can get involved with the #ParityOnBoard coalition here.

Want to take action?

Contact your Legislator and ask them to co-sponsor the bill!

Constituents and partners are welcome to join us at any of our monthly committee meetings.

Legislative & Public Policy Committee:

First Tuesday of every month, 5:30-6:30pm



Regional Chairs Meeting:

First Tuesday of every month, 7:00-8:00pm

Program & Planning Committee:

Second Tuesday of every month, 5:30pm-6:30pm.

Finance Committee:

First Thursday of every month, 3:00-4:00pm

Executive Committee:

Second Thursday of every month, 4:00-5:30pm

Full Commission Meeting:

Third Thursday of every month, 4:00pm- 5:30pm

MCSW State Commissioners

Dr. Sarah Glenn-Smith, Holliston

Chairwoman

Mary-dith Tuitt, Boston

Vice-Chairwoman

Legislative and Public Policy Committee Chair

Tanisha Arena, Springfield

Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair

Christine Monska, Auburndale

Secretary

Denella Clark, Hyde Park

MCSW Scholarship Committee Chair

Rebecca Bact, Auburndale

Carol Campbell, Amherst

Divya Chaturvedi, Wilmington

Finance Committee Vice-Chair

Guimel DeCarvalho, Natick

Legislative and Public Policy Committee Vice-Chair

Marianne Fleckner, Westford

Jean Fox, Freetown

Program and Planning Committee Vice-Chair

Liz Friedman, Northampton

Allison Goldberg, Marblehead

Audrey Hall, Framingham

Finance Committee Secretary

Nina Liang, Quincy

Leslie-Ann McGee, Falmouth

Program and Planning Committee Secretary

Dr. Aisha Miller, Mattapan

Program and Planning Committee Chair

Sonia Shah, Natick

Dr. Kimberly Shea, Winchendon

Legislative and Public Policy Committee Secretary

The Office of Economic Empowerment - Economic Empowerment for Women

The Office of Economic Empowerment provides several programs geared toward women of the Commonwealth, covering financial literacy, wage equality, and more.

Under Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, the Office of Economic Empowerment (OEE) focuses on creating and implementing programs and initiatives that give women the tools to succeed at home and in the workplace. They provide quality workshops and opportunities for women to learn strategies for financial success and free resources.

Mass 2-1-1: This online directory is an information resource for emergency food, rent, help to pay your heating and utility bills, mental health counseling, health programs, public health and safety services, child care referrals, job resources, and other help for individuals' parents, and families.

Massachusetts Girls in Trades was launched in 2015 by a partnership of educational, governmental and union organizations with a shared goal of supporting and encouraging female career and technical education students and alumnae to pursue careers in the building trades. Directory of Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers in Massachusetts.

Find LGBTQ Youth Resources: A comprehensive list of LGBTQ resources for youth throughout the state of Massachusetts, updated frequently, from our partners at Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth.

Local Women’s Commissions

There are currently 10 local Women’s Commissions that represent various cities and towns in the Commonwealth. While these Commissions are independent of MCSW, the Commission serves as a resource and partner for local commissions:

• Boston Women’s Commission
• Brockton Mayor’s Commission on Women’s Issues
• Brookline Commission for Women
• Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women
• Melrose Commission on Women
• Newton Commission on the Status of Women
• Quincy Mayor’s Commission on Women
• Somerville Commission for Women
• Springfield Women's Commission
• Worcester City Manager’s Advisory Committee on the Status of Women