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Honoring Black History Month by Taking Action
Dear Colleagues:
February marks the beginning of Black History Month (BHM), a time for reflection, recognition, and celebration of African Americans’ historical and contemporary experiences in the United States. As the current Chair of the Program and Planning Committee here at the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) and a Black woman living and working in Massachusetts, I take this month to reflect on how far we’ve come – and how much further we have yet to go.
That is why I commit to using my voice daily to make a difference. As a State Commissioner appointed by the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, we work collaboratively across the state to ensure that all women and girls across the Commonwealth have fundamental freedoms and basic human rights that provide the full enjoyment of life. Therefore, I am passionate about women having the space to enable self-care while positively impacting the world.
As the Vice President of Related Beal and the former Chief of Civic Engagement in the Mayor’s Office of the City of Boston, I understand the intersectional threads that comprise our lives together in the community. Affordable housing, fair and equal pay, and promoting civic leadership and engagement are key priorities for myself and the MCSW at the dawn of a new legislative session under new leadership. It is a unique opportunity to bring change, and it will take every one of us.
And so I ask you to join us this Spring. Your participation is crucial. Please use our opportunities to plug in and make your voice heard. Register now for our Virtual Public Hearing on issues impacting Women of Color in the Commonwealth. Back in 2021, the MCSW released a report on the impact of COVID-19 and related recommendations to improve the status of all women of color here in the Commonwealth. As we reflect on the 5 years since COVID, we’re releasing an updated survey and holding a public hearing to hear from you regarding issues women of color face in Massachusetts.
Or perhaps you know a young person interested in leadership and STEM? Young women ages 14-22 are invited to join the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) alongside the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) for the 2025 Girls Empowerment Leadership Initiative (GELI) Summit! Individual and group registration is now available.
Finally, please register to join us at our 2025 Advocacy Day at the Massachusetts Statehouse on Monday, March 24, 2025. This day will be filled with workshops, dialogue, and creative space. Together, we will rally at the Massachusetts Statehouse and visit our legislators to promote legislation advancing women's and girls' rights and opportunities across the Commonwealth.
You don’t have to be Black to celebrate BHM and embrace Black leaders and organizers' impact on people's daily lives, protections, and rights regardless of color, race, sex, or culture.
Together, we can reflect, celebrate, and, most of all, ACT! Your actions can significantly impact our collective journey toward equality and justice.
Dr. Aisha Miller
Vice-Chair of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW)
Chairwoman of the Program and Planning Committee
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February 2025 Regional Spotlight: Eastern Regional Commission
Every month this year, we’re proudly spotlighting the work of our 11 regional commissions. This month, we uplift the Eastern Regional Commission (ERCSW), whose mission is to provide a permanent, effective voice for women and girls in their region. Since their initial launch, the commission has been active in the community, listening to their constituents and gathering testimony through public hearings, listening sessions, surveys, and panel discussions – all of which helps guide their legislative advocacy, both locally and on the state level.
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We're committed to celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth by honoring the past, empowering the present, and shaping the future. We encourage you to learn more about the history of this month and its lasting impact. | |
Registration is now open! Join the MCSW for Advocacy Day 2025 to rally behind legislation that increases women’s access to opportunities and equality. | |
New Date: Spring Virtual Public Hearing | |
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Please note that our Spring schedule has shifted slightly and this event has been rescheduled. We hope you can still join us on May 20, 2025 for this virtual public hearing as we release an updated survey to gather the latest data regarding issues that women of color face in MA.
In 2021, the MCSW released a report on the impact of COVID-19 and related recommendations to improve the status of all women of color here in the Commonwealth. As we reflect on the 5 years since COVID, we’re releasing an update survey and holding a public hearing to hear from you regarding issues that women of color face here in Massachusetts.
Public Hearings are an opportunity for women across Massachusetts to give testimony on issues that matter most to them, which directly inform MCSW’s policy priorities. The event is free and open to the public – and entirely virtual. Join us.
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Inspiring the Next Generation | |
Our Executive Director Shaitia Spruell was recently featured as the front page cover story of her alma mater, Holyoke Community College. Read the full feature piece about how Shaitia leads by example, "A Quiet Fire," via the HCC magazine, The Connection, written by Doug Scanlon. | |
Massachusetts continues to be well represented at the National Association of Commissions for Women (NACW). Two of our very own serve in leadership positions! MCSW Chairwoman Tuitt was elected to serve another term as the NACW President. MCSW Executive Director Shaitia Spruell will also serve a 2-year term as NACW Director-at-Large. Congratulations and thank you for representing Massachusetts at the National level. | | |
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"Massachusetts ranks No. 1 among the best states for women, new study says"
“Women in the U.S. still face a lot of adversity, so living in the right state can greatly impact their quality of life. The best states for women provide equitable economic conditions, encourage robust political participation, have quality health care, and ensure safety for the women who reside there."
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The rising power of women in Massachusetts politics
Is the ‘original boys’ club’ slipping away? GBH News crunched the numbers. Read the Story.
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In Governor's Council race, 2 Haitian American Women Make History
Congratulations to Tamisha Civil, Eastern Region Commissioner and newly elected Governors Council member! "Massachusetts voters have made it clear that they support a judicial system centered on democratic values, protecting reproductive rights, and criminal justice reform,” Civil said in the statement. “I promise to stand up to injustice and fight every day to protect the freedoms of everyone in our Commonwealth.”
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MCSW Seeking Regional Commissioners
MCSW is seeking candidates to serve on the following Regional Commissions:
- Berkshire County
- Bristol County
- Cape Cod and the Islands
- Hampshire-Franklin CSW
We always accept applications on a rolling basis for all of our regionals! For more information and to apply: MCSW Regional Commissions.
For additional questions, contact Tina Games, Regional Commissions Director.
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Above:
MetroWest CSW Commissioners hosted their second annual human trafficking awareness event on January 24th where MetroWest CSW Chair Lisa MacDonald introduced keynote speaker Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.
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Above Photos:
Essex County CSW Commissioners Brianna Sullivan and Maeva Veillard joined members of their Ginsburg Initiative (Youth Advisory Council) for the MassNOW Period Equity Summit on Saturday, January 25th.
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Our regional commissions kicked off the new year in high gear as they welcomed new commissioners, attended networking events, launched community surveys, hosted listening sessions, and joined their youth advisory councils for legislative advocacy. They’re all preparing for our March 24th Advocacy Day at the State House and finalizing their legislative priorities.
Here’s a quick look at their activities across the state:
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The Berkshire County Commission recently welcomed two new commissioners, Hope Bussiere and Meg Arvin – and look forward to their contributions in legislative advocacy and community outreach. BCCSW will be meeting in February to finalize their regional priorities and prepare for MCSW’s Advocacy Day on March 24th.
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The Bristol County Commission held their first meeting of the calendar year where they elected new leadership and began planning their spring programming which includes partnering with local organizations on legislative advocacy and initiatives. BCCSW is also looking forward to their March event with the Plymouth County Regional Commission on the topic of maternal care.
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The Cape Cod and Islands Commission hosted an outstanding girls listening session at the Mashpee Public Library on January 15th where youth leaders from three different high schools attended. CCICSW Commissioners will be meeting with the board of directors for the Cape Cod Women and Girls Fund on February 5th to discuss their work in the region and potential collaborations.
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The Eastern Regional Commission will be welcoming two new commissioners – Rosa Hanks and Stacy Wilbur – at their February meeting. ERCSW is planning a women’s history month event honoring women who continue to work collaboratively toward gender parity and equity across all sectors. The theme of the event falls under the International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action.” This hybrid event will be held on Saturday, March 22nd.
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The Essex County Commission is joint leading the Parity on Boards Coalition, along with our Eastern Regional Commission. This bill continues to be a legislative priority for Essex County. ECCSW Commissioners Brianna Sullivan and Maeva Veillard joined members of their Ginsburg Initiative (Youth Advisory Council) for the MassNOW Period Equity Summit on Saturday, January 25th where they participated in workshops, group discussions, and managing their commission’s resource table.
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The Hampden County Commission is partnering with the O’Dell Women’s Center for an event focused on empowering women in business. Chair Nicole Coakley will be facilitating the panel discussion on Saturday, February 22nd in Springfield. HCCSW welcomed a new commissioner, Vanessa Martinez at their January public meeting.
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The Hampshire-Franklin Commission welcomed three new commissioners at their January strategic planning meeting – Jo-Ann Konieckny, Olivia Laramie, Victoria Edwards – where they discussed legislative priorities and spring programming. HFCSW will be electing a new slate of officers at their February public meeting.
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The MetroWest Commission hosted their annual event on human trafficking awareness on January 24th where they welcomed keynote speaker Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. This issue continues to be a legislative priority for their commission. MWCSW also welcomed a new commissioner at their January meeting, Kathleen Marchi – and looks forward to her contributions. Additionally, the MetroWest Athena Council will be hosting a panel discussion on women in leadership on February 1st.
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The Plymouth County Commission is looking forward to their March event, a collaboration with the Bristol County and Eastern Regional Commissions on the topic of maternal care. Additionally, PCCSW is planning a women in trades event later this spring. New commissioners Daphne Remy Gomes and Kasey Bellegarde-Armstrong were welcomed at their January meeting.
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The Upper Middlesex Commission elected new leadership in January and look forward to a new year of legislative advocacy and regional programming. New commissioners - Jessica Kallin, Julie Laflamme, Elizabeth Duclos-Orsello, Doreen Wade – will be joining current commissioners for an orientation and strategic planning meeting in February.
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The Worcester County Commission welcomed three new commissioners – Mary Delaney, Cathleen Liberty, Amber Vayo – at their January meeting where they presented their 2025 legislative priorities in preparation for MCSW’s Advocacy Day in March. WCCSW continues to expand their advisory board which now includes over a dozen members who are engaged with the work of their commission and who serve as ambassadors across the region.
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Above:
Start 'em young! Worcester County CSW Commissioner Amanda Molina Dumas was in the presence of her baby girl as she took the oath of office at her Town Clerk's Office.
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Above Photos:
Cape Cod and Islands Commissioners Lynne Barbee, Amy Peters, and Natalia Frois joined CCICSW intern Ayesha Shafi for a listening session with Cape Cod high school girls on January 15th.
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Updates from the Coalition Corner | |
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Join MassNow this coming Thursday, February 6th, at the Massachusetts State House for their Advocacy Day! The event will start at 10:00 in the Great Hall and the speaking portion is from 11:00 until 12:00, featuring a series of incredible speakers including students, legislators, and activists.
Attached is a flyer and fact sheet on our menstrual equity agenda. Additional graphics can be found in this folder. Please share on social media promoting the event: LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
Registration to attend in-person is open through Monday, February 3rd. We know attending in person can be tricky, but people can still participate virtually by joining us on zoom to call their legislators between 1:00-3:00 P.M. Virtual registration is open through February 6th.
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Massachusetts is a state of firsts. The first shot of the American Revolution. The first public school, park, and library. The first state constitution. We’ve always been at the forefront of America and the ways it dreams. As we mark the 250th anniversary of our country and independence, the Healey administration is inviting fellow Americans, and the world, to experience the history we’ve made and continue to make. Follow along at @Massachusetts250 and 250.ma as we celebrate 250 years of innovation and progress. | |
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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:
Second Thursday of every month, 3:00-4:00pm
Executive Committee:
Third Tuesday of every month, 4:00-5:30pm
Full Commission Meeting:
Fourth Tuesday of every month, 4:00pm- 5:30pm
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Mary-dith Tuitt, Boston
Chairwoman
Christine Monska, Auburndale
Vice-Chairwoman
Tanisha Arena, Springfield
Treasurer
Finance Committee Chair
Dr. Kimberly Shea, Winchendon
Secretary
Dr. Sarah Glenn-Smith, Holliston
Immediate Past Chairwoman
Legislative and Public Policy Committee Secretary
Rebecca Bact, Auburndale
Carol Campbell, Amherst
Divya Chaturvedi, Wilmington
Finance Committee Vice-Chair
Denella Clark, Hyde Park
Guimel DeCarvalho, Natick
Legislative and Public Policy Committee Chair
Marianne Fleckner, Westford
Jean Fox, Freetown
Program and Planning Committee Vice-Chair
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
Legislative and Public Policy Committee Vice-Chair
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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 11 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:
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