APRIL 2025 EDITION

Earth Day 2025

GELI 2025 Summit: STEM Opportunities for Girls Ages 14-22

Time is running out to register for the 2025 GELI Summit! Registration closes Wednesday, April 15, 2025. Register as an individual or register a group here.

The agenda and workshop descriptions for this year's groundbreaking 2025 GELI Leadership Summit is now LIVE! The available sessions from leading female scientists are truly one of a kind - you won't want to miss it.

Get ready to UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL at the 2025 Girls Empowerment Leadership Initiative (GELI). If you're a fierce female between 14-22 interested in STEM and Leadership, this is YOUR moment to shine alongside powerhouse organizations like the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW), the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) for the 2025 Summit!

This transformative youth summit is designed to equip the next generation with the skills, connections, and confidence to lead in STEM, leadership, and community impact. This isn’t just an event—it’s a launchpad for future leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Whether you're passionate about science, leadership, or making a lasting impact, this is your moment to shine! 

🔬 Hands-on STEM/STEAM experiences 

🌊 Exclusive access to groundbreaking ocean science experts 

💡 Leadership development workshops 

🤝 Networking with like-minded young women ready to change the world

The 2025 GELI Summit takes place Thursday April 24, 2025. Lunch and snacks will be provided, and transportation and translation options are available. Overnight lodging is available for groups. Register to indicate your needs.

Space is limited, so register now!

For more information on the MCSW Girl's Empowerment Leadership Initiative, visit our website or email MCSWprograms@mass.gov.

Advocacy Day 2025

On behalf of all of us here at the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW), THANK YOU for attending our 2025 Advocacy Day at the Massachusetts Statehouse! We were in AWE of the energy in the room!!

Hundreds of you packed the Great Hall of Flags and visited your district legislators to advocate for issues that advance the rights of all women and girls.

We’re especially grateful to our featured speakers Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell and State Auditor Diana DiZoglio for sharing their stories and encouraging us all to use our voices. We're also grateful to the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts (GSEMA) for the donation of girl scout cookies!

We welcome your feedback about the day.

Please take our event survey and share your thoughts with us.

For more information on the MCSW 2025 Advocacy Day visit our website or email MCSWprograms@mass.gov.

Honoring International Women's Day

The MCSW is honored to be a part of the International Women's Day planning committee here in Massachusetts. We're grateful to the many partners and organizations who made this year such a success. The energy in the room was incredible, with over 250 attendees at Simmons University, a true reminder of what’s possible when we unite. We were inspired by powerhouse speakers who shared bold visions and real wins in diversity, equity, and inclusion. In these times of fear and backlash, their words were a powerful call to action—especially for white women and those with privilege to show up as allies and stand in solidarity. Check out the photos including the pictures from the Mayor’s Office. Thank you all! #IWD2025

Above and Below:

The MCSW was honored to join our appointing authority, the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators (MCWL), as they celebrated 50 years of impact on Massachusetts Politics. From left to right: Tanisha Civil (Eastern Regional Commissioner & Governors Council Member), Eunice Ziegler (Governors Council Member), Marjorie Bernadeau-Alexandre, MCSW Administration and Finance Director, Shaitia Spruell, MCSW Executive Director, and Dr. Aisha Miller, MCSW Commissioner and Chairwoman of the Program and Planning Committee.

Above: The MCSW was honored to meet with Senate President Karen Spilka on March 20, 2025. Joined by MCSW Chairwoman Mary-dith Tuitt, Commissioners Audrey Hall, Christine Monska, and MCSW Treasurer Tanisha Arena.

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.

In the News

Breaking News! Senate President Karen E. Spilka has announced that busts of women’s rights leader and presidential advisor Abigail Adams, as well as freedom fighter Elizabeth Freeman, the first enslaved woman to successfully sue for her freedom in the United States of America, will be commissioned and placed in the Massachusetts Senate Chamber. Adams and Freeman will be the first permanent busts depicting women in the Massachusetts State House, and the first in the Senate Chamber’s collection of sculptures.

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.

Above Advocacy Day Photos: 

Regional Commissioners traveled from across the state to join MCSW Commissioners and community partners for Advocacy Day 2025. Pictured here: MetroWest Commissioners Lisa MacDonald and Jennifer Wuelfing meet with State Senator James Eldridge, Berkshire County Commissioners Meg Arvin and Hope Bussiere visit the State House for the first time, Plymouth County Commissioners connect with State Representatives Kathy LaNatra and Michelle Badger, Cape Cod & Islands Commissioners gather with community partners.

Above:

Eastern Regional Commissioners hosted a panel discussion on March 22nd in Milton on the topic of gender equality which was moderated by ERCSW Commissioner Tamisha Civil.

Advocacy Day 2025 was a big highlight for all our regional commissions, many of whom sent big groups to the State House on March 24th to help advocate for regional and state priorities. These groups were comprised of commissioners, community partners, and youth groups. In addition to Advocacy Day, several regional commissions hosted events celebrating Women’s History Month including panel discussions, film screenings, listening sessions, and collaborative meetings.

Here’s a quick look at their activities across the state:

• The Berkshire County Commission was represented at Advocacy Day by Hope Bussiere and Meg Arvin who met with their state legislators, engaging in thoughtful and productive conversations which highlighted their legislative priorities. It was the first State House visit for both regional commissioners which added to the excitement.
• The Bristol County Commission brought the largest delegation to the State House for Advocacy Day, which included over 100 high school students who got a taste of legislative advocacy for the first time. BCCSW also held a successful event on March 26th at Bristol Community College in Taunton, in partnership with the Plymouth County and Eastern Regional Commissions on the topic of maternal care. This event included a film screening followed by a panel discussion with seven regional experts.
• The Cape Cod and Islands Commission had the second largest delegation at Advocacy Day, joining community partners from the Cape Cod League of Women Voters and Driven Women, along with 50+ students from Mashpee High School, Monomoy Regional High School, and Falmouth High School. Since it was the first visit to the State House for many of the students, they were treated to a tour of the House Chamber by State Representative Hadley Luddy.
• The Eastern Regional Commission showed up in big numbers at Advocacy Day with many of their constituents joining them for legislative visits to discuss their regional priorities. ERCSW also hosted an inspiring event on March 22nd at Fontbonne Academy in Milton which featured five prominent women leaders who spoke about gender equality, highlighting advocacy and public policy. Eastern Regional Commissioners also partnered with the Bristol County and Plymouth County Regional Commissions on a film screening and panel discussion on the topic of maternal care on March 26th in Taunton.
• The Essex County Commission continues their leadership with the Parity on Boards Coalition, along with the Eastern Regional and Upper Middlesex Commissions. The Parity on Boards bill continues to be a legislative priority for Essex County CSW – and became a centerpiece for conversations with state legislators during Advocacy Day on March 24th at the State House.
• The Hampden County Commission is planning a spring legislative breakfast with their state legislators where they’ll engage in conversations regarding their regional priorities.
• The Hampshire-Franklin Commission attended the budget hearing hosted by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means at UMass-Amherst on March 24th where they spoke with their state legislators during breaks. They will be engaging in follow-up conversations regarding their legislative priorities.
• The MetroWest Commission had a great showing at Advocacy Day, meeting with State Senator James Eldridge and Assistant House Majority Leader, Representative Alice Hanlon Peisch to discuss their legislative priorities. MWCSW, along with the MetroWest Athena Council, co-hosted a career fair for high school girls on March 1st at the Bellingham Public Library.
• The Plymouth County Commission showed up in full force for Advocacy Day with a calendar full of appointments with their state legislators, including Senator John Keenan and Representatives Michelle Badger and Kathy LaNatra – and were joined by several constituents from Plymouth County. PCCSW also partnered with the Bristol County and Eastern Regional Commissions to host a successful event on March 26th at Bristol Community College in Taunton on the topic of maternal care. This event included a film screening followed by a panel discussion with seven regional experts.
• The Upper Middlesex Commission was well-represented at Advocacy Day, bringing a big group of commissioners and community partners to the State House on March 24th to meet with state legislators, including State Senator James Eldridge. UMCSW is hosting a series of community coffees this month where legislators will be joining them for more intimate conversations about their regional priorities.
• The Worcester County Commission was represented at Advocacy Day by Amanda Molina Dumas and Amber Vayo who met with their state legislators, engaging in thoughtful and productive conversations centered on their legislative priorities. WCCSW is also working with the Zero-Fare Coalition to support making the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) permanently fare-free. The coalition joined commissioners at their February meeting to discuss advocacy efforts.

Above:

Bristol County CSW Commissioners Millie Sanchez, Stephanie Taylor, Makenzie Lennington attended a community event at UMass-Dartmouth where they proudly displayed their regional legislative priorities.

Above:

Our Bristol County, Plymouth County, and Eastern Regional Commissions joined together on March 26th at Bristol Community College in Taunton to host a film screening and panel discussion focused on the topic of black maternal health.

Join The Junior League of Boston and the Eastern Regional Commission on the Status of Women as local women lead a panel discussion, #ACCELERATEAction, addressing how to drastically shorten the path to gender parity.

Register now!

Updates from the Coalition Corner

Do you know a sophomore or junior in a Massachusetts high school who could benefit from a week-long program in ocean science this summer?

This fellowship offers hands-on ocean research experience and a deep dive into careers in STEAM! Experience the magic of a Woods Hole summer! Applications are due on March 14.



WHOI Sea Grant (WHOI SG) and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) are excited to collaborate with Sea Education Association on the Ocean STEAM Powered Women (O-STEAM) Fellowship, a competitive, week-long, no-cost, residential fellowship in Woods Hole for a cohort of young women from Massachusetts currently in their sophomore or junior year of high school.

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.

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

MCSW State Commissioners

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

Giselle Byrd, Boston

Carol Campbell, Amherst

Divya Chaturvedi, Wilmington

Finance Committee Vice-Chair

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



Dr. Candace E. Peréz, Lynn

Sonia Shah, Natick

Legislative and Public Policy Committee Vice-Chair

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:

• Boston Women’s Commission
• Brockton Mayor’s Commission on Women’s Issues
• Brookline Commission for Women
• Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women
• Chelsea 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