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Women's History Month: Accelerating Action 2025
Dear MCSW Community:
It is an honor to be writing to you during Women’s History Month of March 2025. Hailing from Marblehead Essex County, I was first appointed by Governor Charlie Baker in 2018 and proudly reappointed in 2022 to serve as a State Commissioner on the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW). I serve on and learn about the work of each standing committee, contributing ideas and strategies that weave vital civic and educational programs to engage and support women and girls across our great state, the sixth to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1788. Our history is our future.
During my service, I have become a strong advocate for personal finance - educating women and girls about the essential basics of when, why, and how financial planning and literacy impacts our lives. Money impacts every aspect of our lives, and I fundamentally believe in giving everyone the tools they’ll need to not only understand their finances, but to feel confident in their future no matter the field.
In Massachusetts, we are incredibly fortunate that our State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg (no relation) is a bold advocate for financial education:
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In April 2024 as Treasurer and Receiver General, Goldberg co-sponsored Bill S. 2665, an act relative to student financial literacy.
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In 2015, the Treasurer created the Office of Economic Empowerment (OEE) and developed free personal financial education and wealth building information and pathways accessible to all residents of our Commonwealth, a first in the nation. They regularly host events and programs that offer information, trainings, and tools related to financial literacy efforts.
- The OEE makes available basic and advanced ideas and guidelines that help Massachusetts residents learn how to confidently manage their money and plan for their family’s future.
As a local business owner, I am honored to share my knowledge and experience as a session leader to MSCW’s Girls Empowerment Leadership Initiative (GELI). Explaining the importance of budgeting and saving to GELI participants since 2022, it became clear to me that this foundational knowledge illuminates the true power of money: financial self-reliance and independence for the long term. As any woman knows, this status represents freedom, autonomy, independence, flexibility, safety, peace of mind, and more. Registration is now open for the groundbreaking 2025 GELI Summit, this year with a unique STEM twist. - Mark your calendars and register to join us on Saturday, April 24, 2025 at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI).
This month, the MCSW is also proud to host our 2025 Advocacy Day at the Massachusetts Statehouse. I hope you register to join us and advocate for an issue that matters deeply to you and your families.
The 2025 campaign theme for International Women’s Day 3/8 is 'Accelerate Action’ and in step with that idea, I urge each one of us to accelerate action and take hold of our financial futures. The wheels of gender parity move forward, if slowly. So, let’s advocate for ourselves and our futures: personal finance education in school is a good place to begin.
Together, let's Accelerate Action to speed up the rate of progress worldwide – starting right here in Massachusetts.
In Solidarity,
Allison Goldberg
MCSW State Commissioner
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March 2025 Regional Spotlight: Essex County Commission (ECCSW)
Every month this year, we’re proudly spotlighting the work of our 11 regional commissions. This month, we uplift the Essex County Commission on the Status of Women (ECCSW), whose mission is to provide a permanent, effective voice for women and girls in their region.
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The Essex County Commission on the Status of Women represents all towns in Essex County including Saugus, Lynnfield, Lynn, Peabody, Swampscott, Salem, Marblehead, Danvers, Beverly, Middleton, Topsfield, Wenham, Hamilton, Manchester-by-the-sea, Essex, Gloucester, Rockport, Ipswich, Rowley, Newbury, Newburyport, Salisbury, Amesbury, Merrimac, West Newbury, Haverhill, Groveland, Georgetown, North Andover, Andover, Methuen, and Lawrence. | |
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Women's History Month 2025 | |
Since 1995, each president has issued and annual proclamations that March is Women’s History Month. This year’s theme is: “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” | |
Registration is now open! Join the MCSW for Advocacy Day 2025 to rally behind legislation that increases women’s access to opportunities and equality. | |
GELI 2025 Summit: STEM Opportunities | |
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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.
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Thank you to the many coalition partners and friends who joined us for a wonderful International Women’s Day Panel & Luncheon! The purpose of this event was to bring together diverse leaders from across Massachusetts and the globe to discuss women’s leadership & ways to advance opportunities for all women and girls.
Did you know that childcare is just $10 a day in Canada? We learned so much from the Consul Generals of Canada and Spain the Executive Director of ChileMass. Massachusetts is well represented both here at home and across the globe! We’re committed to working together to advance the rights of all women and girls.
Featured speakers at Global Voices, Local Impact: Advancing Women’s Leadership:
- The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Consul General, Canada - Consulate General of Canada in Boston
- Ana Durán de la Colina, Consul General, Spain
- Fernanda Soza, the Executive Director of ChileMass
- Mary-dith Tuitt, MCSW Chairwoman (Moderator)
- w/ Welcome Remarks from the Co-Chairs of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators!
A special thank you to the elected officials & partners who joined us today AND tirelessly fight for our rights every day:
- Christine Barber - State Representative
- Senator Robyn Kennedy
- State Representative Dawne Shand
- State Representative Leigh Davis
- Senator Becca Rausch
- State Rep. Michelle Badger
- Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus
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Inspiring the Next Generation | |
MCSW Chairwoman Mary-dith Tuitt led a workshop on civic engagement at the Massachusetts Statehouse as a part of an event called "It's Your World, Change It!" This Journey Day at the Statehouse, Troops on the Hill, was led by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators. | |
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"
March is Women’s History Month and to celebrate 51% of the population, a recent study compared all 50 states across 25 key metrics. The data set ranges from median earnings for female workers to the quality of women’s health care to the female homicide rate. Massachusetts claimed the top spot as the best U.S. state for women in 2025.
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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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The Interview: Maura Healey Wants Democrats to Put Up a Fight
The Interview
Among those trying to find the right balance is Gov. Maura Healey of Massachusetts. Healey is a former civil rights lawyer who, in 2015, became the nation’s first openly gay state attorney general. During the first Trump administration, she sued the federal government dozens of times from that perch. In 2022, she was elected governor, and she recently announced that she will be running for another term.
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'Sending a clear message...you belong here': State Senate Wants to Diversify Art and Symbolism in its Chamber
Renewed Senate Art Committee’s first task? Select a woman to be honored with a bust. Catherine Allgor, president of the Massachusetts Historical Society (left), and Senate President Karen Spilka unveil a portrait of Abigail Adams in the Senate Reading Room.
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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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This event is a joint collaboration between the Plymouth, Eastern Regional and Bristol County Commissions. Join them for an upcoming community event about the Black maternal health crisis. This panel discussion will feature experts and advocates tackling disparities, solutions and new legislation.
Register now to join them!
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Eastern Regional CSW Commissioner Tamisha Civil is hard at work as a member of the Governor's Council representing District 2. Tamisha credits her life and work experiences as driving forces that propelled her into the political arena.
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MetroWest CSW Commissioners join members of the MWCSW Athena Council on March 1st for their Career Fair at the Bellingham Public Library, empowering girls of all ages to explore and achieve their dream careers.
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It’s Women’s History Month and our regional commissions are busy with a flurry of activities, including International Women’s Day events, community surveys, coalition meetings, listening sessions, and panel discussions. Our regional commissioners are preparing for our March 24th Advocacy Day at the State House where they’ll be meeting with their legislators to discuss regional and state priorities.
Here’s a quick look at what’s happening in our various regions across the state:
- The Berkshire County Commission is looking forward to attending Advocacy Day, many commissioners attending for the first time. They are also sponsoring a community event on the topic of self-defense for women – and will be working with the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts to co-host a listening session for women in Berkshire County to share concerns and issues that matter to them.
- The Bristol County Commission will be joining several community partners for Advocacy Day – where we expect them to have the largest county representation. On March 19th, they will be attending a networking event being hosted by the UMass-Dartmouth Center for Women, Gender, and Sexuality. BCCSW is also looking forward to their March 26th event in partnership with the Plymouth County and Eastern Regional Commissions on the topic of maternal care.
- The Cape Cod and Islands Commission will be partnering with the Cape Cod League of Women Voters for their annual International Women’s Day Breakfast on March 11th in Hyannis. The theme will be, “Uniting Women, Empowering Equity: Building a Just Future Together.” CCICSW is also looking forward to traveling with several community partners to Advocacy Day on March 24th.
- The Eastern Regional Commission will be hosting a panel discussion in Milton on March 22nd, “Women: We Accelerate Action” – featuring five prominent women leaders in their community. This event will be moderated by ERCSW Commissioner Tamisha Civil who also serves on the Governor’s Council. ERCSW is also looking forward to their March 26th event in partnership with the Plymouth County and Bristol County Commissions on the topic of maternal care – and will be attending Advocacy Day on March 24th.
- The Essex County Commission continues to co-lead the Parity on Boards Coalition, along with MCSW and our Eastern Regional Commission. This bill has been a long-time legislative priority for Essex County. ECCSW has also launched a community needs assessment in four different languages. The results of this survey will determine the remainder of their programming for this calendar year. They’re also planning for Advocacy Day on March 24th at the State House.
- The Hampden County Commission partnered with the O’Dell Women’s Center on February 22nd for an event in Springfield focused on empowering women in business. Chair Nicole Coakley facilitated the panel discussion. HCCSW Commissioners are looking forward to Advocacy Day, several who are attending for the first time.
- The Hampshire-Franklin Commission elected a new slate of officers at their February public meeting - and is working with the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts to co-host a listening session for women in Franklin and Hampshire Counties to share concerns and issues that matter to them. HFCSW Commissioners will also be in Boston for Advocacy Day on March 24th and look forward to meeting with their state legislators.
- The MetroWest Commission will be hosting their second annual International Women’s Day event in Natick on March 8th from 3-5pm. There will be several exhibitors, along with community leaders and legislators who will be speaking about the significance of women in the arts, business, education, and government. Also, on March 1st, the MWCSW Athena Council hosted a Career Fair at the Bellingham Public Library, empowering girls of all ages to explore and achieve their dream careers.
- The Plymouth County Commission is looking forward to their March 26th 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. PCCSW Commissioners joined members of the Brockton Women’s Commission for a Women’s History Month Proclamation at the Brockton City Hall on March 4th – and will be organizing a group of community partners to join them for Advocacy Day on March 24th.
- The Upper Middlesex Commission recently elected new leadership and is planning an orientation and strategic planning meeting. They have also joined the Parity on Boards Coalition – and look forward to participating in Advocacy Day on March 24th.
- The Worcester County Commission welcomed the Zero Fair Coalition to their February meeting for a presentation on the advocacy work being done to make the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) permanently fare-free. WCCSW Commissioners look forward to attending Advocacy Day in Boston on March 24th and will be joined by several community partners.
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Hampden County CSW Chair Nicole Coakley moderates a panel discussion on February 22nd at the O'Dell Women's Center in Springfield with HCCSW participating as an exhibitor.
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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!
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Updates from the Coalition Corner | |
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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.
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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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