Small Things Lead to Great Things by Working Together
Dear MCSW Community:
It is a pleasure for me to welcome in October – Women’s Small Business Month, among other things - as this month’s featured guest author. As the President and CEO of Chicopee Industrial Contractors (CIC), a local company in Western Massachusetts providing rigging/relocation and millwright, transportation services to (primarily) the manufacturing sector, and more, I know what it means to operate a business in a primarily male dominated field while supporting all workers regardless of gender, age, race, orientation, or creed.
32 years ago, when we first opened our doors, this was not a primarily male world – it was a total male world. I entered the industry – in a recession (1992), with Workers Comp rates skyrocketing and companies closing – a time when rates were set without the knowledge or understanding of how a mod rate was calculated, a world in which accidents were more common than not. A world with an abundance of available workers and an industry that was not known for respecting the worker.
But I was determined to do business differently. To work hard, to take care of one another.
In 2005, my company CIC was just 13 years old. I was tapping the glass ceiling, with only a few minor cracks. We had been named Business of the Year by our local Chamber, and the next year we were named Business of the year by the Trustees at our local bank. But on November 23, 2005 – my life changed. My first granddaughter was born, and as I held her and told that baby how much I loved her – I told her she could be anything she wanted to be – a Ballerina or the CEO of a Rigging Company.
I remember like it was yesterday – and the light that went off in my head – that I owed it not only to my granddaughter to pay it forward – but to all young women who could learn from my story and chase their dreams. This path has certainly not been easy, but as the owner of a business, I could control salaries and treatment of women in my organization – but I knew that was not the case for many or most women. It was then that I started to use my voice. It was then that my values of equity and equality became my mantra of my everyday life.
It was also then that I became involved with the many women organizations I support and volunteer with. I am honored to be a current State Commissioner with the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW), appointed by Governor Charlie Baker in 2022, representing the Hampshire-Franklin region of our great Commonwealth.
When asked about the impact I have made throughout my life and career, I think about something Mother Theresa once said: “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things great."
I cannot compare myself to Dorothea Dix or Oprah Winfrey or my hero Gloria Steinman– because I didn’t break any glass ceilings – but I do think I put pin holes in them for the many that will come behind me.
And small things like that truly lead to great things when we all work together.
I was fortunate to have help along the way in my journey. The many employees who have worked at CIC, who stood by me during difficult times. Professional colleagues who helped deepen my resolve. People – like my first granddaughter, Julia – and my second, Bella – who gave me inspiration. I know not everyone has family and friends who can help with the small things – let alone the big ones.
So, I will leave you with this challenge. I make it a point to ask you to help other women whenever and wherever you can. Not just financially, but by being there for them, giving advice when asked, or just an ear or a shoulder when needed. I implore each of you to not only create a support system for yourself, but to be a part of other’s support systems, of friendship, mentorship, building strong networks - so that you and your daughters and granddaughters can tell a story of success – your success and helping others achieve theirs.
To that end, I encourage you to join us on October 22, 2024 at the Old Chapel at UMass Amherst for a hybrid public hearing. Join us in person or tune in online but be sure to make your voice heard. Here at the #MCSW, we care deeply about the issues facing women and girls across the state, and your input will directly inform our legislative priorities for the years to come.
Because after all, it’s the small things that truly lead to great things when we all work together.
Best wishes,
Carol Campbell
MCSW State Commissioner
President and CEO, Chicopee Industrial Contractors (CIC)
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The MCSW wants YOU to Vote! | |
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The Commissioners of the MCSW have collectively come together to release a statement about the importance of casting your vote on November 5, 2024. Your input, your voices, and your experiences ultimately inform every day decisions made in the town or city we live in, the state we call home, and the country we all love.
Read our statement and then make a plan for Election Day. Be sure you’re registered to vote or update your voter registration status!
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Register Now: Upcoming Public Hearing | |
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We want to hear from you! The first public hearing of FY25 will be held at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. This event is an opportunity for women across the Commonwealth to give testimony on issues that matter most to them, which directly inform MCSW's policy priorities. Translation and other languages accessibility options available - register to indicate your need.
RSVP at: bit.ly/HampshireFranklinHearing or scan the QR code!
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Welcoming our FY25 Leadership | |
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We are thrilled to announce our new slate of FY25 Leadership recently elected here at the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW). This incredible slate of local women leaders hail from all across the state, and their experience and expertise will further the mission of the MCSW in advancing the rights of all women and girls across the Commonwealth. Their work includes legislative and public policy advocacy, gathering data, conducting regional public hearings on key issues and to gather data that advances the rights of all women and girls, and more.
Learn more about the biographies of all MCSW Statewide Commissioners!
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We agree with Governor Healey: Massachusetts has a beautiful, vibrant and growing Hispanic and Latino community full of leaders, educators, artists and innovators. It’s a community that, now more than ever, keeps us strong and moves us forward. Happy Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month! | |
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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"My Passion is Empowering Women:" Elizabeth Freeman Center taps Chaturvedi as its new Executive Diretor
MCSW Commissioner Divya Chaturvedi was recently named the ED of the EFC, a 24/7 domestic violence and sexual assault crisis center that serves Berkshire County.
Congratulations from the MCSW!
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Governor Healey Signs Most Ambitious Legislation to Address Housing Costs in State History
The Affordable Homes Act is slated to build or save 65,000 homes through $5.1 billion in authorizations and 49 policy initiatives. Read More.
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Amid a packed hall in Lexington, Governor Healey recently signed the HERO Act. The law enhances benefits, modernizes services, and elevates how we honor our veterans. Learn more about the HERO Act and what it means for veterans living in Massachusetts. | |
MCSW Seeking Regional Commissioners
MCSW is seeking candidates to serve on the following Regional Commissions:
- Berkshire County
- Cape Cod and the Islands
- Hampden County
- Hampshire-Franklin
- MetroWest
- Worcester County
For more information and to apply: MCSW Regional Commissions.
For additional questions, contact Tina Games, Regional Commissions Director.
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Our Regional Commissions entered the fall season with a lot on the calendar for September & October. Some are planning listening sessions and community forums, while others have attended regional conferences as a way of networking and promoting their commission work. Several are collaborating with community partners on upcoming programs to support the needs of their constituents. Here's a snapshot of what they've been focused on as we move into a new programming year.
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The Berkshire County Commission looks forward to exploring possibilities with community partners to provide ongoing education and support for the women they serve. They have a strategic planning retreat scheduled in October to finalize the details.
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The Bristol County Commission recently met with their new commissioners and are eager to get started on initiatives that support maternal care and area youth. One of their initiatives is in partnership with the Plymouth County Commission, an event focused on maternal health which is scheduled for March.
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The Cape Cod and Islands Commission is planning an exciting event in Hyannis on October 26th in partnership with several community organizations on the topic of women in leadership. CCICSW Commissioner Natalia Frois will be moderating a panel discussion with five community leaders as part of the event. Several CCICSW Commissioners also attended a media training workshop in September hosted by the Cape Media Center in Dennis.
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The Eastern Regional Commission held an executive committee retreat on September 28th to transition and onboard their new leadership team - Gabrielle Jackson, Chair; Wanjiku Gachugi, Vice Chair; Amanda Crabb, Secretary; Connie Henderson, Treasurer. ERCSW is also stepping into a leadership role in partnership with MCSW to help facilitate the Parity on Boards Coalition.
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The Essex County Commission has been focused on identifying regional priorities for the new legislative cycle - and participated in the Gloucester Women's Equality Day event on August 26th. They will be bringing on a new college intern to oversee and support the work of their Ginsburg Initiative and will be hosting an orientation meeting for new members.
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The Hampden County Commission is planning a legislative lunch event to introduce their regional priorities to state legislators - and will continue working with community partners on a series of events that support the needs of women and girls in their region with a particular focus on housing and homelessness.
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The Hampshire-Franklin Commission participated in the Western MA Health Equity Advocacy & Policy Showcase on September 26th where they met with several local leaders and community partners. They're also supporting the outreach efforts for MCSW's public hearing on October 22nd at UMass-Amherst where they'll be staffing a regional commission table and highlighting their good work in the region.
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The MetroWest Commission will be hosting a virtual listening session on October 8th to help guide their legislative priorities. Commissioners are eager to hear from women in the region on matters that are important to them. MWCSW is also working closely with their Athena Council which recently welcomed 16 new members.
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The Plymouth County Commission has scheduled a listening session on November 20th at the Plymouth Library to help guide their legislative priorities - and is also looking forward to a spring collaboration with the Bristol County Commission on the topic of maternal care.
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The Upper Middlesex Commission recently interviewed several great candidates for upcoming vacancies and looks forward to an onboarding process that will include a strategic planning retreat and continued support of their Athena Council which is in its third year.
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The Worcester County Commission recently hosted regional representatives of Mass NOW to learn more about their work in the county and to discuss potential collaborations. At their October meeting, State Senator Michael Moore will join commissioners for a conversation about legislative priorities.
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Above photo descriptions:
Left Photo: Hampshire-Franklin Commissioners Bonnie MacCracken and Laura Sylvester attended the Western MA Health Equity Advocacy & Policy Showcase at UMass-Amherst on September 26th where they staffed a table and met with attendees and community partners.
Right Photo: Cape Cod and Islands Commissioners Natalia Frois, Chinna Mapp, and Amy Peters joined the staff at Cape Media Center in Dennis for media training in early September.
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Updates from the Coalition Corner | |
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The Worth & Wealth Seminars are free webinars that deliver hands-on education for participants to achieve their full financial potential. Sponsored by Citizens, these workshops enable attendees to sharpen their skills on investing, money management, and retirement and are for people of all ages, ethnicities, economic backgrounds, and levels of fiscal knowledge.
Participants can also access free one-on-one financial coaching with Oriana Falkowski, an Accredited Financial Counselor, AFC® through the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education and founder of Money Map Coaching.
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The Investing in Girls Alliance (IIGA) is hosting their first training on their Thrive Benchmarks for Positive Mental Health. Thrive Benchmarks are grounded in research to lay a foundation for empowering middle school girls to thrive as adults.
These 90-minute sessions use the IIGA Thrive Benchmarks and your program ideas to add value to the programs you already provide. Add to your skills and find ways to apply benchmarks to your daily work with middle school girls. Participants will leave with a proactive look at their programs, a network of professionals engaged in similar work, and an online and paper survey to measure results.
Positive Mental Health for Middle School Girls
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
10:30 am- 12:00 pm
Register Here
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Lesley Dill, I am Afraid to Own a Body, 1994, Photoetching, thread, 30 x 22 inches, Mortimer and Sara Hays Acquisition Fund, Rose Art Museum, Brandeis University, Courtesy of the Rose Art Museum | Photo by Sasha Pedro
Our Bodies, Their Battleground: Art, Gender, and Politics
A panel discussion with Ruth Erickson, Jameson Johnson, and Courtney Stock, Moderated by WSRC Director Harleen Singh
October 16, 2024
5:00 - 6:00 pm
Liberman-Miller Lecture Hall
Brandeis University
Register Here
Religion, politics, and tradition are often understood as the site where women’s bodies and their rights are debated. The field of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies suggests instead that women’s bodies become the sites where debates of culture and politics take shape. As Barbara Kruger reminds us, “your body is a battleground.” Our Bodies, Their Battleground: Art, Gender, and Politics is presented in conjunction with Wrongs & RIGHTS, curated by Laura Dvorkin and Maynard Monrow, and on view in the Kniznick Gallery through January 30, 2025.
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The Massachusetts Girls in Trades is hosting upcoming conferences and career fairs! Register for the Eastern or Western Conferences. For questions, please reach out to Sarah Adams: Sadams.massgit@gmail.com. | |
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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