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This New Year, Take Action With the MCSW
Greetings & Happy New Year MCSW Community!
It’s hard to believe another year is upon us. I hope 2026 will bring many new and exciting adventures for all of you.
My name is Mary-dith Tuitt, and I have the honor of serving as the current Chairwoman of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW). I am also the Immediate Past President of the National Association of Commissions for Women (NACW), where women’s commissions from all over the country gather together to share best practices and data research on policies that can improve the lives of all women and girls. I’m also proud to say that I’m a Veteran of the U.S. Navy, where I served fourteen years as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate, first on active duty and then in the active & inactive Reserves, and I’m a proud mother and a grandmother from Dorchester, MA.
It is my honor to collaborate with all you to advance our organization’s mission and vision this year, and every year. The MCSW’s charter is clear – we exist to empower and amplify the voices of the women of the Commonwealth. We are the bridge between the issues you face and the decisionmakers who have the ability to change, alter, or prioritize policy changes to make our lives easier.
As the 194th legislative session will draw to a close in this year, we encourage you to plug in. Join us in contacting your elected officials in support of any of our priority bills. Use our new Take Action Hub tool as a way to easily contact your local legislators directly in support of An Act to Promote Diversity on Public Boards and Commissions (H.3398/S.2160), also known as Parity on Boards.
As women, we do not lead single-issue lives. Our top legislative priorities focus on the overall health, both physical and mental, of women and girls of the Commonwealth, bringing a holistic sense of caring for our full selves.
And so, this year, may your New Year's resolution be to take action. Join us at any of our Spring events, draft testimony in support of key legislation that will make all the difference for women and girls, and use your voice to speak up wherever possible. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the status of all women and girls here in the Commonwealth.
Happy New Year,
Mary-Dith Tuitt
MCSW Chairwoman
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Welcome to the Girls Empowerment Leadership Initiative – also known as GELI!
Get ready to UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL at the 2026 GELI Summit! If you’re a fierce female between 14-22, this is YOUR moment to shine. Learn new leadership skills, develop new connections, and build alliances to advocate for girls’ issues. Engage in civic leadership training that promotes the well-being of all girls in MA.
This isn’t just an event – it’s your launchpad to becoming an extraordinary change maker in policy, leadership, and community impact. We hope you join us at this year’s groundbreaking GELI Summit!
Save the Date:
The 2026 GELI Summit will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Registration will open on February 2, 2026.
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We’re testing the launch of our new Take Action Hub with one of our key pieces of priority legislation known as Parity on Boards (H.3398/S.2160): An Act to ensure gender parity and racial and ethnic diversity on public boards and commissions.
It's easy to sign our petition in support of #POB! This new tool enables you to add your (private) address information and directly contact your local legislators with a custom message in support of this bill. Add your personal flair or send the message as is - but either way, we encourage you to add your name in support of Parity on Boards in Massachusetts.
When the nation is rolling back protections for increasing diverse representation on public boards & commissions, we here in Massachusetts will set the standard for the nation by doubling down on policies that enhance economic development and increase representation for all. And so, we ask you to add your voice to ours. Sign our petition. Tell your Legislators you support Parity on Boards!
Need more information? Visit the Parity on Board website and download the fact sheet. Want to join the Parity on Boards coalition? Email mcsw@mass.gov today!
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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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MA Governor Maura Healey Is Playing to Win
As she gears up for reelection, the governor remains the competitive point guard she’s always been, determined to keep Massachusetts on top....and that message is clear: Massachusetts is winning.
Read the Story Here
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Local Regionals Advocate for Priority Legislation
Olivia Laramie & Victoria Edwards of the Hampshire Frankling Commission on the Status of Women penned a joint op-ed in support of Bill H.2499, “An Act pertaining to women’s health at midlife and public, medical and workplace awareness of the transitional stage of menopause and related chronic conditions.”
Read the Op-Ed via the Recorder.
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Governor, Lawmakers mourn the death of beloved Mass. State Representative Ferrante
Ferrante was described as driven by her faith and focus on community. Ferrante (D) was elected to the legislature in 2008, representing the 5th Essex district, which consists of Gloucester, Rockport and Essex.
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MCSW Seeking Regional Commissioners
MCSW is seeking candidates to serve on the following Regional Commissions:
- Berkshire County CSW
- Bristol County CSW
- Cape Cod and the Islands CSW
- Hampshire-Franklin CSW
- MetroWest 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: Hampden County Commissioners Nicole Esposito, Vanessa Martinez, Rachelle Hannoush, Magdalena Gomez, and Nicole Coakley welcomed members of the community to a financial education and investing workshop held at the YWCA in Springfield on December 1st. | | Above: Plymouth County CSW Chair Michelle Davidson takes the oath of office for her second term - and represented PCCSW at the MassNow Menstrual Equity Summit held at Suffolk University in Boston on December 6th. | | Above Photos: Bristol County CSW Commissioners gathered for their annual planning meeting in New Bedford on December 13th, 2025, where they elected their incoming 2026 leadership team: Chair Makenzie Lennington, Vice Chair Santita Castellano, Secretary Nedjine Desruisseaux, Treasurer Sri Lakshmi Gandham. Welcome! | | |
Our regional commissions had a busy December – and are entering 2026 with a lot planned for the winter and spring seasons. Several highlights include legislative breakfasts, needs assessment surveys, community conversations, and strategic planning retreats. Here's a quick look at what’s happening across Massachusetts through the work of our regional commissions:
- The Berkshire County Commission hosted community partners from Seeing Rainbows at their December public meeting to discuss and better understand the needs of transwomen in Berkshire County. They were also joined by North Adams City Councilwoman Ashley Shade to discuss potential collaborations in the northern part of Berkshire County.
- The Bristol County Commission met on December 13th for their annual planning retreat where they welcomed new commissioners, provided an overview of commission work, and began to organize the various details involved in their spring programming. They’ll be launching a needs assessment survey in January and will be working with community partners on distribution. A new BCCSW leadership team was elected at the retreat and will be taking the helm on January 1st – Chair Makenzie Lennington, Vice Chair Santita Castellano, Secretary Nedjine Desruisseaux, Treasurer Sri Lakshmi Gandham.
- The Cape Cod and Islands Commission is working closely with their two regional interns, one focused on a regional menstrual equity project and the other on their second annual CCICSW Girls Listening Circle to be held in late winter. CCICSW Commissioners also recognized the work of Commissioner Mary Waygan who will be completing her second full term and moving into emerita status in January.
- The Eastern Regional Commission interviewed several applicants in December for appointment consideration in February. They are also bringing on a regional intern to assist with community outreach, social media management, and administrative tasks.
- The Essex County Commission joined members of their Ginsburg Initiative at the MassNow Menstrual Equity Summit in December – and submitted testimony for two bills that support parity on state boards and the continuance of remote meetings for public boards. ECCSW also hosted a community conversation with senior women in Wenham on December 11th.
- The Hampden County Commission hosted an educational workshop on financial planning and investing on December 1st in Springfield – and held a strategic planning retreat on December 8th. They’re organizing a spring legislative breakfast and are currently updating their regional priorities in preparation for that event.
- The Hampshire-Franklin Commission is currently reviewing applications for open seats and will be following up with state legislators regarding some of the concerns that were expressed by constituents during their recent community conversation in Greenfield.
- The MetroWest Commission joined members of their Athena Council for the MassNow Menstrual Equity Summit in early December – and welcomed guests from the Women’s History Center and Veterans Affairs at their December public meeting for a conversation regarding collaborations for Women’s History Month. They will be hosting their annual human trafficking awareness breakfast on January 27th at the MassBay Community College in Wellesley.
- The Plymouth County Commission attended the MassNOW Menstrual Equity Summit in early December where they participated in the vendor expo. They also distributed their recently published resource guide at regional libraries, senior centers, and community centers – and through their community partners.
- The Upper Middlesex Commission continues to host coffee conversations around the region, engaging with community members, local leaders, and state representatives on issues of concern for women and girls in the region. They are also in conversation with the Somerville Women’s Commission and are discussing potential collaborations. UMCSW will be welcoming a new commissioner, Brianna Savage, in January – and look forward to welcoming others in February.
- The Worcester County Commission is currently reviewing applications for seats that will be opening on their commission in January – and recently recognized former WCCSW Commissioner Sue Lewandowski, who continues to attend their meetings and participate in their events, by elevating her to emerita status. The commission will be updating their bylaws early 2026.
| | Updates from the Coalition Corner | | |
Did you know that only 243 women have served in the Massachusetts Legislature, compared to more than 20,000 men, who have shaped public policy that impact our every day lives? In recognition of this disparity—and as part of its 50th Anniversary—the MA Caucus of Women Legislators (MCWL) is hosting a statewide Girl Empowerment Symposium, welcoming young women in grades 8–12 from youth-serving and girls’ empowerment programs across the Commonwealth to the Massachusetts State House for a day of exposure, learning, and inspiration.
Complete the registration form by January 30, 2026.
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Interested in advancing the rights and opportunities for women and girls in your region? Join the MCSW and the Marine Technology Society (MTS) for a discussion about what it takes to advance women’s leadership in Marine Science and Technology - featuring our Executive Director, Shaitia Spruell!
Learn more and register here.
| | We’re testing the launch of our Take Action Hub with one of our key pieces of priority legislation known as Parity on Public Boards (H.3398/S.2160): An Act to ensure gender parity and racial and ethnic diversity on public boards and commissions. | | |
Join us at any of our FY26 monthly committee meetings!
Legislative & Public Policy Committee:
First Tuesday of every month, 5:30 - 6:30pm
Program & Planning Committee:
Second Tuesday of every month, 4:00 - 5:00pm
Finance Committee:
Second Wednesday of every month, 3:00 - 4:00pm
Executive Committee:
Third Tuesday of every month, 4:30 - 5:30pm
Full Commission Meeting:
Fourth Tuesday of every month, 4:30pm - 5:30pmV
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Mary-dith Tuitt, Boston
Chairwoman
Christine Monska, Auburndale
Vice-Chairwoman
Audrey Hall, Framingham
MCSW Treasurer
Dr. Kimberly Shea, Winchendon
MCSW Secretary
Program and Planning Committee Chairwoman
Tanisha Arena, Springfield
Finance Committee Secretary
Giselle Byrd, Boston
Program and Planning Committee Vice-Chair
Carol Campbell, Amherst
Divya Chaturvedi, Wilmington
Finance Committee Vice-Chair
Whitney Dodds, Worcester
Guimel DeCarvalho, Natick
Legislative and Public Policy Committee Chair
Melissa Ferretti, Buzzards Bay
Natascha George, Boston
Allison Goldberg, Marblehead
Legislative and Public Policy Committee Vice-Chair
Shela Levante, Pittsfield
Dr. Aisha Miller, Mattapan
Lise OIney, Wellesley
Heather Panahi, Wellesley
Dr. Candace E. Pérez, Lynn
Dr. Emily Wilson, Plymouth
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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.
Resources for Immigrants in Massachusetts: The Attorney General’s Office recognizes the value of our diverse communities and serves all Massachusetts residents, regardless of immigration status. Learn more about the rights afforded to immigrants under state law and resources available to immigrant communities.
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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