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Black History is
American History
Dear Colleagues:
This year, February 2026, marks 100 years of commemorating the history and achievements of Black Americans. This month, and in the months and days to come, I urge you to take some time to research our rich history right here in the Commonwealth. It's something to be celebrated.
I’m the proud Executive Director of Arise for Social Justice, a radical social justice organization in Springfield, Massachusetts that just marked 40 years of organizing and advocacy. We build community and solidarity, fighting for systemic change at the local and national levels. As a state commissioner appointed by the MA Caucus of Women Legislators, I show up every day knowing representation matters - and it matters how you represent your community when you are entrusted with that care.
In addition, as the MCSW Vice-Chair of the MCSW Finance Committee, I support the commission's financial stewardship, recognizing the importance of financial literacy and economic security in these unprecedented yet historically familiar times. As we moved beyond the 2020 Commission report which studied the Impact of COVID-19 and Related Policy On Massachusetts Women and Girls, we revisited with a follow up listening session and the data remains consistent that it is Black and brown women and girls being the most impacted across every sector we can think of – housing, healthcare, food insecurity, child and elder care, and more.
I view the world through a lens of social justice and equity, inviting others to examine spaces of injustice and inequity both in my local community of Springfield and across the state. This crucial work of fighting to dismantle systems, institutions, and policies that cause us harm is for all of us - from our longest serving emerita, to our current regional and state commissioners, to the next generation of young leaders in our Girls Empowerment Leadership Initiative (GELI). Leadership isn’t about creating followers; it’s about building more leaders – and that is what GELI does.
Registration for the 2026 GELI Summit at UMass Amherst are now open. Join us for a one-of-a-kind day-long summit to welcome our next cohort of future leaders.
Register now or share the informational flyer available in English or Spanish with a young person in your life!
Only by centering the voices and needs of the most marginalized can we ensure all of us can thrive. Here at the MCSW, we use our listening sessions to create safe spaces for those voices to share deep truths that reflect the spaces where we have work to do. I invite you to visit our website for details on our upcoming listening session where we are focusing on the needs of trans women and girls. Black trans women have contributed so much to society, are often excluded from the narrative of history, and experience the highest rates of extreme violence, both past and present.
As we make progress on our path towards equity for women and girls across the Commonwealth, this remains true. Only by working together and hearing all voices can we rebuild systems that work for real people and meet the needs of the modern age.
Your stories and lived experiences directly inform the policy priorities of the MCSW, allowing us to make change to the systemic issues that impact us all.
Black History is American History.
In Solidarity,
Tanisha Arena
Vice Chair of the MCSW Finance Committee
Executive Director, Arise for Social Justice
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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.
We're thrilled to announce that registration is now open! Join us.
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Essex County Ginsberg Initiative Creates Digital Zine for Girls
Here at the MCSW, we believe in uplifting the work of the next generation of women leaders here in the Commonwealth. Many of our 11 regional commissions have created youth councils that center the voice and unique experiences of women in their local communities.
The Essex County Commission on the Status of Women's youth council, the Ginsberg Initiative, has created their first ever digital magazine! Be sure to check it out and share widely with anyone you know who might be interested. Click here to learn more about ECCSW and get involved!
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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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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: Our Regional Commissioner Emerita program continues to thrive as commissioners who are terming out with exemplary service are invited to stay involved in the work by serving on commission committees and attending events. A great example of this type of service is demonstrated by our Bristol County CSW with BCCSW Commissioner Emerita Stephanie Taylor's (far right) continued commitment to supporting the work in Bristol County. | | |
Above Left: PCCSW Commissioner Tamara Dzialo takes an oath of office for her second term in service to the women and girls of Plymouth County.
Above Right: The Berkshire County CSW held their January meeting in person at the Gladys Allen Brigham Center in Pittsfield and welcomed members of the public to join them for conversation regarding spring programming.
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Our regional commissions have moved into a new calendar year with big plans to launch community surveys, host listening circles and public hearings, hold legislative breakfast meetings with elected officials, partner with community organizations for women’s history month events - and many are traveling to Boston to join coalition partner Mass Now for their annual Menstrual Equity Advocacy Day.
Here's a quick look at what’s happening across the Commonwealth through the work of our regional commissions:
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The Berkshire County Commission hosted an in-person meeting on January 20th at the Gladys Allen Brigham Center in Pittsfield where they reviewed their legislative priorities and discussed plans for spring programming which will include a public hearing in March and a self-defense class in April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
- The Bristol County Commission met on January 28th for their first meeting of the calendar year where they discussed the launch of their needs assessment survey which was distributed in partnership with several organizations that serve women and girls. They also made plans for a series of spring events in collaboration with community partners in Bristol County – and will be traveling to Boston to attend Mass Now’s Menstrual Equity Advocacy Day on February 26th.
- The Cape Cod and Islands Commission met on January 14th to discuss their plans to co-host the annual International Women’s Day Breakfast in Hyannis with the Cape Cod League of Women Voters. They also reviewed applications for CCICSW vacancies and formed an ad-hoc committee to conduct interviews later this month.
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The Eastern Regional Commission will be meeting this month to review their legislative priorities and to finalize plans to bring on a regional intern to assist with community outreach, social media management, and administrative tasks.
- The Essex County Commission will be joining members of their Ginsburg Initiative at Mass Now’s Menstrual Equity Advocacy Day in Boston on February 26th. On March 11th, ECCSW Commissioners will be joining local community leader Therese Melden for Cabot’s Community Conversation on the topic of “Childcare to Elder Care: The Challenge Families are Facing.”
- The Hampden County Commission recently reviewed their legislative priorities in preparation for a legislative event with state legislators in March. They are also planning a public hearing in June – and will be bringing on a regional intern to assist with social media and community outreach.
- The Hampshire-Franklin Commission was recently featured on Smith College Radio where they discussed their advocacy for the Menopause Bill and the feedback they received during their community conversation with constituents in Franklin County at Greenfield Community College.
- The MetroWest Commission recently updated their bylaws – and will be joining members of their Athena Council at Mass Now’s Menstrual Equity Advocacy Day in Boston on February 26th. Their annual human trafficking awareness breakfast planned for January 27th at the MassBay Community College in Wellesley was rescheduled due to heavy snow. MCCSW Commissioners are planning their annual International Women’s Day Event with a theme of “Give to Gain.”
- The Plymouth County Commission will be attending Mass Now’s Menstrual Equity Advocacy Day in Boston on February 26th – and will be participating in the annual International Women’s Day Breakfast at Simmons University on March 6th. They are continuing to distribute their recently updated resource guide to regional libraries, senior centers, and community centers – and through their community partners.
- The Upper Middlesex Commission is planning a series of listening sessions across the region to engage 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.
- The Worcester County Commission is currently interviewing applicants for vacant seats that have opened on their commission – and will be updating their bylaws at their February meeting. They are also discussing plans to launch a community survey and will be working with community partners to distribute it across the county.
| | Updates from the Coalition Corner | | |
Join MassNOW and members of the Massachusetts Menstrual Equity Coalition (MME) from across the Commonwealth for Menstrual Equity Advocacy Day on Thursday, February 26, 2026 10 AM-3 PM in The Great Hall at the MA State House.
Hear from inspirational speakers and learn firsthand how to advocate effectively! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from activist and legislator speakers and meet with your legislators to take action for menstrual equity legislation including…
- H.4611 / S.2640: The I AM Bill
- HB3318 / S.2156: Increased access to menstrual products in public buildings
- S.2641 / H.2375: Ingredient Disclosure requirements for menstrual products
Don’t miss out on this opportunity, register at massnow.org today!
| | Save the Date: The Center for Women in Politics & Public Policy (CWPPP) advances greater diversity in public leadership to promote more equitable and just public policies that serve all. CWPPP offers an online graduate certificate in Gender, Leadership & Public Policy that is linked to a Master of Public Administration degree, conducts cutting edge intersectional policy research, and hosts interactive public events. CWPPP is based in the McCormack Graduate School of Policy & Global Studies in UMass Boston's College of Liberal Arts. | | |
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.
| | 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 Vice-Chair
Giselle Byrd, Boston
Program and Planning Committee Vice-Chair
Carol Campbell, Amherst
Divya Chaturvedi, Wilmington
Finance Committee Secretary
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
Program and Planning Committee Secretary
Lise OIney, Wellesley
Legislative and Public Policy Committee Secretary
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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