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May Your Holidays
Be Merry and Bright
My Dearest MCSW Community:
It's hard to believe it, but the holiday season is upon us once again. From all of us here at the MCSW, may your spirits be bright and your tables be full this holiday season.
In times of uncertainty and scarcity, I draw hope from all of you. Your work over this past year has not gone unnoticed – you’ve met with legislators, engaged with the community, and have set the standard for what it means for a government agency to represent its community. Here at the MCSW, liberty and justice for all aren’t just words – they're our values, and we’re committed to advancing our mission with purpose in 2026 and beyond.
As a teen mom who is now the Executive Director of a statewide independent agency that advocates for all women and girls, I take that commitment very seriously. That’s why I’m particularly proud of our MCSW Scholarship program, where we’re awarding five, $5,000 academic scholarships for the 2026-2027 school year. If you’re a student or know someone who is, apply today! The application portal closes at 11:59 pm on January 2, 2026. If you’re a member of this community who wants to support the MCSW Scholarship fund by investing in the educational attainment of women and girls, please consider making a contribution to the MCSW this giving season. It’s only possible when we all work together.
Finally, it was my personal goal – and honor – to visit all 11 Regional Commissions of the MCSW this year in an effort to foster better relationships, build stronger coalitions, and stay better connected to each other. Together, they held listening sessions, legislative breakfasts, attended summits, and championed an ambitious legislative agenda that advances the rights of all women and girls of the Commonwealth. I look forward to celebrating alongside all of you when some of those bills cross the finish line at the end of the 194th legislative session in 2026. If it's your New Year's resolution to get more involved in your local community, consider applying as a regional commissioner. You'll join an incredible cadre of women working to make their corners of the Commonwealth just a little brighter.
Happy Holidays to all,
Shaitia Spruell
MCSW Executive Director
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We’re thrilled to announce that the MCSW scholarship program is back!
Applications are now open – apply now!
The program’s objective is to support emerging woman leaders in Massachusetts to continue their education journey to leadership and economic empowerment. Designed to support woman-identifying students already enrolled in or committed to a Massachusetts Public Higher Education Institution, scholarships will be available to help both traditional and nontraditional students complete their degree.
The MCSW will award 5 individuals with a scholarship of $5000 each for the 2026-2027 academic year. Applicants must currently be enrolled in or committed to an accredited degree or certificate program in a Massachusetts Public High Education Institution. The funds from this scholarship will go towards tuition, fees, books and related supplies or equipment for study. All funds awarded are provided by the MCSW Trust Fund, supported by the generosity of donors all across the state who believe in investing in women.
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December 2025 Regional Spotlight: Hampshire-Franklin CSW (HFCSW)
Every month this year, we’re proudly spotlighting the work of our 11 regional commissions. This month, we uplift the Hampshire-Franklin County Commission on the Status of Women (HFCSW), whose mission is to provide a permanent, effective voice for women and girls in their region.
| | | The Hampshire-Franklin Commission on the Status of Women represents all cities and towns in Hampshire and Franklin Counties including: Amherst, Ashfield, Belchertown, Bernardston, Buckland, Charlemont, Chesterfield, Colrain, Conway, Cummington, Deerfield, Easthampton, Erving, Gill, Goshen, Granby, Greenfield, Hadley, Hatfield, Hawley, Heath, Huntington, Leverett, Leyden, Middlefield, Monroe, Montague, New Salem, Northampton, Northfield, Orange, Pelham, Plainfield, Rowe, Shelburne, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Southampton, Sunderland, Ware, Warwick, Wendell, Westhampton, Whately, Williamsburg and Worthington. | | Want to invest in the lives of women and girls across the Commonwealth? Consider a contribution to the MCSW for #GivingTuesday to help further our mission! | | |
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 Photo: Hampshire-Franklin CSW Commissioners gathered for an in-person strategic planning retreat in March 2024 to review legislative priorities and to discuss plans for the remainer of the calendar year. Pictured here: Victoria Cliche, Sarah Dunton, Luzed Guzman Romano, Colleen DelVecchio, Laura Sylvester, Nicole Fonsh, Bonnie MacCracken | | Above: Hampshire-Franklin CSW Commissioners Jo-Ann Koniecnzy, Victoria Edwards, Olivia Laramie, and Luzed Guzman Romano facilitated a community conversation with constituents in Franklin County at Greenfield Community College in November 2025. | | Above: Essex County CSW Commissioners celebrated the FY25 Ginsburg Initiative cohort in June while recognizing the continuing members for FY26. ECCSW held a fall recruitment for additional Ginsburg Initiative members and look forward to attending the MassNOW Period Equity Summit later this month. ECCSW Commissioners pictured in the photos: Maeva Veillard, Amy Smith, Geetha Rao Ramani, Brianna Sullivan, Kirsten Alexander, Sara Stanley | | |
Our regional commissions have had a busy autumn – and are beginning to wind down as they enter the holiday season with a lot to celebrate. They’ve hosted community conversations and film screenings, conducted needs assessment surveys and annual planning retreats, attended local conferences, participated in community events, and hosted educational workshops for their constituents. It’s also the season when we begin interviewing for new regional commissioners as seats begin to open for those commissioners who have completed their service.
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 attended the November 18th MCSW Girls Listening Session where they heard from young women around the state on issues of importance to them. The event provided a wonderful foundation for BCCSW Commissioners as they discuss their own girls listening session to be held in the spring. To help prepare for this event, BCCSW Chair Meg Arvin will be attending the MassNOW Menstrual Equity Summit in Boston on December 6th.
- The Bristol County Commission will be gathering on Saturday, December 13th for their annual planning retreat where they’ll welcome new commissioners, provide an overview of commission work, and begin to organize the various details involved in their spring programming. They’ll also be electing new officers for the 2026 calendar year. Additionally, BCCSW Commissioners will be recognizing the work of Chair Stephanie Taylor who will be completing her third term and moving back into emerita status.
- 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 January. CCICSW Commissioners will also be recognizing the work of Commissioner Mary Waygan who will be completing her second full term and moving into emerita status.
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The Eastern Regional Commission is currently reviewing applications for open seats on their commission with interviews scheduled for January. ERCSW Commissioners Wanjiku Gachugi and Tamisha Civil joined YWBoston for a conversation with Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley on November 24th regarding Black women who have lost their jobs due to DEI cuts.
- The Essex County Commission continues to support the work of their Ginsburg Initiative and plans to attend the MassNow Menstrual Equity Summit in Boston on December 6th. ECCSW Ginsburg Initiative members also participated in the MCSW Girls Listening Session on November 18th. At their December meeting, ECCSW Commissioners will be recognizing the work of Commissioner Sara Stanley who will be completing her second full term and moving into emerita status. Commissioners Amy Smith and Kirsten Alexander will also be recognized for their contributions as they wrap up their first terms.
- The Hampden County Commission recently welcomed two new commissioners, Femi Stoltz of Springfield and Lydia Malone of Holyoke – and will be hosting an educational workshop on financial planning and investing on December 1st.
- The Hampshire-Franklin Commission hosted a well-attended community conversation on November 5th at Greenfield Community College in Franklin County where they heard from constituents on matters of importance to them. HFCSW is also reviewing applications for open seats on their commission with interviews scheduled for January.
- The MetroWest Commission hosted a film screening for the 13th Step documentary followed by a community conversation at Medway Public Library on November 1st. MWCSW Athena Council members participated in the MCSW Girls Listening Session on November 18th – and MWCSW Commissioners will be joining members of their Athena Council on December 6th for the MassNow Menstrual Equity Summit in Boston.
- The Plymouth County Commission will be attending the MassNOW Menstrual Equity Summit in Boston on December 6th. They also recently distributed their 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. The next conversation is scheduled for December 2nd in Ashby. UMCSW Commissioners have also been reviewing applications for seats opening on their commission in January.
- The Worcester County Commission is currently reviewing applications for seats that will be opening on their commission in January. During their November public meeting, WCCSW Commissioners recognized the ongoing work of former WCCSW Commissioner Sue Lewandowski, who continues to attend their meetings and participate in their events, by elevating her to emerita status.
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Above photos:
HFCSW Commissioners Jo-Ann Koniecnzy, Olivia Laramie, and Victoria Edwards joined State Senator Jo Comerford and State Representative Natalie Blais for the Greenfield Pride Parade in Franklin County where they staffed a table and networked with attendees.
| | Updates from the Coalition Corner | | 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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