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Using Our Voices: A Journey Towards Equality
Dear MCSW Community:
It’s hard to believe we’re here at the beginning of December 2024, but I hope the coming Holiday season finds you and your families happy and healthy.
Here at the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW), our mission is to promote rights and opportunities for all women and girls across the Commonwealth. We do this work in partnership with our 11 regional bodies, local and state elected officials, countless community organizations, and so many others who work to make a difference every day to improve our lives and circumstances. Our Commission is comprised of people from all across the state, from all walks of life, in diverse positions of leadership across the Commonwealth.
As women, we do not lead single-issue lives. As a State Commissioner first appointed by Senate President Karen Spilka in June of 2022, my identity, as a South Asian woman, as a child of immigrants, as a mother, as an executive director, has shaped the values I hold and my desire for progress in the world. In both my personal and professional lives, I strive to live these values in the policies I advance and the work we undertake as a community.
My children are one of the reasons I work to combat a system that I feel no longer represents us – a gendered, hierarchical, patriarchal vision of society; “an [old] vision of the family that relies on fixed and narrowly defined gender roles,” according to the National Women’s Law Center. The idea that women have just one purpose in our society couldn’t be further from the truth. As a Commission, we’re here to advance policies that ensures women have the choice to lead the lives they want.
My children were very involved in this election. Folks in Arizona got postcards from my 11-year-old. But as the election cycle progressed, the mood on the left shifted from excitement about the future to fear about the unknown. The week before Election Day, my 9-year-old asked me to remove the sign in our yard because he was afraid we were going to be attacked.
The morning after the election, he looked at me over breakfast quite seriously and said, “Have you ever had to pick up and move?” And while I reassured him, we were safe, I had to pause and think of the impact our national discourse was having on my family and our lives. Do my children simply know more than the average 9- and 11-year-old because we’re a political family? Or perhaps because they’re growing up in a digital world where information moves quickly and is often unverified? What I know for sure is that families all across the country are having these conversations.
The reality is that for those of us who are “different,” who are raising children who are “different,” who have nontraditional families, or careers, or even lives, now we must work twice as hard not only to protect their rights, but to cultivate hope in ourselves and trust in our children that we can carry the torch forward to leave the next generation a world in which they are safe and respected.
At one point in the Vice President’s concession speech, she stated, “I do not concede the fight that fuels this campaign, the fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness and the dignity of all people, a fight for the ideals at the heart of our nation, the ideals that reflect America at our best. That is a fight I will never give up. I will never give up the fight for a future where Americans can pursue their dreams, ambitions, and aspirations. Where the women of America have the freedom to make decisions about their own body and not have their government telling them what to do. We will never give up the fight to protect our schools and our streets from gun violence. And America we will never give up the fight for our democracy, for the rule of law, for equal justice, and for the sacred idea that every one of us, no matter who we are or where we start out, has certain fundamental rights and freedoms that must be respected and upheld.”
And so, I consider it a duty and a privilege to turn to action. As the Vice-Chairwoman of MCSW’s Legislative & Public Policy Committee, this coming year is slated to be a dynamic one. With the 194th Legislative session beginning in January, our 2025-2026 proposed slate of legislation is robust and ambitious. Save the Date for the MCSW’s 2025 Advocacy Day at the Massachusetts Statehouse and join us in speaking with legislators from across the state about both issues and solutions to realities we’re facing here in the Commonwealth.
I look forward to charting a new path forward – to advancing an agenda that will have lasting and positive impacts that will protect and preserve the rights of all women, children, and families in Massachusetts.
In solidarity,
Sonia Shah
MCSW State Commissioner
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From all of us here at the MCSW, we're wishing you a safe and happy holiday season. We hope you take time to rest, recharge, spend time with friends or family, or do anything that brings you a little bit of joy this season. We'll see you again in January to welcome in the 194th Legislative Session here in Massachusetts! | |
Join us: Virtual Public Hearing | |
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We want to hear from you!
Join the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) and partners for a virtual public hearing focusing on the issues women of color face here in the Commonwealth.
In 2021, the MCSW released a report on the impact of COVID-19 and related recommendations to improve the status of all women of color here in the Commonwealth. As we reflect on the 5 years since COVID, we’re releasing an update survey and holding a public hearing to hear from you regarding issues that women of color face here in Massachusetts.
Public Hearings are an opportunity for women across the Massachusetts to give testimony on issues that matter most to them, which directly inform MCSW’s policy priorities. The event is free and open to the public – and entirely virtual. Join us.
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Recap: Virtual Healthcare Hearing | |
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Thank you for joining the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) and partners for a virtual public hearing focusing on the impacts of issues relating to health and healthcare here in the Commonwealth.
We heard powerful testimony on the impacts of lack of access, shortages of healthcare professionals, the need for in-person services in rural areas, and other key issues facing women, children, and families across the Commonwealth. In case you missed it, you can now watch the full recap video via YouTube.
We invite you to share your feedback with us. We value your input and would be grateful if you would take our brief exit survey.
We look forward to seeing you again soon!
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Read the full piece via WWLP 22 News: On 10/22, Girls. Inc. of the Valley hosted Speaking Out, an event with panelists and guests in Holyoke. Our Executive Director Shaitia Spruell was honored to be a panelist, alongside:
- At-Large City councilor for the city of Holyoke and City Council President/ED for EforAll/EparaTodos Pioneer Valley Tessa Murphy-Romboletti, and
- Maria Lester COO of the Pocket Project, and
- a faculty member at Harvard Medical School’s Master’s in Bioethics Program.
The theme of the event was civic engagement and women leading change. At the event guests heard from the panelists on some of the top issues that concern both girls and women. The non-profit is inspiring girls to be the next generation of leaders. All of the funds raised at the event including tickets to enter, will support programs that help those involved with Girls Inc. of the Valley. To learn more information or get involved, you can check out their website.
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The Massachusetts Caucus of women Legislators co-hosted a meet-and-greet at the State House with Representative Kay Khan featuring former Ambassador featuring former Ambassador Lakshmi Puri, a global trailblazer for women’s empowerment. She is the former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and former Deputy Executive Director of UN Women. Ambassador Puri delivered an inspiring presentation, emphasizing gender equality as both a moral imperative and a strategic necessity. Thank you to the MCWL for hosting this powerful event! | |
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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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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Commissioner Audrey Hall was recently re-appointed by Senate President Karen E. Spilka to serve another term as a Commissioner on the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.
Join us in congratulating her as she takes the oath of office to continue her service to women and girls of the Commonwealth!
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MCSW Seeking Regional Commissioners
MCSW is seeking candidates to serve on the following Regional Commissions:
- Berkshire County
- Cape Cod and the Islands
- Hampshire-Franklin
- Plymouth County
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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Above Photos:
Eastern Regional CSW Chair Gabrielle Jackson joined Eastern Regional Commissioner Linda Champion on November 10th for The Future Leaders Networking Event hosted by the Korean-American Citizens League of New England. ERCSW was invited to participate in the celebration by introducing three young visionary women as part of the event program.
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Our regional commissions have had a busy autumn season, holding public hearings and listening sessions – and collaborating with community partners on programs that support the needs of their constituents. One of the highlights for December will be the semi-annual Regional Convening on Thursday, December 5th in Fall River, where regional commissioners will join state commissioners for an evening of networking and learning before taking a break for the holidays.
Here’s a quick look at regional happenings across the Commonwealth:
- The Berkshire County Commission recently welcomed two new commissioners, Hope Bussiere from Adams and Meg Arvin from Pittsfield – and look forward to hosting their December public meeting where they will be discussing plans for regional spring programming based on their 2025 legislative priorities.
- The Bristol County Commission is looking forward to an organizational planning meeting in December where they will be discussing regional priorities, spring programming, and electing new leadership. BCCSW is also looking forward to a spring collaboration with the Plymouth County Regional Commission on the topic of maternal care.
- The Cape Cod and Islands Commission will be revisiting the SANE Nurse issue where access to services in the region are being limited to telehealth. This will be a legislative focus for CCICSW in 2025, in addition to other priorities being discussed at their December public meeting. The commission will also be hosting a girls listening session at the Mashpee Public Library on January 15th.
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The Eastern Regional Commission recently participated in a celebratory event hosted by the Korean-American Citizens League of New England where three young visionary women were recognized as community leaders. ERCSW Chair Gabrielle Jackson introduced the young leaders, along with ERCSW Commissioner Linda Champion on November 10th. The commission is also interviewing several applicants for two vacancies – and are also finalizing their legislative priorities and planning a series of community events across the region.
- The Essex County Commission will be welcoming a new group of high school girls to their Ginsburg Initiative this month with an orientation that will be co-facilitated by ECCSW Commissioners and their regional intern. ECCSW Chair Brianna Sullivan will also be attending the bill signing ceremony at the State House for the Act Supporting Parents Running for Public Office in December, which has been one of ECCSW’s legislative priorities.
- The Hampden County Commission will be hosting a virtual holiday event, “A Mother’s Story Through Her Child’s Eyes” on December 17th at 7:00 pm. The event will be moderated by HCCSW Chair Nicole Coakley and will be focused on legislative priorities that impact women and their families in Hampden County. Chair Nicole Coakley will also be attending the bill signing ceremony at the State House for the Act Supporting Parents Running for Public Office in December, which has been one of HCCSW’s legislative priorities.
- The Hampshire-Franklin Commission will be welcoming three new commissioners at the end of December – and looks forward to hosting an organizational retreat in January where they will finalize their legislative priorities and discuss spring programming. HFCSW will also be recognizing founding commissioner Bonnie MacCracken who terms out at the end of the calendar year.
- The MetroWest Commission is partnering with the MetroWest Women’s Fund to co-host a December holiday drive to collect much-needed items for women and their families. The commission will also be electing new leadership and finalizing their legislative priorities in preparation for MCSW’s Advocacy Day in March.
- The Plymouth County Commission will be partnering with the Brockton Women’s Commission on December 10th to co-host a community listening session at Massasoit Community College in Brockton. PCCSW is also looking forward to a spring collaboration with the Bristol County Regional Commission on the topic of maternal care. Additionally, PCCSW Commissioner Danielle Kempe will be attending the bill signing ceremony at the State House for the Act Supporting Parents Running for Public Office in December, which has been one of PCCSW’s legislative priorities. PCCSW will also be recognizing founding commissioners Elisabeth Arruda and Carolyn Riley who term out at the end of the calendar year.
- The Upper Middlesex Commission recently welcomed four new commissioners - Jessica Kallin, Julie Laflamme, Elizabeth Duclos-Orsello, Doreen Wade - and is beginning an onboarding process that will include a strategic planning retreat. The commission is also looking forward to supporting the work of their Athena Council which is in its third year. UMCSW will also be recognizing founding commissioner Connie Chow who terms out at the end of the calendar year.
- The Worcester County Commission held a public hearing on November 21st at the Worcester Youth Center where they heard from constituents on issues that matter to them. This input will guide the commission as they finalize their 2025 regional priorities. WCCSW continues to expand their community advisory board which now includes over a dozen members who are engaged with the work of their commission and who serve as ambassadors across the region.
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Above: Berkshire County Regional Commissioners Shela Levante, Laura Cabrera, Halli Stewart, Marissa Dubecky, and Sarah Gillooly gathered at Girls, Inc. in Pittsfield on October 20th for their annual strategic planning retreat. | |
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Congratulations to Hampden County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls commissioner Magdalena Gomez! Named Springfield's Poet Laureate from 2019-2022, she has recently won the coveted International Latino Book Award for her highly acclaimed memoir noir, Mi’ja (Heliotrope Books, NYC; May, 2022). Learn more: Home (mijamemoir.com)
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Updates from the Coalition Corner | |
Mentorship opportunity! The United Way of Central Massachusetts is seeking 30-35 mentors to guide students through key financial concepts. This opportunity is open to all women, including graduate students, early-career professionals, executives, and others. No experience is necessary, as training will be provided. Link to Register: https://tinyurl.com/DScholar2425 | |
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The Center for Women and Enterprise has an exciting opportunity that we’d love to share with the women entrepreneurs in your network who are active in the clean energy space or whose business has potential in that space. Below is a one-page overview of the program. *Entrepreneurs get a $50 gift card if they complete the application and assessment by 12/31/24. Application Link can be found here.
What is the Opportunity: In 2023, CWE was awarded a 3-year grant from MassCEC to support Women Business Enterprises in the climate critical sectors of High-Performance Buildings, Net-Zero Grid, Clean Transportation, and Offshore Wind. Meaning- businesses that are good for the planet! Our mission over this period is to increase the number of certified WBEs and contracts WBEs receive in these sectors. Clients participating in this program will have their current business status assessed and then receive tailored 1:1 counseling & workshops virtually.
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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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