Welcoming our New FY25 Leadership
Dear Sisters:
Happy September! I hope this late summer edition of the MCSW Monthly newsletter finds you taking some time to unwind, spending time outdoors with friends and family, and doing whatever brings you joy while trying to stay cool. As you head back to school, our best wishes for staying safe, healthy, and happy this fiscal year!
Here at the MCSW, I’m proud to announce we’ve recently held our FY25 elections. As a Navy Veteran with more than 14 years of service in both active duty and reserves, I was deeply honored to be named Chairwoman of MCSW for the upcoming term to champion the rights of the women and girls of the Commonwealth. I'm immensely grateful to my sister commissioners for their vote of confidence in me and am committed to honoring their service.
This new slate of elected leadership is an incredible cadre of community leaders with a diverse range of personal and professional experience. This dedicated and talented executive leadership team will only enhance our Commissions’ ability to focus on our ambitious legislative agenda and build lasting partnerships at the state and regional level.
However, not only do I now represent Massachusetts, I also currently serve as President of the NACW, the National Association of Commissions for Women. While the MCSW proudly represents just one state, the NACW is the national umbrella for all commissions for women across America, the bridge between government and the private sector. Our membership reflects all age, economic, ethnic, and social groups.
It holds a unique and positive position for women's equity and justice and touches millions of women, playing a significant role in national policy and legislative development. What best practices we learn on the state level, we bring to the federal level to make deep and lasting social change. This is how we move the needle. States implement best practices that serve their communities, and the conversation expands to national audiences as we learn and grow together.
The MCSW recently celebrated its 25-year anniversary, and all current state and regional Commissioners as well as staff are elated to see what these unique experiences and backgrounds will bring in the next 25 years. Read the bios of the women that make up our new slate of leadership – learn more about all of our statewide and regional commissioners, connect with them, get involved, and invite them to whatever it is you’re working on.
Here at the MCSW, we believe that change begins locally, with each and every one of us, and can slowly change the world.
In solidarity,
Mary-dith Tuitt
MCSW Chairwoman
| |
Ushering in our New Program Year! | |
|
Summer is almost over - and that means a new school year is upon us! The MCSW has many upcoming opportunities to get involved.
Save the dates and be sure to join us!
| |
|
We know the summer is coming to an end, but we're already looking ahead to our fall programming. 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.
RSVP at: bit.ly/HampshireFranklinHearing or scan the QR code!
| |
|
We love #GELI because we know how powerful young women can be - especially when they’re given the tools to lead and grow. The next generation is in good hands with these incredible young women.
Thank you for attending the 2024 Girls Empowerment Leadership Initiative Summit! Because of you, the day was a great success filled with fun and learning. We appreciate all of your time and energy that went into making this event a success.
We’d also love to give a special thank you to our #GELI2024 videographer Stephanie Houten of Houten Multimedia LLC!
Stay engaged with us through our GELI Facebook Group! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn, or sign up to get our newsletter.
| |
This summer, the Healey Administration celebrated the signing of several pieces of landmark legislation. From protecting maternal health to investing in wage equity to ensuring that all families and their parental rights are protected in our Commonwealth. We're honored to stand behind Governor Maura Healey and the leadership of her administration - and we're just getting started! | |
|
Above Photos:
The 2024 National Association of Commissions for Women (NACW) Annual Conference, themed "Strength of Sisterhood: Throughout Time," was held from July 24 to July 28 at Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts. The conference focused on fostering leadership development, peer-to-peer learning, and innovative programming to address justice and equality for women and girls.
Key highlights of the conference included workshops and sessions aimed at professional development, best practices sharing, and collaboration among NACW members and partner organizations. Participants had the opportunity to engage in discussions and activities designed to empower women and promote community-based initiatives for gender equality. The event featured a variety of activities, including plenary sessions, discussions, and networking opportunities, all aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of women's commissions across the nation. Attendees were encouraged to share their experiences and strategies for advancing women's rights and addressing current challenges in their communities. Participants came from as far as Hawaii, California, Oklahoma and Florida and were as young as 16.
| |
Massachusetts continues to be well represented at the National Association of Commissions for Women (NACW). Two of our very own were elected to leadership positions! Commissioner Tuitt was elected to serve another term as the NACW President. MCSW Executive Director Shaitia Spruell will serve a 2-year term as NACW Director-at-Large. Congratulations and thank you for representing Massachusetts at the National level. | | |
|
Healey to sign wage equity legislation into law in Massachusetts
The new legislation requires employers to post pay ranges and helps protest an employee’s right to ask for those ranges. “This new law is an important next step toward closing wage gaps, especially for People of Color and women. It will also strengthen the ability of Massachusetts employers to build diverse, talented teams,” said Healey in a statement.
| | |
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.
| |
| | |
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. | | |
Regional Commission Updates
| |
|
Above & Below:
Cape Cod and Islands Regional Commissioners Chinna Mapp and Amy Peters, along with Hampshire-Franklin Regional Commissioner Victoria Cliche and Worcester County Commissioner Chantel Bethea, attended the National Association of Commissions for Women Conference in Boston where they networked with other commissioners from across the county.
| |
|
Above photo descriptions:
Essex County Regional Commissioners Brenda Pena and Geetha Ramani attended the National Association of Commissions for Women Conference in Boston where they engaged in educational workshops to better support their work as commissioners.
Essex County Regional Commissioner Kirsten Alexander presented a workshop focused on women in government at the National Association of Commissions for Women Conference in Boston on July 26th. She also served as a panelist for YWBoston on June 27th, speaking on the importance of parity on boards.
Upper Middlesex Regional Commissioner Connie Chow attended the National Association of Commissions for Women Conference in Boston where she connected with State Commissioner Divya Chaturvedi before serving as a workshop panelist on the topic of youth advisory councils.
| |
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 about our Regional Commissions - and to apply: MCSW Regional Commissions
Please contact Tina Games, Regional Commissions Director with any questions: Tina.Games@mass.gov.
***********
While many of our Regional Commissions took a pause to formal meetings to enjoy the summer, there's always good work happening in our communities in preparation for a new year of legislative and programming activity. Some commissions have been participating in community events, while others are attending legislative coalition meetings and bill signings - with three regional commissions (Essex County, Hampden County, Worcester County) meeting over the summer to organize events taking place in September.
Several of our Regional Commissioners attended the National Association of Commissions for Women Conference, held at Suffolk University in Boston July 24-27, where they attended educational workshops and networked with other commissioners from around the county.
Here are a few snapshots of fun regional summer activities!
| |
Plymouth County Regional Commissioners Lisa Westgate, Michelle Davidson, Elisabeth Arruda, and Danielle Kempe managed a PCCSW information table at the Plymouth Pride Event in June. | |
Hampshire-Franklin Regional Commissioners Laura Sylvester and Bonnie MacCracken joined members of the community for the Franklin County Pride Parade! | |
Eastern Regional Commissioners hosted a June Tea with members of the community to discuss issues of importance to women and girls in the region. (Pictured are ERCSW Commissioners Wanjiku Gachugi, Manya Chylinski, Connie Henderson, Gabrielle Jackson with MCSW Administration and Finance Director Marjorie Bernadeau-Alexandre). | |
Hampshire-Franklin CSW Vice-Chair Victoria Cliche shares the advocacy letter written on behalf of the Hampshire-Franklin Commission in support of the MA Parentage Act (An Act to Ensure Legal Parentage Equality) - on MCSW regionals newly branded letterhead designed by women-owned Tugboat Consulting, no less! | |
Updates from the Coalition Corner | |
|
New Research: More Mothers Are Working, But Lack of Care Infrastructure Continues to be a Problem
During the COVID-19 pandemic, mothers’ employment plummeted as certain industries shed jobs and schools and child care facilities shut their doors. Four years later, research conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau finds that moms’ employment is now 1.9% higher than it was before the pandemic. Read their Mother’s Day blog to learn more.
Then, check out a second blog about “Eco-mom-ics," which analyzes mothers’ contributions to the economy through paid and unpaid work.
| |
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. | |
|
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
| |
|
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
| |
 | |
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:
| | | | |
