MCSW: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
Dear Women and Girls of the Commonwealth:
On April 19 the MCSW will host our first in-person Girls Empowerment and Leadership Initiative (GELI) event where young leaders from all over the state will form powerful inter-generational networks to work on leadership development and advocacy tools.
All young women, girls, and gender-expansive youth will then be equipped to advocate for issues that are important to them at our MCSW Advocacy Day on May 31. Young people will meet with their legislators to educate them on issues affecting themselves and their communities and help identify equitable solutions focusing on those who are most impacted by systemic racism and sexism. They are uniquely positioned and are experts in challenges youth face today.
One of the most important tasks of the MCSW is to ensure there is a strong and diverse pipeline of not just regional and state commissioners, but city council members, state representatives, senators, CEOs, entrepreneurs, scientists, and more. If we don’t invest in our nation's young people, particularly those with marginalized identities, then gender and racial equity will be much harder to achieve. In the last couple of years, we have been learning about the issues young people face through our listening sessions and virtual empowerment events, but now we are finally able to begin more advocacy work to ensure these critical voices are echoed throughout the State House and beyond.
This issue is so important to me, in part, because of my own leadership journey. I was the first person in my family to go to college and seldom met a woman who had a similar upbringing in a leadership role. I was always at war with my own imposter syndrome. Professors and community partners had to tell me just about one hundred times that I was smart enough, good enough, and allowed to take on leadership roles. At just roughly twenty-two years old, I was a District Director for a MA State Senator, overseeing several staff and became a regional commissioner on the Berkshire County Regional Commission and sat on the Berkshire County Action Council’s Board of Directors. I was myself still a young leader. I didn’t see enough young women at any of the tables I worked so hard to sit at.
In fact, I rarely saw any at all.
I made it my mission to lift as I climbed so I could look around the room and see more young people in leadership positions. We often don’t have seats at the table. I worked across western MA, greater Boston, and now the South Coast to develop leadership programs for women and gender-expansive youth. I designed and led the award-winning Young Women’s Initiative in Springfield where a fourteen-year-old leader took the stage at a national conference before Michelle Obama spoke. I led global and local Boston-based leadership programs in collaboration with The Clubhouse Network and MIT infusing art, STEM, and advocacy. I also taught at Bard Microcollege in Holyoke, a free associate degree program for mothers. I recently watched several alumni graduate from my alma mater, Smith College, and other BA programs - many the first in their families to achieve this milestone.
As I reflect on my own journey, now as the Executive Director of the Women’s Fund SouthCoast in New Bedford and as one of your state commissioners, I am committed to engaging all the young leaders who may battle systemic barriers and their own imposter syndrome. I hope to have young women at each of the tables I now sit at. This is how women help each other get to the top and continue to create more equitable pipelines so there are more BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ people, folks with disabilities and people with low incomes making decisions that affect them.
Join us on April 19 for the GELI event and May 31 for Advocacy Day to have your voice heard and advance your leadership journey! Come help us craft the future direction of the program. As a wise woman, Michelle Obama, once said, “...Don’t be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered. Empower yourselves with a good education, then get out there and use that education to build a country worthy of your boundless promise.”
In community,
Christine Monska
MCSW Secretary, Chair of the Girls Empowerment and Leadership Initiative
Executive Director, the Women’s Fund SouthCoast
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Last Call for GELI Registration | |
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Have you registered yet for our Girls Empowerment Leadership Initiative? You won't want to miss this incredible day of youth leadership programming.
GELI seeks to empower youth across the Commonwealth to advocate for themselves and their communities. This initiative focuses on developing leadership and civic engagement skills through educational workshops, skill-building opportunities, and the opportunity to connect with peers across the state.
This year’s GELI interactive programming will take place in-person on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at Girls Inc in Worcester. Girls and gender expansive youth aged 14-22 within the Commonwealth are invited to sign up.
Registration closes soon - sign up now!
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Celebrate our 25th Anniversary With Us! | |
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This year, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) is turning 25 – and we’re ready to celebrate!
Ticket sales are now live for our 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner.
Join us on Thursday, June 22, 2023 for a night to remember. The event will honor the past, present, and future of our organization committed to ensuring that all women and girls in the Commonwealth can thrive. This gala is open to the public and all individuals and organizations are welcome to purchase a ticket or sponsor.
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Advocacy Day is an event held by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) to rally for legislation that advances the rights and opportunities of women and girls across the Commonwealth.
The MCSW invites all members of the community to join us at the Massachusetts Statehouse. The event includes time for members of the Commission and supporters to visit legislators to discuss priority legislation.
When: Wednesday, May 31, 2023 from 11am - 3pm ET
Where: Massachusetts Statehouse
Why: Rally for legislation that supports women and girls across the Commonwealth.
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MCSW marked Women's History Month with many exciting events, and was honored to support the 25th Annual Boston Area International Women’s Day celebration on March 8,2023 at Simmons University. celebration uplifting women and girls across the Commonwealth. This photo features: (in order left to right) MCSW Intern Yanli Lu, MCSW Executive Director Shaitia Spruell, MCSW Vice Chair Dr. Aisha Miller, Commissioner Kimberly Shea, Marie Curley (Founding mother of the Boston Area International Women’s Day Breakfast), MCSW Commissioner Mary-dith Tuitt, Eastern Regional Commissioner Tamisha Civil, Essex Regional Chair Ogor Okoye, MCSW Commissioner Audrey Hall, MCSW Administrative and Finance Director Marjorie C. Bernardaeu-Alexandre. | |
MSCW Staff Member Honored as "Courageous Woman" | |
Join us in congratulating MCSW's Administrative and Finance Director Marjorie Bernadeau-Alexadre, honored as a "Fanm Vayan," or "Courageous Woman" by the Nehemiah Project For Hope & Haitian youth connection team. | |
MCSW Chairwoman Gives Keynote at Success Summit | |
The Chairwoman of the MCSW, Dr. Sarah-Glenn Smith, gave the keynote address at the Junior League of Boston Solutions Summit 2023: Women in the Workplace. We also spy longtime MCSW leader Jill Ashton among many other incredible leaders! | |
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MCSW Commissioner Audrey Hall recently hosted MA Auditor Diana DiZoglio on her radio show. The "Watchdog on Beacon Hill" announced her plans to audit taxpayer funded non-disclosure agreements and to create a permanent MBTA Commuter Rail Audit unit in her office to consistently monitor MBTA safety and she highlights the upcoming audits in her "Social Justice and Equity Audit Plan."
Watch the full interview to learn more.
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Updates from the Coalition Corner | |
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Bridging Opportunity Gaps in Diversity Hiring and Advancement for Women and Marginalized Workers
A Panel Discussion and Resource Fair for Employers and Community Members
Date: April 20, 2023
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM ET (Doors open at 5:30 PM ET)
Location: Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building | 2300 Washington St, Roxbury, MA
The Boston Women's Workforce Council's (BWWC) 2021 Wage Gap analysis points to April 20th as Boston Equal Pay Day, the day in the calendar year when Greater Boston women will finally earn the same as men the previous year.
In recognition of Boston Equal Pay Day, BWWC and the Mayor's Office of Women’s Advancement (MOWA) will bring together Greater Boston employers, City partners, and community members to discuss recruiting/ retaining underrepresented candidates.
A resource fair will follow the panel, allowing community members to learn more about career opportunities, job training, and professional development programs available through the City of Boston and its employers.
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MCSW State Commissioner Dr. Aisha Miller and Hampden County Commissioner Shanique Spaulding were recently appointed to Governor Maura Healey's Advisory Council on Black Empowerment. The council will focus on the economic prosperity and well-being of Massachusetts’ Black community. MCSW is so proud of the appointees! | |
Incredibly grateful to one of our appointing authorities at the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators for hosting such an informative legislative priority briefing yesterday. Their three strategic priorities for the 2023-2024 legislative session center around elevating women’s economic opportunities and eliminating barriers, empowering women in government, and addressing racial and gender disparities in health care. Thank you to the many House Representatives and Senators from across the state joined to share their input and advocacy priorities. | |
MCSW Executive Director Shaitia Spruell joined our Chairwoman Dr. Sarah Glenn-Smith alongside MCSW Treasurer Nina Liang to testify at the Joint Ways and Means hearing in Gloucester support of the sustainability of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW). | |
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Regional Commission Updates
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The above photo is from regional commission MetroWest's event this past week, Who Cares? Assessing the State of Caregiving in the MetroWest and Greater Boston - held on March 29th in Holliston, MA.
In the group photo: MCSW Executive Director Shaitia Spruell, Representative James Arena-DeRosa, MCSW State Commissioner Audrey Hall, MetroWest Commissioner Nasiba Mannan, Senate President Karen Spilka, MetroWest Chair Lisa MacDonald, MetroWest Vice Chair Julie Faqir, MCSW Chair Sarah Glenn-Smith, Director of Advocacy AARP Jessica Costantino, MetroWest Commissioner Heather Panahi, Representative Jack Patrick Lewis.
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Our Regional Commissions continue to make an impact in their communities through the good work they do on behalf of their constituents. This includes a series of listening sessions, panel discussions, community surveys, speaking engagements, conversations with influential women in their regions, and networking with local officials and state legislators. Here's a brief look at their current activity:
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The Berkshire County Commission is looking forward to a dinner meeting on April 13th where they will be planning their spring legislative event and preparing for their first round of interviews with BCCSW applicants to fill two vacancies.
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The Bristol County Commission recently attended the Stronger, Smarter, Bolder workshop hosted by Girls, Inc. in Taunton where Chair Tanya Lobo served as a presenter. It was a great networking event where commissioners connected with community partners and girl-serving organizations in Bristol County in preparation for the launch of their youth advisory council.
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The Cape Cod and Islands Commission continues to spotlight legislators at their monthly meetings with the first half hour dedicated to a conversation with a local or regional legislator. The CCICSW legislative workgroup is currently preparing for Advocacy Day and inviting regional coalition partners to join them.
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The Eastern Regional Commission will be hosting a spring series of listening sessions that will target a wide range of women who speak a variety of different languages. These sessions will complement a community survey that was released in March. The commission has been very engaged with regional coalition partners and community organizations.
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The Essex County Commission recently elected new Chair Brianna Sullivan - and hosted a community forum on March 2nd that focused on domestic violence awareness. Former Chair Ogor Okoye served as one of the Co-Chairs for the March 8th International Women's Day Breakfast held in Greater Boston which attracted over 200 women leaders and activists.
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The Hampden County Commission hosted a beautiful Women's History event on March 28th, Celebrate Women Who Tell Our Stories - featuring five exceptional Hampden County women who served as panelists. HCCSW is also celebrating Vice Chair Shanique Spaulding who was recently appointed to the Governor's Advisory Council on Black Empowerment.
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The Hampshire-Franklin Commission recently participated in the Five College Queer Gender and Sexuality Conference hosted by the Queer Community Alliance Center at Hampshire College - and distributed a survey to gain more information regarding issues of concern for college students who identify as LGBTQ+ and what they considered legislative priorities. The commission will be hosting two listening circles in June, one with young adults who identify as LGBTQ+ and the second with senior women who identify as LGBTQ+ with both sessions focused on areas of concern and legislative priorities.
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The MetroWest Commission hosted an excellent panel discussion on March 29th on the topic of caregiving, including children and the elderly, with Senate President Karen Spilka and Jessica Costantino, Director for Advocacy AARP, serving as panelists. In attendance were MCSW Chair Sarah Glenn-Smith, MCSW Commissioner Audrey Hall, Representative Jack Patrick Lewis, Representative James Arena-DeRosa, Hopkinton Select Board Member Muriel Karmer, Holliston Select Board Member Tina Hein, and MCSW Executive Director Shaitia Spruell.
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The Plymouth County Commission is planning a spring listening session with constituents - and a spring legislative tea with regional and state legislators. They are also discussing a possible collaboration with the Brockton Women's Commission.
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The Upper Middlesex Commission has welcomed two spring interns to support their legislative work and the work of their Athena Council. They are also discussing a community survey on issues related to elder care, which is one of their legislative priorities.
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The Worcester County Commission is focused on coalition-building and community networking that supports their legislative priorities: (1) An Act to Increase Access to Disposable Menstrual Products in Prisons, Homeless Shelters, and Public Schools; (2) An Act to Require Policies and Training to Prevent Unlawful Harassment, Including Sexual Harassment; (3) An Act Relative to Healthy Youth; (4) Zero Fare Coalition.
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Constituents and partners are welcome to join us at any of our monthly held committee meetings.
- Legislative & Public Policy Committee:
- First Tuesday of every month, 5:30-6:30pm
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This Month: April 4, 2023 // Join Meeting
- Next Month: May 2, 2023
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Regional Chairs Meeting:
- First Tuesday of every month, 7:00-8:00pm
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This Month: April 4, 2023 // Join Meeting
- Next Month: May 2, 2023
- Program & Planning Committee
- Second Tuesday of every month, 5:00pm-6:00pm
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This Month: April 11, 2023 // Join Meeting
- Next Month: May 9, 2023
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Finance Committee:
- Second Thursday of every month, 9:30-10:30am
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This Month: April 6, 2023 // Join Meeting
- Next Month: May 4, 2023
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Executive Committee:
- Second Thursday of every month, 4:00-5:30pm
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This Month: April 13, 2023 // Join Meeting
- Next Month: May 11, 2023
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Full Commission Meeting:
- Third Thursday of every month, 4:00pm- 5:30pm
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This Month: April 20, 2023 // Join Meeting
- Next Month; May 18, 2023
Visit our website for more information about our upcoming meeting schedule.
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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 10 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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