Press Release: 7/23/2026
MA Women’s Commission Welcomes New FY27 Leadership
July 22, 2026
Boston, Mass (July 22, 2026) – The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) has elected new leadership to their executive team for FY27. The MCSW is an independent stage agency comprised of 19 volunteer Commissioners whose mission is to provide a permanent and effective voice for all women and girls across the Commonwealth. Their work includes legislative and public policy advocacy, gathering data, conducting public hearings on key issues, and hosting events that advance the rights of all. The elections were conducted by appointed commissioners, who held their own independent election process for FY27 to select their new leadership.
The Commission proudly welcomes:
Christine Monska, of Auburndale, was newly elected as the MCSW Chairwoman. She was first appointed to the MCSW by the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators (MCWL) in 2020. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Women’s Fund SouthCoast in New Bedford where she increases opportunities for women and girls to become economically independent, access education, and advocate for issues in the region.
Tanisha Arena, of Springfield, was elected as the MSCW Vice-Chairwoman. She also serves as the Vice-Chairwoman of the MCSW Finance Committee, serving with distinction. First appointed to the Commission by the MA Caucus of Women Legislators (MCWL) in 2021, she also serves as the Executive Director of ARISE for Social Justice, an advocacy organization dedicated to educating, organizing, protecting, and expanding rights an opportunities for all.
Audrey Hall, of Framingham, was re-elected as the MCSW Treasurer. First appointed to the Commission by Senate President Karen Spilka in 2018, she has served on a wide range of MCSW committees and leadership. She is currently a communications consultant specializing in branding and strategic messaging and policy development for start-up businesses, government, and corporate leaders.
Divya Chaturvedi, of Pittsfield, was elected to serve as the MCSW Secretary. First appointed by MA Caucus of Women Legislators (MCWL) in 2022, she currently serves as the Executive Director of Elizabeth Freeman Center, a nonprofit providing free, lifesaving services to survivors of domestic, sexual, and dating violence in Berkshire County.
Allison Goldberg, of Marblehead, was elected to serve as the Chairwoman of the MCSW’s Legislative and Public Policy Committee. First appointed by Governor Charlie Baker in 2018, she has served on a wide range of MCSW committees and leadership. A food and beverage entrepreneur and business owner, Commissioner Goldberg is passionate about educating women and girls about financial literacy.
Dr. Kimberly Shea, of Winchendon, was elected to serve as the Chairwoman of the MCSW’s Program and Planning Committee. First appointed by MA Caucus of Women Legislators (MCWL) in 2022, she is the current Dean of Nursing at Mount Wachusett Community College, as well as an adjunct faculty member at several area Colleges. As a registered nurse and higher education professional, she brings a unique perspective to the Commission.
Mary-Dith Tuitt now serves as the MCSW’s Immediate Past President. A Boston resident, Navy Veteran, and Community and Peer Veteran Specialist, Tuitt was first appointed to the Commission by the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators (MCWL) in 2011. She also serves as the immediate past President of the National Association of Commissions for Women (NACW) and has given decades of service to both the MCSW and her community.
The Commission exists to provide a permanent, effective voice for women across Massachusetts and recognizes all women, regardless of their age, race, color, creed, abilities, language, socio-economic status, immigration status, sexual orientation, or gender assigned at birth.
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