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Celebrating the Class of 2025 Commonwealth Heroines
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) is a state-established body charged with reviewing the status of women in Massachusetts and offering recommendations regarding policy that would improve access to opportunities and equality.
Learn more about the MCSWLegislative Agenda
The Commission recognizes the need for women to gain not only an equal share, but become equal participants in the areas of economics, health-care, civil rights, education and business development. The MCSW endorses and tracks legislation to achieve these goals.
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As part of our mission to advance women and girls toward full equity in all areas of life, the MCSW provides several programs to promote rights and opportunities for all women and girls across Massachusetts.
Regional Commissions
We have 11 Regional Commissions throughout the state, which exponentially expand the reach of our work.
- 1 Berkshire County
- 2 Bristol County
- 3 Cape and Islands
- 4 Eastern Regional
- 5 Essex County
- 6 Hampden County
- 7 Hampshire-Franklin
- 8 MetroWest
- 9 Plymouth County
- 10 Upper Middlesex
- 11 Worcester County
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The next recipient of the 2026 MCSW Scholarship is Jacqueline Robles.
Jacqueline Robles is a dedicated law enforcement leader with 25 years of service, including more than two decades at Holyoke Community College. In 2025, she made history as the first female Latina Police Chief in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Throughout her career, Jacqueline has remained committed to mentorship, community engagement, and empowering future generations through leadership and service.
Her commitment to advocacy, representation, and creating meaningful impact within her community reflects the mission and values of the MCSW Scholarship. We are proud to recognize Jacqueline and celebrate her accomplishments.
May 14
The next recipient of the 2026 MCSW Scholarship is Bryana Siqueira!
Bryana is a psychology student at Framingham State University, dedicated to supporting youth development and strengthening her community through education and mentorship. She currently leads an afterschool program at the same elementary school she attended as a child, where she works to create a positive and engaging environment for students to learn and thrive.
Her dedication to service, leadership, and community impact exemplifies the values of the MCSW Scholarship. We are proud to recognize Bryana and celebrate her achievements.
May 13
Introducing Aleigha Rivard, one of the 2026 MCSW Scholarship Awardees.
A first-generation college student pursuing her Master of Social Work at Salem State University, Aleigha is passionate about advocating for children and families through her work with Children and Family Services. In addition to her career in social work, she serves on the Board of Directors for Fostering Change, where she helps support children in foster care and create opportunities for them to thrive.
Aleigha’s compassion, leadership, and dedication to community impact make her an inspiring force for change, and we are proud to celebrate her achievements!
May 12
Congratulations! We`re thrilled to present our 2026-2027 Academic Scholarship Awardees. On behalf of all of us here at the #MCSW, we`re proud to recognize this year’s incredible scholarship recipients for their hard work, academic excellence, and dedication to making a difference in their lives and in their communities. Over the next few days, we’ll be highlighting each of our awardees and celebrating their achievements, passions, and future goals.
Join us in celebrating:
– Nayeli Almanzar Lizardo: UMass Lowell @umasslowell, Spring 2027
– Aleigha Rivard: Salem State University @salemstate, August 27
– Jacqueline Robles: Westfield State University @westfieldstate & @holyokecommunitycollege, May 2028
– Bryana Siqueira: @framinghamstateu, Spring 2028
– Sabrina Soltani: @umassboston, June 2027
Learn more about our 2026-2027 scholarship recipients via our website or at:
May 11
Join us in celebrating Raven Harris on her 3-year anniversary with the #MCSW
Thank you, Raven, for your commitment to the mission of the MCSW and for all that you do for women across the Commonwealth. We are grateful to have you on our team and look forward to all that’s ahead! #TeamMCSW
May 8
Twice a year we gather for our Regional Convening, where representatives from all 11 of our regional commissions gather together to share food, best practices, legislative priority updates and more. Thank you to everyone who joined us last night for our Spring Convening – we’re so incredibly inspired by the work that local women do every day to advance the women and girls of Massachusetts. A special thank you to Senate President Karen E. Spilka @senspilka for joining us and sharing some proud accomplishments of the legislature under your leadership – and what it means to lead in turbulent times. And finally, thank you to our hosts at Framingham Public Library @frampub for making our event such a success! #TeamMCSW
May 7
PART TWO: This year, the Class of 2026 Commonwealth Heroines is comprised of a historic 147 women from across the state, the largest class awarded to date by the #MCSW. These women are leaders in industry, business, nonprofit, advocacy, and more, and their work truly makes a difference in our local communities all across the state. Congratulations to the Class of 2026! #CH26
May 5
PART ONE: This year, the Class of 2026 Commonwealth Heroines is comprised of a historic 147 women from across the state, the largest class awarded to date by the #MCSW. These women are leaders in industry, business, nonprofit, advocacy, and more, and their work truly makes a difference in our local communities all across the state. Congratulations to the Class of 2026! #CH26
May 5
Congratulations! The #MSCW is deeply honored to announce the full list of the Class of 2026 Commonwealth Heroines and their nominating legislators.
Each year, elected officials are encouraged to submit one woman from their constituency as a means of recognizing their invaluable efforts and extraordinary acts of service, who are making a big difference in their communities but not necessarily making the news. This year, the Class of 2026 Commonwealth Heroines is comprised of a historic 147 women from across the state, the largest class awarded to date by the MCSW. These women are leaders in industry, business, nonprofit, advocacy, and more, and their work truly makes a difference in our local communities all across the state.
Join us in extending our warmest congratulations to the Class of 2026! #CH26
May 4
We are grateful to Country Bank for serving as a GELI Sponsor.
Your commitment to supporting community growth and opportunity helps create spaces where young leaders can build confidence, skills, and lasting impact!
May 3