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

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!

We’re proud to recognize Related Beal as a GELI Role Model Sponsor!

Your investment in community and leadership development helps strengthen opportunities for young people to learn, lead, and reach their full potential.

International Workers` Day, celebrated annually on May 1st, honors the historic struggles and achievements of the labor movement, originating from the 1886 Chicago Haymarket affair, where workers protested for an 8-hour workday.

It is a global day of solidarity for workers` rights, marked by protests for fair wages, better conditions, and social justice

We are grateful to Wayside Youth & Family Support Network for serving as a GELI Role Model Sponsor.

Your dedication to supporting and empowering young people helps make it possible to create spaces where future leaders can grow and thrive!

We’re grateful to our next GELI Role Model Sponsor, the @womensfundsouthcoast, for supporting and uplifting the next generation of leaders.

Your partnership helps make spaces like #GELI possible, where young women are empowered to lead and grow.

Denim Day began in 1999 through Peace Over Violence as a way to raise awareness around sexual violence and challenge harmful narratives, including victim-blaming.

Observed on the last Wednesday of April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it was inspired by a case in Italy that sparked global conversation and protest.

Today, Denim Day continues as a collective moment to stand in support of survivors and promote a more informed, compassionate dialogue.

We are proud to thank our very first GELI Role Model Sponsor, the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, for your commitment to empowering and uplifting the next generation of leaders.

We are deeply grateful for your partnership and belief in our mission. #GELI2026

Thank you to all of our wonderful attendees and volunteers who attended the Girls Empowerment Leadership Initiative (GELI) 2026 Summit! Because of you, the day was a great success filled with fun and learning. Please take a moment to fill out our GELI survey and let us know how we can improve future events and opportunities.

A special thank you to all of our:
– Event Sponsors
– Presenters & Speakers
– Volunteers & Local Leaders
– State and Regional MCSW Commissioners
– MCSW Staff
…And to our generous hosts at UMass Amherst @uofmass!

GELI 2026 was made possible by our generous sponsors. Join us in extending our gratitude to Role Model Sponsors:
– Women`s Fund of Western Massachusetts @womensfundwmass
– Women`s Fund SouthCoast @womensfundsouthcoast
– Wayside Youth & Family Support Network @waysideyfsn
– Related Beal @relatedbeal

And a very special thank you to our Advocate Level Sponsors:
– @winc_womenincommunity
– UMass Pre-College Program @umassprecollege
– Emerald Queen Productions @msmary_tuitt
– Country Bank @country_bank

And last but certainly not least, thank you to all of YOU, our GELI summit participants, for taking the time out of your spring vacation to be here with us. We hope you experienced an amazing day filled with learning, growth, and connecting with your peers from across the state. Keep what you learned in your hearts and minds and tell a friend or two. Stay plugged in with us online! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or sign up to get our monthly newsletter!

Take our survey: https://bit.ly/GELI26survey

Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on social: linktr.ee/MassCSW