FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ellen Moorhouse, Communications and Marketing Director, MCSW
Ellen.Moorhouse@mass.gov / (351) 220-8646

MA Women’s Commission to host STEM Summit
MCSW will be hosting science and leadership programming for girls ages 14-22 in Woods Hole, Mass.

Boston, Mass (April 7, 2025) – The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) will host its Girls Empowerment Leadership Initiative (GELI) Summit for girls ages 14-22 on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in coordination with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL).

“We are thrilled to host an event that will empower the next generation of leaders across the Commonwealth,” said MCSW Commissioner Christine Monska, co-chair of GELI. “The GELI Summit is a unique opportunity for young people to connect with peers and mentors and take meaningful action on issues affecting their communities. It’s a space for growth, learning, and leadership development.”

“The available sessions from leading female scientists being held at the GELI 2025 Summit are truly one of a kind. Participants will have hands-on STEM/STEAM experiences, exclusive access to groundbreaking ocean science and biology experts, enjoy leadership development workshops, and will network with like-minded young women ready to change the world,” said Leslie-Ann McGee, an MCSW commissioner, WHOI staff member, and fellow co-chair of the GELI Initiative.

Centering this year’s CSW GELI Summit around STEM/STEAM in Woods Hole presents a unique opportunity to empower girls in the fields of ocean science, biology, and engineering. Both organizations are committed to advancing scientific understanding of the ocean and its ecosystems and hope to inspire the next generation of women leaders in these critical areas. This summit will provide girls with hands-on experiences and exposure to innovative research, fostering their confidence and interest in STEM careers.

The MCSW’s mission is to advance the rights of all women and girls. The organization is committed to building the future of the Commonwealth – starting by investing in the young women of Massachusetts. GELI seeks to empower young women ages 14-22 across the Commonwealth by focusing on developing leadership and civic engagement skills through educational workshops, skill-building opportunities, and the opportunity to connect with peers and mentors from across the state.

Accommodations Available: This one-of-a-kind event is free and open to the public. Transportation and overnight lodging options on-site are available. If you are a D/deaf or person hard of hearing with a disability who requires an accommodation or are someone who would benefit from language interpretation in a language other than English (ex: Spanish, Portuguese, etc.), require physical access accommodations or any other supports to participate, please indicate your need(s) on the individual or group registration forms or email MCSWPrograms@mass.gov.

For more information, visit our website or email mcswpress@mass.gov.  

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The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) is an independent state agency created in 1998 to provide a permanent, effective voice for women of the Commonwealth and to promote their rights, opportunities, and equality for all. Follow MCSW on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn to learn more.