This featured guest piece is an excerpt of our May 2025 newsletter.

Dear MCSW Community:

Happy May! This month, we celebrate May Day, Mother’s Day, Asian American Pacific American Heritage Month, Maternal Health Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, and more. Each of these observances highlights a vital aspect of our lives, our identities, and our struggles. As women, particularly women of color, immigrant women, and survivors, we do not lead single-issue lives.

As an MCSW State Commissioner originally appointed by the Caucus of Women Legislators in 2022, I am proud to work toward a future where all women and girls can live free from violence and with the full dignity, voice, and opportunity they deserve. This work is deeply personal to me, not only as a woman of color, and as a mother, but as an advocate for immigrant women, especially those who are survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Their stories are often hidden, their voices unheard. I see it as my responsibility to help change that.

While we celebrate the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May and the profound contributions of the AAPI community to our country and in our Commonwealth, it is also a time to reflect on the challenges our communities continue to face, especially at the intersection of gender, immigration, and racial justice. Many immigrant and AAPI survivors of violence continue to face immense barriers in getting the help they need and deserve. Language barriers, immigration status, and economic insecurity can silence women at the exact moment they need support most. As we honor our heritage, we must also commit to addressing the barriers that keep so many AAPI survivors in the margins.

This month also brings Mother’s Day. As a mother, I know that the greatest legacy we can leave our children is not just survival, but the freedom to lead, to thrive, and to shape their own futures. That is why I believe so deeply in investing in the leadership of girls, especially girls from immigrant and underserved communities.

Just last week, we were joined by hundreds of young women across the Commonwealth for our 2025 Girls Empowerment Leadership Initiative (GELI) Summit, held at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). It was absolutely one for the record books. Together we networked, learned from world-class scientists at the top of their fields, and got hands on experiences in the lab and in our communities.

We appreciate all of the time, energy, and hard work that went into making this event a success. We value your input and would be grateful if you would take our brief exit survey and share your thoughts about the experience. If you were able to join us, please take a moment to fill out our GELI survey and let us know how we can improve future events.

If you’re interested in learning more about programs happening at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), check out their website or view these digital brochures for additional information!

Later this month, we’ll host a virtual public hearing to update our data on issues impacting women of color in Massachusetts. In 2021, the MCSW released a report on the impact of COVID-19 and related recommendations to improve the status of all women of color here in the Commonwealth. As we reflect on the 5 years since COVID, we’re releasing an updated survey and holding a public hearing to hear from you regarding issues that women of color face here in Massachusetts. We hope you can join us on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 6-8pm – register here.

No matter what’s happening in the world around you, here at the MCSW, we’re building community through sisterhood. There’s plenty to be done, plenty to fight for – and we’ll stand with you every step of the way.

In Solidarity,
Divya Chaturvedi
MSCW State Commissioner

Divya Chaturvedi is a seasoned nonprofit leader, with a diverse, global, and multicultural work experience. She is currently the Executive Director of Elizabeth Freeman Center, a nonprofit providing free, lifesaving services to survivors of domestic, sexual, and dating violence in Berkshire County for the last 50 years. Prior to joining Elizabeth Freeman Center, Divya served as a Co-Executive Director of Saheli Inc., a culturally specific nonprofit serving immigrant survivors of domestic violence.  She is a passionate advocate for the inclusion and language access of immigrant women in Massachusetts, particularly for immigrant survivors of domestic violence.

Divya has a Master’s in Public Administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. She also holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the Institute for Nonprofit Practice (INP). Her previous work experience spans across countries in Asia and Africa as well as the United States. She has worked with various nonprofit and international development organizations such as UNDP, UN Woman, Ford Foundation, and the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) managing social impact projects focused on women’s empowerment, developing women’s leadership training curriculum, conducting gender research, and managing large-scale global microfinance projects aimed at reducing poverty levels among women.

May 2025 Regional Spotlight

Every month this year, we’re proudly spotlighting the work of our 11 regional commissions. This month, we uplift the Worcester County Commission on the Status of Women (WCCSW), whose mission is to provide a permanent, effective voice for women and girls in their region.