Tanisha Arena was appointed to the Commission by the MA Caucus of Women Legislators in November 2021. Tanisha Arena is a Black woman in community leadership as the Executive Director of ARISE for Social Justice, occupying the world’s messiest intersection, the space where race, gender, culture, identity, politics, and the law all collide. She has a passion for social justice and transparent, authentic leadership. She is the host of the award-winning podcast, Unapologetic, bringing the hard truths of our social issues to the forefront, connecting past to the present as well as a consultant with Growing A New Heart, training on Holding Space: holding affinity, anti-racism, self-education, support groups and on Dialogues Across Differences of social location, including race and ethnicity as well as Compassionate Accountable Conversations, designed for people who work with people who cause harm. She has deep roots in the field of anti-violence work and she is an esteemed teacher for The Sojourner Truth School, focused on teaching new ways to build connection, facilitate civic and political education and learning to drive social change. Prior to that, Tanisha worked in the private sector, during which time she was a mentor at True Colors, a support and advocacy organization for sexual minority youth in Hartford, CT. Tanisha holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University and a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management from Bay Path University and holds a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the University of South Florida. She is on the advisory board of the A Call For Change Helpline, a free, anonymous, and confidential intimate partner abuse prevention helpline. She is a published author, public speaker, and freelance writer, but her best role is being Gram to Penelope, Jaalan (Jay-len) Jr., and Kyle, Jr.