Denella Clark, Hyde Park resident and President and CEO of Boston Arts Academy (BAA) Foundation, was first appointed to the Commission in 2015 and reappointed in 2018 by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker. She was elected to Chair in 2020, and again in 2021, by her fellow Commissioners, and is the first Woman of Color to lead the Commission. Clark’s past roles include serving as Vice Chair and Treasurer.

Chairwoman Clark shares, “The Commission is ever grateful to our partners and colleagues, including the members of state administration and the legislature, who collaborated with us during this challenging time in order to listen to the voices of women and advocate for legislation that uplifts our voices. We look forward to expanding our research and efforts in line with our mission to advance the status of women and girls in Massachusetts.”

A nonprofit executive, mother, and philanthropist, Chairwoman Clark is passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion. Chairwoman Clark states, “As the first Black woman to chair the Commission, one of my goals is to amplify legislation that will directly benefit and improve the lives of women of color.”