The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators (MCWL) has appointed its new Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 legislative session, with 17th Middlesex State Representative Vanna Howard (D-Lowell) once again renominated to the Caucus.
The announcement came as the Caucus prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of advancing gender equity, enhancing economic opportunity, and supporting women in government.
Howard was also appointed to the board for the 2023-2024 legislative session.
“I’m honored to be renominated by the Nominating Committee to serve on the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators leadership for another term,” Howard tells InsideLowell. “I look forward to continuing our work, focusing on enhancing, supporting and elevating women’s economic status, and addressing racial and gender disparities.”
The Caucus conducted a thorough and intentional process, led by its Nominating Committee, to select the 2025-2026 Board members. Beginning in January, Senator Robyn K. Kennedy (D-Worcester) and Representative Christine P. Barber (D- Somerville) are the incoming Co-Chairs of MCWL. Senator Joan Lovely (D-Salem) and Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) will serve as Vice-Chairs and Representative Brandy Fluker Oakley (D-Boston) will continue to serve as Treasurer.
Joining Howard on the At-Large Board members will include Representative Carole A. Fiola (D-Fall River), Representative Priscila Sousa (D-Framingham), Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian (D-Melrose), Senator Rebecca L. Rausch (D-Needham), Representative Lindsay N. Sabadosa (D-Northampton), and Representative Jessica A. Giannino (D-Revere) who is also Chairing the 50th Anniversary Subcommittee.
Founded in 1975, the Caucus has grown from its original 14 members to over 61 legislators, including 56 Democrats, 4 Republicans, and 1 Unenrolled member. These members, comprising 50 representatives and 11 senators, reflect the bipartisan and bicameral strength of the Caucus, which remains committed to improving the quality of life for all residents of the Commonwealth.
The Women’s Caucus remains steadfast in its strategic priorities, elevating women’s economic opportunity and eliminating barriers, addressing racial and gender disparities in health care, and empowering women in government. It will solidify its strategic priorities at its Annual Meeting in February 2025.
