From the Desk of Executive Director Shaitia Spruell
SHAITIA SPRUELL
MCSW MONTHLY
Where Women Are Always On The Front Page
October 2022
Dear Colleagues:
It’s hard to believe October is already upon us. It’s been just over 3 months since I’ve become the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, and I’m so incredibly proud of the work our growing team and the commission has accomplished in just a short time.
This month, we celebrate the many facets of our lives, and the many forms advocacy can take. As an Afro-Latina woman, I celebrate Hispanic/Latinx Heritage month (9/15-10/15). I welcome the expanding conversation around representation of this holiday – as a government body, I reference Hispanic, as a woman with roots stemming from the Caribbean Island of Boriken (aka Puerto Rico), I personally prefer to use Latine.
As a Taino woman, I uplift Indigenous People’s Day (10/10). As a mother, I celebrate National Child Health Day (10/4). As a wife, I celebrate International Day of Nonviolence (10/2). As an Executive Director, I celebrate Women’s Small Business Month throughout October, and the many entrepreneurs that make our economy thrive. Along those lines, I also uplift World Mental Health Day (10/10), encouraging my staff and myself to take the time necessary to rest, plan, and act.
October raises so many opportunities to amplify causes and information near and dear to the lives, health, and well-being of all women, children, and families across the Commonwealth. What are you celebrating this month? Tag us on social media and let us know!
I’ve been lucky to meet and work with so many incredible commissioners, advocates, partners, legislators, and more across the state throughout my time. It reminds me of how far we’ve come as an organization, and how far yet we still have to go, together.
This Spring, we’ll celebrate our 25th anniversary as an organization. Next month, we’ll be hosting another public hearing, this time in Pittsfield in Berkshire County.
From Provincetown to Pittsfield, we need you. Join us, we can’t do this work without you.
In solidarity,
Shaitia Spruell
MCSW Executive Director