Welcome to

04.07.2026 | 9:30 AM-1:00 PM EDT | City Year Boston – 287 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02116

About this Event

YW Boston and Listen to Your Mothers are pleased to host this community centered event specifically catered to empowering and training leaders, parents, mothers, and especially mothers of color to advocate for and create equitable spaces in Massachusetts.

This mini-conference is a chance to be in community with folks committed to learning about or changing this challenge of workplace inclusion for mothers.

We will hear from a panel of parents, experts, advocates, and leaders in this space with lived and professional experience of making more equitable workplaces for parents. Our presenters and facilitators bring years of experience both personally and professionally advocating for the rights of parents, especially mothers of color in Boston and Massachusetts.

Thank you to City Year Boston for hosting this conference!

To learn more about City Year, visit: www.cityyear.org/boston/

Did you take photos during the event? We’d love to see our moms and allies in action! Please share your selfies on social media and tag @ywboston and @listentoyourmothers.

You can share your event photos to add to our digital photo album with the Dropbox link here.

Please take our exit survey

Please take 5 minutes to complete this survey so we can better serve you in future events and programs.

Citations, Research, Sources: 

• Miriam & Brianna's Presentation
• Relevant/Recent Research 
  • Women's Foundation of Massachusetts State of Women and Girls in Massachusetts 
  • Boston Women's Fund Carrying the Weight 
  • Institute for Women's Policy Research The Parenthood Pay Divide 
  • Labor Force Participation Tracker: Parents with Children Under 5 | The Care Board 
  • In Massachusetts, child care costs are out of reach for most working parents 
  • The great exit: 
  • Women in the Workplace McKinsey Report 2025 
  • The 'open secret' in most workplaces 
  • MCSW Women in the Workforce Report 
  • Healthy Outcomes 
  • If Health is Wealth, America's Working Mothers are Living in Extreme Poverty 

• Individual Advocacy 
  • LYM Blog: The First Working Mothers 
  • LYM Blog: Guide to Pumping at Work 
  • theSkimm #ShowUsYourLeave Database 
  • #ShowUsYourChildcare Database 
  • Paid Leave Sample Employer Proposal 
  • Comprehensive Guide on Maternity Leave Laws by State 
  • How to Advocate for Child Care at your Work 
  • Bring MilkMate to your company 

• Shifting Workplace Structures 
  • People, Process and Policy: A Framework for Analyzing Gap and Identifying Opportunities for Workplace Change  
  • LYM Working Mothers Speak 2023 Report 
  • LYM: MOMentum Calculator 
  • LYM Blog: Policies Supporting Working Moms Today 
  • LYM Blog: Return to Office Decision Framework 
  • LYM: Return to Office Checklist 
  • LYM: Parental Leave Checklist for Employers 
  • The Employee Benefit that Pays for Itself: ROI Calculator & Full Report 
  • How to Implement Childcare as a Benefit 
  • Back-Up Care & Beyond: An Empoyer's Guide to Family Care Benefits 
  • Childcare Toolkit 
  • Paid Leave Cost Calculator 

• Books 
  • Repair with Self-Care: Your Guide to the Mom's Hierarchy of needs by Leslie Forde 
  • Mommy Goes to Work, by Jossy Lee 
  • Swiftynomics: How Women Mastermind and Redefine out Economy  by Dr. Misty Heggeness 
  • Having It All: What Data Tells Us About Women's Lives and Getting the Most Out of Yours, by Corinne Low 

• More Resources can be found at www.listentoyourmothers.com/resources 

Our Community Partners and Resource Fair Friends:

Mass NOW
Boston Women's Workforce Council
The Basics
MWPC | The Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus
Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women
MomUp – We recruit world-class female executives.
Home | Jeremiah Program
Moms Hierarchy of Needs
Black Girl Mama Magic
Mommy Goes to Work
Lyric Stage 
Empath
Women's Foundation of Massachusetts 

Our Speakers and Facilitators: 

Leslie Forde

Leslie Forde is a leading voice in working moms’ well-being, workplace equity, and the future of work. As the Founder and CEO of Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs®, she helps organizations understand what working parents and caregivers need to thrive. Her book, Repair with Self-Care, offers a practical framework for reclaiming time and reducing burnout. Leslie turns data into action, guiding audiences to shift culture, policy, and perception. Her core message: self-care is not a luxury… it’s essential. With research, empathy, and urgency, Leslie inspires change where it’s needed most.

Ashley Mitchell, (she/her)

Ashley Mitchell (she/her) is a speaker, writer, and movement instructor working at the intersection of wellness, belonging, and personal growth. She is the Co-Founder of The Courage Campaign, where she works with youth and educators to build confidence, courage, and sustainable self-care practices through movement and journaling.

She is also the creator of Mind & Motion, a framework for building self-trust and courage through strength training, breathwork, and reflection. A lifelong athlete with over a decade of experience as an instructor, Ashley’s approach is shaped by a range of seemingly non-adjacent experiences, including her background in theater, her work in DEIB facilitation, and her life as a wife and working mother.

Brianna Aloisio Savage, (she/her), Director of Advocacy, YW Boston

Brianna is a dedicated advocate for equal rights and empowerment. Currently, Brianna serves as the Director of Advocacy at YW Boston, where she leads strategies to advance gender and racial equity across the state through grassroots advocacy and public policy change. She brings over a decade of experience in nonprofit management, public affairs, political communication, and lobbying, with a focus on building coalitions that drive systemic change. Brianna is currently a member of TOMORROW Women’s Today, a board member of Mass NOW, and a regional commissioner for the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.

Brianna has completed multiple public policy fellowships and holds a Master of Public Administration with a Certificate in Gender, Leadership, and Public Policy from UMass Boston, as well as a B.A. in Global Studies and Spanish from Providence College. A Massachusetts native, Brianna now lives north of Boston and teaches fitness classes part-time in her town as a way to build community. Although women’s rights have always anchored Brianna’s view of policy, becoming a mother in 2024 to her baby girl has only made her more of a fierce advocate for women and especially mothers.

Miriam Rubin, (she/her), CEO and Co-Founder of Listen to Your Mothers and ezmay consulting LLC

Miriam Rubin brings almost 20 years of experience in youth-serving organizations and public education, adept at managing large budgets, scaling programs, and building partnerships. With an MBA in Nonprofit Management from Brandeis University’s Heller School, Miriam is a seasoned project and people manager.

Miriam’s background spans policy, systems, and direct service in both public and nonprofit sectors. She was the Budget Director for Boston Public Schools (BPS), where she managed a $1.4 billion budget and previously served as the Director of Partnerships, working with over 1,000 organizations to enhance equitable access to quality partnerships. Before BPS, she held leadership roles at several Boston nonprofits.

As the founder of Ezmay Consulting, LLC, and CEO of Listen to Your Mothers, Miriam is a strong advocate for social justice and inclusive practices. Within all her work, she centers relationships and seeks to understand the unique perspectives of each contributor, ensuring that all voices are heard in the process. Miriam focuses on clear goals and systematic tracking to drive progress. Miriam is a mother of two, an identity that has deeply impacted her own career trajectory and the approach she takes to her current work with Listen to Your Mothers.

Aba Taylor, (she/her), President & CEO, YW Boston

Aba Taylor was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts as the only daughter of immigrant parents, Aba Taylor experienced and witnessed the impact of social and global inequities at an early age. Curious about the world, she ventured out as a young Black woman to experience traveling, living, and working in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

For the last 25 years, Aba has engaged in social justice work as an educator, facilitator, organizer, consultant, nonprofit executive, and board member, and has held key leadership roles with mission-driven institutions working to uplift BlPOC communities, women and girls, immigrants, LGBTQ+ communities, and other historically disadvantaged groups on local, regional, national, and international scales. From working internationally at the United Nations facilitating gender mainstreaming and advocating against violence against women and girls; to conducting gender-based civil rights and diversity and inclusion training and consulting all over the United States, to leading high impact social impact and philanthropic organizations and efforts, Aba has committed herself to supporting the capacity of nonprofit, educational and philanthropic leaders, groups, and institutions dedicated to social transformation.

Prior to joining YW Boston, Aba was the Executive Director of a Greater Boston community foundation and previously held multiple senior leadership roles at the Interaction Institute for Social Change (IISC), a national leadership and racial equity consulting firm. Prior to that, Aba was the Executive Director of the Network for Social Justice and the Chair of the Massachusetts Human Rights Coalition, and before that the Deputy Executive Director of the Astraea Foundation for Justice. She is also a sought-after consultant, facilitator, and keynote speaker, and has been recognized for her work through the City of Boston’s Mayor’s Office. She has sat on numerous boards such as Class Action, the Audre Lorde Project, and Community Change, Inc.–a 57-year-old anti-racist organizing nonprofit based in Boston. Most recently, Aba joined the Board of Directors for Essential Partners, a national organization that helps people build relationships across differences to address their communities’ most pressing challenges. She is also the Board President of the Neighborhood Schools Inc., a small school inspired by the Freedom School movements.

Aba holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia University and a Master of Arts degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the School of International Training. She is a Rockwood Leadership Institute alumnus and a certified trainer with Quabbin Mediation. Her writing has been featured in The AFRican Magazine, Q-Zine, and the Boston Globe.

Passionate about arts, culture, and creative expression, Aba is a closeted writer and a very out sci-fi nerd. For Aba, liberatory parenting as well as spiritual and healing practices are her North Star.

Brooke M. Thomson

Brooke M. Thomson is President and CEO of Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), the state’s largest business association. Appointed in January 2024 as the organization’s first female CEO, she brings more than 20 years of public policy experience focused on economic growth, competitiveness, and opportunity in Massachusetts. She previously served four years as AIM’s Executive Vice President of Government Affairs, leading public policy efforts on behalf of 3,400 member companies.

Thomson has been recognized by the Boston Business Journal as a 2024 Power 50 honoree and a 2025 Icon Award recipient (Women Who Mean Business), and by Get Konnected as a 2025 Legends, Leaders, Pioneers & Allies Award honoree.

She serves as co-chair of One Commonwealth and Our Massachusetts housing coalitions and is a member of the Advisory Council of the Women’s Foundation of Boston. Thomson holds a bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College and a law degree from Northeastern University School of Law. She lives in Sudbury with her two daughters.

Renée Ọmọladé

Renée Ọmọladé considers herself to be a lifelong Boston student who is always learning from the city. She is currently the Senior Director of Educational Strategies and Community Schools, at the United Way of Mass Bay. Renée is also the co-founder of Listen to Your Mothers, an organization that aims to create workplaces that support all parents.  She is committed to inspiring the next generation of leaders having worked for organizations such as Boston Public Schools, Black Girls Rock!, EmPath/Crittenton Women’s Union, and the Lewis Family Foundation. She is a South End native, Dorchester resident, and Boston Latin School alumna. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, with a double minor in Africana Studies and Gender & Women’s Studies, from Emmanuel College and while balancing motherhood, will complete her Master’s in Public Policy at Northeastern University in Dec 2026. As a Christian leader, she seeks to operate with grace, patience, humility, understanding, and love in all spaces.

Shaitia Spruell

Shaitia Spruell, a proud Black and Puerto Rican woman from Springfield, MA, who now resides in Lancaster, serves as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW). In this capacity, she leads efforts to advance equity for women and girls across the state, working with State Commissioners to set and achieve goals that promote fundamental rights and opportunities for all.

Her work is crucial in building a stronger, more connected community and empowering women to become strong leaders. Shaitia is dedicated to developing and supporting impactful programs such as Commonwealth Heroines and the Girls Empowerment Leadership Initiative (GELI), which provide opportunities for females who share her background to thrive.

In recognition of her contributions, Shaitia was nominated for the Latino Excellence Award by Senator John Cronin in October 2024. This annual award, hosted by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC), honors leaders making significant contributions to their communities. Shaitia’s dedication to uplifting the Latinx community and empowering women and girls earned her this esteemed recognition.

Before joining MCSW, Shaitia served as a State Commissioner appointed by the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators and worked as a Program Manager for the Massachusetts State Treasurer’s Office of Economic Empowerment (OEE). There, she created several initiatives such as Money Talk Tuesdays, the EqualPayMA Roundtable Series, and the Worth & Wealth (Valor y Dinero) Seminars. Additionally, she is an active member of the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition, focusing on economic justice and education. Shaitia is passionate about lifelong learning and has built an excellent reputation advocating for women and girls.

Shaitia holds an A.A. from Holyoke Community College, a B.S. from Bay Path University, and is currently pursuing her MBA at Fitchburg State University. In her personal life, she enjoys spending quality time with her partner and two sons, Aaden and Lorenzo, as well as indulging in couponing and watching movies together as a family.

Sebastián Molano, (he/él)

Sebastián Molano (he/él) is a parent of two kids, a Dorchester resident, and a Colombian development professional with 20 years of international experience working in the Americas, developing and implementing projects and advocacy work.

He has 14 years of expertise translating gender justice theory, feminist values, and an intersectional feminist approach into practice, with deep knowledge of intersectional feminism, LGBTQIA+ issues, masculinity, anti-racism & decoloniality, women’s political participation, care work, and GBV.  In 2014, he founded Defying Gender Roles, an advocacy initiative challenging patriarchy by reimagining masculinity with care at the center, through a popular feminist education approach. Check out his bilingual blog, Master of Love.

For the past ten years, Sebastián has worked as part of the Gender Team at Oxfam America, based in Boston. He is currently a Senior Gender Advisor on Gender and Humanitarian issues.

Sebastián holds a master’s from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and an Executive Certificate in NGO leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School.

Adriana Raines, (she/her/ella)

Adriana Raines (she/her/ella) is an Afro-Latina trailblazer with a dynamic presence in the fields of social impact, diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP®️), Lead Boston Alum, founder and a distinguished keynote speaker, Adriana brings a wealth of expertise and passion for driving meaningful change within organizations and communities. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration, equipping her with a solid foundation to lead transformative DEI strategies, cultivate inclusive environments, and advance leadership best practices.

Adriana’s outstanding contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the 2022 National CASA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Award and the 2023 Vital Village Innovation Award for Innovative Leadership. She has also received an Official Citation from the Massachusetts State Senate and an Official Resolution from the City of Boston Council President, affirming her dedication to community advocacy and social justice.

As a proud LGBTQIA+ advocate and founder of impactful initiatives, Adriana uses her voice and expertise to champion underrepresented communities. Her work extends beyond consulting to include a longstanding commitment to nonprofit leadership, where she brings innovative solutions to pressing social issues. An avid runner and lifelong learner, Adriana is also a dedicated wife and mother of four, with a lively household that includes two dogs and three cats.

Adriana Raines embodies the spirit of inclusive leadership and innovation, continually setting new standards for social impact through her relentless pursuit of equity and empowerment.

Rachael McCoy, (she/her)

Rachael joined YW Boston in August 2019 as the LeadBoston Program manager. A native of Dorchester, Rachael is passionate about serving Boston communities and fighting for racial justice and equality. Rachael has been an educator and leader for nearly a decade, most recently working as an Assistant Principal in the Boston Public Schools where she intentionally worked to make her schools more diverse, inclusive, and equitable communities for staff and students.

Rachael graduated from Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business with her degree in Marketing. It was at GSU where Rachael became an active student leader and trained facilitator of dialogues on race and equity. Rachael went on to serve as an AmeriCorps Teach for America corps member in Atlanta and Massachusetts, later earning her master’s degree in Education from Boston University.