Our Transformative Power

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | 8:30 AM-12:30 PM EDT

Welcome! This mini-conference is a chance to network with likeminded folks interested in becoming more civically engaged and active in public policy impacting Greater Boston. The sessions will focus on the basics of advocacy, grassroots lobbying, navigating the MA State House, and local civic engagement. Our speakers and panelists come with years of experience both personally and professionally advocating for the rights of women, especially women of color in Boston and Massachusetts.

Throughout the day, make sure to take pictures, share quotes, and connect online by tagging @YWBoston and using the hashtag #OTP.

Agenda

8:30 am – Breakfast & Networking 

8:55 am – Welcome Remarks, Boston City Council President, Ruthzee Louijeune 

9:00 am – Panel  

10:00 am – break 

10:10 am – Advocacy 101 Presentation by Diana Hwang, President/CEO of AAWPI 

10:45 am – break 

10:50 am – Advocacy Workshop 

11:45 am – Closing Remarks by Brianna Aloisio Savage, Associate Director of Advocacy, YW Boston 

Welcome 

Aba Taylor, President & CEO, YW Boston 

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. 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.

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.

Brianna Aloisio Savage, Associate Director of Advocacy, YW Boston

Brianna (she/her) is a dedicated believer and practitioner in equity and inclusion especially as it pertains to access in education and health. She leads strategies to advance gender and racial equity across the state through grassroots advocacy and public policy. 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 holds an undergraduate degree from Providence College and a Masters of Public Administration with a certificate in Gender, Leadership, and Public Policy from UMass Boston. A board member of Mass NOW, member of Tomorrow’s Women Today, and 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.

Opening Remarks 

Ruthzee Louijeune, Boston City Council President 

Ruthzee Louijeune, serving her second term as City Councilor At-Large and unanimously elected as Boston City Council President, is a grounded, thoughtful, and inclusive leader. A dedicated public servant, Ruthzee is committed to fostering shared prosperity in Boston with a focus on justice and equity. Born and raised in Mattapan and Hyde Park to working-class Haitian immigrants, Ruthzee's journey is deeply rooted in the fabric of Boston. Her first job was as a walking tour guide with the youth organization MYTOWN, where she offered a people-centered history of Boston's neighborhoods. While a student activist, Ruthzee contributed to redesigning the student assignment process under Mayor Menino and served as a Ward Fellow for former State Representative Marie St. Fleur.  
 
As a lawyer, Ruthzee fought for families facing eviction and foreclosure in Boston Housing Court. She defended voting rights in cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, helped elect progressive prosecutors nationwide, and served as the senior attorney on Senator Elizabeth Warren's presidential campaign. A fierce housing advocate, she drafted agreements that secured millions of dollars for first-generation homeowners as a member of Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance (MAHA). 

Advocacy Presentation

Diana Hwang, Executive Director, Asian American Women’s Political Initiative AAWPI

Diana (she/her) is the Founder/Executive Director of AAWPI. In 2023, Diana was named by POLITICO as "one of the 40 most powerful people shaping race, culture, policy and politics," alongside Supreme Court Justice Kentanji Brown Jackson and Vice President Kamala Harris; POLITICO called her "nothing short of a change agent."  She has also been a featured speaker at the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C. and at several colleges, including Salem State University where she gave the annual convocation address.  

In 2020, Diana was the first Political and Organizing Director for She the People, a national network of women of color working to transform our democracy.  Diana was also a former candidate for the Massachusetts State Senate. She carried the city of Boston and outraised her seven opponents in the race. Diana graduated from Dartmouth College and Columbia Business School.  

Panel on Advocacy 

Celia Blue, President/Founder, Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition

Celia Johnston Blue is a seasoned executive leader with over 30 years of leadership experience in the private, public and nonprofit sectors.  In 2015, Celia collaborated with 12 women of color from across Massachusetts and led the development and public launch of the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC) Inc. In her current role as President and CEO, she is leading the organization to realize its vision and mission, while strongly advocating for the voices of women of color to be heard. 

Prior to her current role at MAWOCC, Celia was the Interim Director of the Rhode Island (RI)Department of Human Services, a cabinet-level position reporting to Governor McKee. Celia led an agency with approximately 1000 employees in multiple divisions, with a budget of approximately $900M, providing benefits and services to nearly 300,000 or 1/3 of Rhode Island's population. Prior to her roles in Rhode Island, Celia spent nine years in the transportation industry in Massachusetts and nationally gaining experience in multiple modes. First appointed as a commissioner for the former Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission, she was later appointed as Deputy Registrar, Assistant Secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and then promoted to the Registrar/CEO of the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Celia is the first African American in Massachusetts' history to serve as the Registrar for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Worcester State University, a Master's degree in Business Administration from Anna Maria College and is currently enrolled in a PhD Leadership program at the University of Vermont. She has received awards for her leadership and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and was named in the Power 50, Class of 2021 by Worcester Business Journal and in 2023, Celia received a distinguished Alumnae award from Worcester State University. 

Panelists

Senator Liz Miranda, Massachusetts State Senator, 2nd Suffolk 

Massachusetts State Senator Liz Miranda is serving within her second term as the Senator of the Second Suffolk District, representing nine neighborhoods in the city of Boston, Massachusetts. Prior to her time in the Massachusetts Senate, Miranda served as a Massachusetts State Representative, representing the 5th Suffolk District from 2019-2022. As the Senate Chair of the Racial Equity, Civil Rights and Inclusion Committee, Vice Chair of the Children, Families & Persons with Disabilities Committee, and is also proud to serve on Committees related to Ways & Means, the Census, Juvenile & Emerging Adult Justice, Economic Development & Emerging Technologies & the Judiciary. Senator Miranda has focused on equity and justice in all of her legislative and budget priorities. Most recently, her Maternal Health Omnibus Bill and Liquor License Bill for the City of Boston were both signed into Law by Governor Maura Healey. Miranda was also named one of the Bostonians of the Year by The Boston Globe in 2024 for her work providing 225 new wealth generating Liquor Licenses for Boston's neighborhoods who've historically been left behind. Senator Miranda is the Co-chair of the Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression and the Vice-chair of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. She is also a member of the National Caucus of Black State Legislators and the Eastern Regional Representative and serves on the Executive Board of NOBEL, the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women. Senator Miranda is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated . She serves as the Social Action Co-Chair in the Boston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Senator Miranda is an alumna of Wellesley College and returned to the college in 2021 as their 143rd commencement speaker. Miranda is the first Cabo Verdean woman to be elected to the Massachusetts Senate and the fourth Black Woman in History. 

Julia Mejia, Boston City Councilor, At-Large 

 Boston City Councilor, At-Large, Councilor Julia Mejia is a trailblazer and a dedicated community advocate serving as the Chair of the Committee on Government Accountability, Transparency, and Accessibility in the Boston City Council. She also serves as the vice chair on the committees for Education, Housing & Development, and Labor, Workforce, & Economic Development. 

Born in the Dominican Republic, City Councilor Mejia's journey to Dorchester at the age of 5 shaped her dedication to advocacy from an early age. Raised by a single, undocumented mother, she learned to navigate through the many social service systems and institutions and to advocate on behalf of her needs and those of her family's and community. 

As the 1st person to graduate from Boston Public Schools and college, Mejia's dedication to justice and equity led her into the role of a community organizer. Her focus was on empowering and investing in the capabilities of individuals across diverse socioeconomic, age, and gender spectrums, enabling them to participate in the political processes that shape their neighborhoods. Making history by winning her first term with a single vote, she became the first Afro-Latina to hold a seat on the Boston City Council. 

Over two terms, Councilor Mejia has successfully led the passage of 15 pieces of legislation, highlighting her dedication to advancing policies that invest in Boston's diverse communities. With a belief in addressing the holistic needs of all individuals and a commitment that extends beyond legislative accomplishments, Mejia has secured millions of dollars to address the social, emotional, and financial needs of Boston's constituents. 

One of her lasting contributions is the establishment of the Government Accountability, Transparency, and Accessibility Committee within the City Council. Recognizing the significance of government oversight and compliance, Mejia actively works towards measuring the success of protocols, policies, and procedures to tackle persistent issues in education, housing, and transportation. 

Now as she enters her third term, City Councilor Julia Mejia remains focused on unifying Boston residents across their differences to bring about meaningful change. Her leadership exemplifies a commitment to inform, influence and inspire to ensure that the Boston City Council and Departments serve the diverse needs of all Bostonians. She actively works towards dismantling barriers and encourages increased participation in the political process because we know that nothing about us, without us, is for us. 

To stay connected with Team Mejia and their ongoing efforts, connect through social media at @Juliaforboston on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Shaquera Robinson, CEO/Founder, Shaquera's Story Domestic Violence & Coaching 

 Shaquera Robinson is a mother of three, a first-generation college graduate, and a transformational leader in education, public health, and domestic violence advocacy. With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, she has earned recognition for her leadership, community partnerships, and motivational impact across both academic and public sectors.

As the CEO and Founder of Shaquera's Story Domestic Violence Consulting & Coaching Inc., she is a fierce advocate for survivors and a disruptor of generational trauma. Her personal journey — from surviving childhood abuse to breaking cycles of violence – informs her work as a consultant, speaker, author, and community change-maker.

In 2023, she earned her Master of Public Health degree, adding to her BS in Criminal Justice (Summa Cum Laude) and her Associate's in Early Childhood Education (President of ECE Studies). Most recently, she published her memoir, This Little Light of Mine, a powerful testament to healing through adversity.

Shaquera's passion, presence, and purpose will leave a lasting mark – don't miss this incredible opportunity to hear her speak! 

Book: https://a.co/d/aZC8MWz
YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@ThisLittleLightStory 

Facebook accounts: 

https://facebook.com/thislittlelightstory 

https://facebook.com/ShaqueraStory 

Website:  

https://www.shaquerastory.org  

Workshop: Step Into Your Power

At the registration table, please check in and choose your facilitation breakout group by choose a sticker color.

Facilitators

Stephanie Baldwin, Public Affairs Chair, Junior League of Boston

Stephanie Baldwin (she/her) is the Public Affairs Chair of the Junior League of Boston (JLB). With a passion for community outreach and advocacy, she develops trainings and initiatives for members to be a part of change in their communities, putting their skills to use for social good. She was awarded the new member of the year award for her advocacy work on menstrual equity. She is currently finishing up an MBA at Northeastern University, where she has been focusing on expanding nonprofits through new projects and campaigns as well as developing programs for stakeholder focused business. In the past, she has worked for the Boston Book Festival as their Volunteer Coordinator, organizing and increasing their volunteer base, designing engaging opportunities for volunteers to assist in expanding the world of reading for the community. As a member of the Massachusetts Menstrual Equity Coalition, she helps to build awareness and action for legislative change. Using her commitment to giving back and making change happen, Stephanie continues to look for new opportunities to use her skills to assist the community and mission driven organizations.

Advocacy Focus Areas: social conscious business, volunteerism, adapting business skills for social change

Representative Samantha Montaño, Massachusetts State House, 15th Suffolk 

Sam Montaño (They/She), prior to being elected, worked for most of the last decade with communities in Jamaica Plain, Mission Hill, Chelsea, and Roxbury advancing affordable housing, equity, and climate resistance. They worked at a women's shelter before transitioning to community organizing at Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corp (JPNDC). During this time, they also became the Director of Organizing for GreenRoots, a nonprofit focused on environmental justice and change. 

Sam now represents the 15th Suffolk as its State Representative. Sam is currently the only out queer person of color in the MA legislature. They have recently been assigned Vice Chair for the Joint Committee on Aging and Independence. Bringing their experiences on housing justice and climate justice to the committee, they continue to serve marginalized communities within the commonwealth and are a strong respected voice in the legislature. 

Nicole Lockhart-Rios, Policy and Event Planning Co-op, Mass NOW, NU Politics, Philosophy, and Economics 

Nicole Lockhart-Rios is a senior-year student at Northeastern University studying Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. She has always had a passion for politics and is learning the political, legal, and economic background necessary to be able to enact positive change, especially for marginalized communities. Nicole has previously worked as the Leadership Coordinator at We Are ALX, an organization dedicated to supporting Latines across Massachusetts. She is motivated by being able to help others, from personal connections to advocating and supporting millions of people through her roles.  

Breakout Topics: Menstrual Equity, Participating in the Juvenile Justice Coalition, Writing and giving testimony for bills, Community Organizing State-wide 

Jill Harvey, Chief Equity Officer, Massachusetts Municipal Association 

Jill Harvey (she/her) serves as the inaugural Chief Equity Officer for the Massachusetts Municipal Association. She previously served as the Director of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division of Health & Human Services for the Town of Arlington, MA for close to five years. She received a bachelor's degree in Anthropology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and completed the Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program at Brown University's Watson School of International and Public Affairs. She has been a member of the Coalition on Racial Equity (CORE) Mental Health Steering Committee since 2020 and is the co-founder and immediate past chair of the Massachusetts Municipal DEI Coalition. Jill has served as President of the Mystic Valley Area Branch of the NAACP since 2022, is a community facilitator with Narrative 4, and is a consultant and co-founder of HarveyRochman Consulting, LLC.  

Breakout Topics: Diversity, equity and inclusion, Getting involved in local government (boards, commissions, public meetings), Different forms of activism- exploring what might work for you ( direct v. indirect action, art, digital/media), Sustainably leading in racial and social justice work- how to take care of oneself and community, without burning out. 

Anouska Bhattacharyya, Vice President of Programs, YW Boston 

Anouska (she/they) is a powerhouse for change management, strategy, and equity work. She joined YW Boston in 2020 after working almost 2 decades in higher education. She is currently the Vice President for Programs. 

Anouska was the director of Harvard's international program, managing incoming students' immigration status, funding and curriculum development against a backdrop of increasing state violence and xenophobia. She assisted in the overhaul of the university's core curriculum, and organized faculty protests at the decision to end DACA in 2017. She was also heavily involved in the University of Pennsylvania's MSTP: a program designed to diversify the physician-scientist community in Philadelphia and beyond. 

Anouska describes her role at YW as an orchestra conductor: connecting each program team into the melody of the organization's mission. She engages a wide audience through speaking engagements (and fantastic fashion), as well as thought leadership on the modern workforce, technology, intersectionality, and crafting a narrative. She has a Ph.D. from Harvard's History of Science department, and an M.Phil and B.A. (Hons) from Cambridge University in the UK. 

Outside of YW Boston, Anouska is a keen dancer, an avid plant propagator, a mom to two cats, and a karaoke legend.  

Breakout Topics:  

Koren Phillips, Executive Director, Teaching and Education, Massachusetts General Hospital, YW Boston Advocacy Committee Member, LB c/0 2022 

Koren Phillips (she/her/hers) has enjoyed a progressive career in academic medical center hospital leadership and is the Executive Director of Teaching and Education at Massachusetts General Hospital. In this role, she has executive leadership for institutional planning, execution, and ongoing management of strategic initiatives related to the core educational mission of the hospital. She also serves as a course director in the Master of Science in Clinical Services Operations program at Harvard Medical School.  

Outside of work, she dedicates her time to nonprofit causes that reflect her interests in women's leadership, addressing systemic inequities in her local community, education, and the arts. She is currently Clerk of the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts Board of Directors, a member of the YW Boston Advocacy Committee, and a Sustaining Member of the Junior League of Boston. Her previous nonprofit board service includes roles for her women's fraternity and its associated foundation, college alma mater, high school alma mater, and local arts and educational organizations. 

A member of YW Boston's LeadBoston class of 2022, Koren holds a BA in Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Chicago and an MBA from Simmons University. Koren spent her childhood in Maryland and South Florida, with deep connections to her family's generational ties to the North Shore of Massachusetts. She is currently a proud resident of Jamaica Plain.  

Breakout Topics: Reproductive justice, health care policy, JP community activism, public education

Seble Alemu, Executive Director, Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators 

Seble Alemu is the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, where she facilitates cross-sector collaboration, supports legislative advocacy, and advances a bold agenda to elevate the voices of women in government and advance the status and well-being of all women in the Commonwealth. In this multifaceted role, she serves as the chief liaison to legislators, community stakeholders, and advocacy organizations, while also overseeing the Caucus's program development, event execution, strategic communications, and internal operations with precision and vision. 

Before this role, she served as the Committee Researcher for the Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion. An Ethiopian-born public servant grounded in a deep commitment to equity and justice, Seble holds advanced credentials in Public Administration and a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Administration. 

Breakout Topics: Massachusetts State House, prioritizing legislation, bill to law process, cross-party collaboration, administration in government.

Mary-Dith Tuitt, Chairwoman, Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women 

Mary-dith Tuitt, Boston resident and a Community and Peer Veteran Specialist, was appointed to the Commission by the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators in 2011. Mary-dith was born on the Island of Montserrat in the British West Indies to Henrietta and Michael Tuitt. Tuitt presently serves as President of the National Association of Commissions for Women and has served as Chief of Staff for State Representative Gloria L. Fox, where she worked for the Constituents of Boston, providing support to the underserved communities of Boston, and has worked on various political campaigns. Over the years, Mary has always been involved and invested in enriching, enhancing and empowering her community. She served as a volunteer with Boston Public schools, various community youth groups, and with her church, St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Columbia Road in Dorchester, MA. An alumnus of the Boston Public School system, Mary-dith graduated from Boston Technical High School in 1985. Shortly after graduation, Mary-dith entered the United States Navy, where she served fourteen years as a Navy Aviation Machinist's Mate, first on active duty and then in the active & inactive Reserves. Mary-dith runs her own special events coordination business that specializes in design, planning, decoration and assisting her clients in making their dreams reality.  

Kerry Costello, Executive Director, League of Women Voters Boston

Kerry is a lifelong Bostonian. She attended Fitchburg State College and earned a Master’s Degree at Northeastern University. She is a school psychologist in the Andover Public Schools. She is active in Community, political and non-profit endeavors. She is currently the Chairperson of the Jamaica Plain Community Centers Board and president of the League of Women Voters of Boston.

Advocacy Focus Areas: voter advocacy, activation, and alliances (non-partisan)

Adriana Raines, Engagement Manager, YW Boston

Adriana Raines 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.