TSNE would like to congratulate two of our colleagues who have been named to Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy’s new Governor’s Advisory Council on Black Empowerment. Beth Chandler, president/CEO of YW Boston and TSNE board director, and Shanique Spalding, executive director of the Massachusetts Voter Table, a fiscally sponsored organization at TSNE, have joined the 30-member council of Black leaders who will advise Governor Healy on issues related to the economic prosperity and wellbeing of Massachusetts’ Black community.
“Massachusetts’ Black residents make tremendous contributions to our state, but far too often they face systemic barriers that hold them back from opportunity. Our administration is committed to bringing people together and centering equity in all that we do, and that requires ensuring that those who are most impacted by our policy have a seat at the decision-making table,” said Governor Healey. “We look forward to working closely with our Advisory Council on Black Empowerment to explore how we can best support our Black community, reduce inequities and expand opportunity for all.”
Beth Chandler, president and CEO of YW Boston, first joined the organization in November 2012, with more than 20 years of experience in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Her breadth of work experience encompasses program development, delivery and evaluation, business development, and operations. A former professional basketball player, Beth received her undergraduate degree from Harvard University and an MBA from Columbia Business School. As the first YWCA in the nation, YW Boston has been at the forefront of advancing equity for over 150 years. Through their DEI Services — such as InclusionBoston and LeadBoston — as well as their advocacy work and F.Y.R.E. Initiative, they help individuals and organizations change policies, practices, attitudes, and behaviors with a goal of creating more inclusive environments where women, people of color, and especially women of color can succeed.
“I was honored to be asked to serve on the Governor’s Advisory Council of Black Empowerment. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor shared a vision of hope and prosperity for all in Massuchusetts. I am excited to work with this outstanding group of Black leaders from across the Commonwealth to ensure that their vision translates into meaningful gains for Black residents in Massachusetts,” said Beth Chandler.
Shanique Spalding, executive director of the Massachusetts Voter Table, is a political, social, and reproductive justice activist who has dedicated nearly a decade to organizing in BIPOC communities across Massachusetts. With a BS in Criminal Justice from Mount Ida College, Shanique is a native of Kingston, Jamaica, and is a current resident of Springfield. She brings her lived experiences and passion for uplifting and finding justice for marginalized communities like her own to her work. The Massachusetts Voter Table integrates nonpartisan voter engagement with grassroots organizing. With their 30+ coalition members, they fight for resources, representation, and power for communities of color, working-class people, new citizens, and youth in Massachusetts.
Read the full press release about the Governor’s Advisory Council on Black Empowerment