Massachusetts Caucus Of Women Legislators Gets New Chairwoman

BEACON HILL, MA – The Senate president appointed Sen. Cindy F. Friedman of Arlington to chair the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators late last month, the senator announced in a press release.

The caucus was previously chaired by Senator Linda Dorcena Forry of Boston, who recently left the Senate to serve as vice president of diversity, Inclusion and Community Relations at Suffolk Construction.

“I’m so grateful that Senate President Spilka has given me the opportunity to serve as chair of this very important caucus,” said Friedman. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance the Caucus of Women Legislators’ agenda by fighting for initiatives that will ensure equal pay for equal work, stop sexual harassment in the workplace, and ensure equitable access to healthcare.”

Friedman’s will now work in coordination with House chair Representative Carolyn Dykema of Holliston and caucus members to advocate for policy initiatives that benefit women, facilitate networking events to connect and empower women, and raise awareness and engage the public about issues impacting women across the Commonwealth.

One of Friedman’s first tasks will be to assist in the hiring process of a new executive director, a position previously held by Lauren Scribi, according to the release.

Established in 1975, the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators was formed with a mission to enhance the economic status and equality of women and to encourage and support women in all levels of government. It is a bi-cameral and bi-partisan organization that is comprised of the women state legislators at the State House.

Friedman represents the 4th Middlesex district, which includes Arlington, Billerica, Burlington, Woburn and precincts 1-2 and 4-7 in Lexington.

Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch Staff