Malden DEI Leader Appointed To Regional Commission

MALDEN, MA — The city announced that one of its leaders has been chosen to use her skills to take on a greater task.

Malden’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Kashawna Harling has been appointed to serve as a commissioner on the Eastern Regional Commission on the Status of Women, which is a part of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. The MCSW was founded in 1998 as an independent state agency that has the main goal of forwarding policies that improve access and opportunities for women and girls. The Eastern Regional Commission on the Status of Women is one of 11 regional commissions throughout Massachusetts that extend the mission of the statewide Commission. The city describes the commissions as bodies that provide research, policy guidance, and community engagement aimed at improving outcomes for women.

Harling is a graduate of Boston College. Before becoming DEI Coordinator in 2023, she was the city’s Career Services Coordinator. She is also currently the Chair of the Malden Racial Equity Commission. In 2024, she was recognized by the state with a Black Excellence on the Hill Award. Harling is also an entrepreneur, as she has founded own consulting company as well as a pet supply and grooming business. Paws and Purrfection opened in 2020 and is headquartered at 240 Main St. Harling’s husband, Ralph Long III, owns and operates the business.

“I am honored to accept this appointment and grateful for the opportunity to serve the women and girls of the Eastern region,” Harling said. “I look forward to working alongside passionate community leaders to advance equity, strengthen resources, and make meaningful progress on issues that matter to families across our region.”

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