2023 Women of the Year

In 2012, Emerge Massachusetts held its first Women of the Year event, celebrating the inspiring work of women leaders in the Commonwealth.  This year, we’re honoring two fierce leaders who have impacted and shaped the political landscape not just in Massachusetts, but nationwide.

We’re excited to announce 2023 Women of the Year honorees Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and 2009 Emerge MA alum Jacquetta Van Zandt!

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll is the 73rd Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, joining Governor Maura Healey in a historic series of firsts: Governor Healey is the first woman and first openly LGBTQ person elected Governor of MA, and together, Healey and Driscoll are the first all-women executive team to lead our Commonwealth.  Driscoll was elected the City of Salem’s first woman Mayor in 2006, not only making history but also revitalizing and strengthening the City’s financial standing, education system, transportation opportunities, and overall quality of life for residents.  A proud mother of three children who attended Salem Public Schools, daughter of a Navy chef from Lynn, and longtime public servant, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll exemplifies what it truly means to serve, empower, and uplift.

Jaccquetta Van Zandt is a 2009 graduate of the Emerge MA Signature Training Program who has a long history of advocacy and organization building.  As the Vice President of Engagement and Mobilization at the Partnership, Inc., Jacquetta is responsible for building, coordinating, and maintaining strategic relationships across the civic, political and business sectors.  Prior to joining The Partnership, Inc., Van Zandt honed a political skill set on Capital Hill in Washington, D.C. as well as various state and federal campaigns.  She launched a fast-growing popular zoom-cast/podcast called “Politics and Prosecco”, and has been engaged in numerous political dialogue in the media.  Her extensive experience and knowledge of the industry has made her a respected voice at the table to aid in making significant decisions that impact communities of color, as well as a highly sought-after political strategist.

Please join us in person on Tuesday, June 13th as we gather to celebrate these two inspiring leaders!