Women in Politics: Emerge Massachusetts Celebrates their 10th Annual Women of the Year Event
The premier training organization gathered to honor Dr. Yvonne Spicer and Mayor Nicole LaChapelle
BOSTON, MA – Emerge Massachusetts, the Commonwealth’s premier political training organization for self-identified Democratic women, came together at their Women of the Year Event last week to celebrate Dr. Yvonne Spicer, former mayor of Framingham, and Mayor Nicole LaChapelle of Easthampton. Emerge MA has trained over 525 self-identified women to run for office in Massachusetts, these two Mayors are at the forefront of ensuring diverse political leadership and inclusive change in the Commonwealth.
Dr. Spicer and Mayor LaChapelle have now joined 26 previously honored leaders who exemplify the inspiring work of female leaders working to strengthen community and government in Massachusetts. Along with being changemakers in their own right, the two Mayors were recognized for consistently uplifting, mentoring, and supporting other women to take action and create change in their communities.
“It is a great honor to me to be recognized for my work in supporting women and building a community,” said Dr. Yvonne Spicer. “Emerge Massachusetts does tireless work in making sure women feel supported, nurtured, and inspired to run for office. That is what this whole event is about – how do we keep remembering we are each other’s keeper, each other’s sister’s keeper and that’s what it means to me.”
Dr. Spicer and Mayor LaChapelle’s collective commitment to uplifting and encouraging fellow female leaders was palpable in the room. From the initial reception to the end of the speaking program, it was clear that everyone was motivated and energized to bring the critical perspectives of self-identified women to public office across Massachusetts.
“I am so grateful and honored to have received this recognition from Emerge, a group that has been at the forefront of changing the faces of politics. This is about creating opportunity and space for women to step into leadership, but knowing that representation is so much more than gender. If we want to change the conversation, we have to change who’s sitting at the table,” said Mayor Nicole LaChapelle. “I have been side-by-side with Emerge in this mission and I look forward to many more years of collaboration.”
By blazing new trails and removing barriers that women often face when running for office, the Mayors and Emerge are providing self-identified Democratic women with the encouragement and critical tools they need to run and win. By coming together as a community of women in Massachusetts politics, the Women of the Year Event serves as a powerful platform to inspire and prepare more women for bright political futures.