Victoria A. Budson to serve as Chairwoman of the Mass. Commission on the Status of Women

Kudos  on a well deserved appointment for my Daughter in Law Vic last week:

BOSTON, MA  -- Wellesley resident Victoria A. Budson, founder and Executive Director of Harvard Kennedy School’s Women and Public Policy Program (WAPPP), has been elected to serve as Chairwoman of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.  Budson was appointed to the Commission by Governor Deval Patrick last year.  The Commission is an independent state agency that was legislatively created in 1998 to advance women of the Commonwealth to full equality in all areas of life and to promote their rights and opportunities.  The Commission provides a permanent, effective voice for Massachusetts women and is comprised of 19 diverse members who are appointed by the Governor, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Caucus of Women Legislators.  

Budson was one of the founders of WAPPP in 1996 and has served as Executive Director since the Center’s creation.  WAPPP focuses on closing gender gaps across the globe.  She holds an MPA from the Kennedy School and a BA in sociology and women’s studies from Wellesley College.  Budson serves on the Board of Directors of the National Council for Research on Women, and has served as an advisor to the United Nations.

“Victoria Budson has a long track record of advocacy for women’s rights and equality,” said Governor Patrick.   “She will be a terrific Chairwoman, and I look forward to her leadership of the Commission.  She brings passion, experience and expertise to the role, and I will be counting on her to help guide the Commission’s work in the months and years ahead.”

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to strengthen the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by improving the equality and status of women,” said Budson.  “I look forward to working with the members of the Commission, the local and regional commissions throughout the state, Governor Patrick and the Legislature to lead us toward the realization of gender equality.”

Linda Cavioli, the outgoing Chair of the Commission shared her praise and hopes for Victoria’s term as Chairperson saying, “I think Victoria is a great choice to lead the Commission during the next year as we look to strengthen our position in partnership with other regional commissions and raise our voice on behalf of women in the Commonwealth.”