Distinguished Public Service Fellows Program
The Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy at the John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, has awarded the Distinguished Public Service Fellowship to its fourth cohort of Fellows.
Launched in 2016, the program seeks to build bridges between generations of women in public leadership and prepare the next generation of leaders, with a particular emphasis on advancing the leadership of women of color. The fourth cohort consists of five new Fellows who will be in residence for 18 months. During this time, the Fellows will give public lectures, participate in a mentorship program for graduate students in CWPPP’s Gender, Leadership, and Public Policy graduate programs, and contribute their papers and stories to the Center’s Women’s Public Leadership Archive.
CWPPP Director, Dr. Laurie Nsiah-Jefferson, says, “The Fellows program is an important vehicle for transferring knowledge and lessons learned from experienced to emerging women leaders. It is one of CWPPP’s centerpiece programs in fulfilling our mission to empower diverse women leaders to serve their communities.”
The following women leaders comprise the fifth cohort of Fellows:
Vice President, Programming & Community Outreach, Babson College
CEO Jane’s Way, LLC
Jane C. Edmonds is a powerhouse of leadership and innovation, bringing experience from various sectors, including education, entrepreneurship, higher education, and government leadership. She is the CEO of Jane’s Way, LLC, a diversity, equity and inclusion consulting firm, and serves as Vice President for Programming and Community Outreach at Babson College. She is also a Harvard University and Boston College Law School graduate. Throughout her career, she has shaped policy, business, and culture with a steadfast commitment to inclusive excellence in leadership. As a civil rights advocate Jane was appointed by Governor Micheal Dukakis as Chair of Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) and served as a member of the Board of Directors at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Jane serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center. As an advisor and strategist, Jane has guided senior leaders in fostering environments where people and ideas thrive - where everyone feels acknowledged, valued, and empowered.
Kay Khan recently retired from the Massachusetts House of Representatives after 30 years of dedicated service (1995-2024) representing the 11th Middlesex District (Newton). Khan holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Boston University, Appointed in 2009 as House Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities, she served in this role for 12 years and held positions on multiple other committees, including Public Health, Elder Affairs, Housing, Human Services, the Judiciary, among others. She also served as Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. Khan is credited with key legislative achievements such as the ban on conversion therapy for minors, the licensing of certified professional midwives, and, along with then Representative Liz Miranda, the establishment of a Special Commission on Racial Inequities in Maternal Health. She was also instrumental in founding the nation's first legislative Mental Health Caucus and co-chairing the Taskforce on Justice Involved Women.
City Councilor at Large, City of Quincy
Associate Director of Government Relations, Wentworth Institute of Technology
Nina Liang is the first and only Chinese American City Councilor elected in Quincy, where she served as the first minority City Council President from 2020-2022. Raised in Quincy by immigrant parents, Nina’s experiences as a small business owner, community organizer, and elected official have driven her commitment to inclusive governance and addressing the needs of diverse communities. She previously served as Executive Director of Emerge Massachusetts, training Democratic self-identified women to run for office, and under her leadership, the organization saw significant growth and historic electoral success. Now serving as the inaugural Associate Director of Government Relations at Wentworth Institute of Technology, Nina continues to leverage her political experience to support vulnerable communities and ensure they succeed both during and after their time at the university.
City Councilor at Large, City of Boston
Boston City Councilor At-Large, Councilor Julia Mejia, the first Afro-Latina to hold a seat on the Boston City Council, chairs the Government Accountability, Transparency, and Accessibility Committee. Her journey from the Dominican Republic to Dorchester at age 5, raised by a single, undocumented mother, instilled in her a commitment to advocacy. As a graduate of Boston Public Schools and college, she became a community organizer, empowering individuals across diverse spectrums to engage in political processes. Winning her first term by a single vote, she has since led the passage of 15 pieces of legislation and secured millions for Boston's communities. Notably, she established the Government Accountability Committee to address issues in education, housing, and transportation. Now in her third term, Mejia remains dedicated to informing, influencing and inspiring political participation for #allmeansall inclusive representation. Connect with Team Mejia on social media @Juliaforboston (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) for ongoing updates.
Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Chaubunagungamaug, Band of Nipmuck Indians
Liz Coldwind Santana-Kiser is an Elder, Council Woman and currently Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Chaubunagungamaug Band of Nipmuck Indians. A dedicated leader, she has spent more than five decades advocating for the health and well-being of the Nipmuck People. Beyond her tribal leadership, Liz serves on the 1676 Battle of Great Falls Advisory Board, the Stolen Relations project at Brown University, and the EDEIJ Committee within the Harvard Legacy of Slavery Initiative. Her lifelong commitment to her community and heritage has earned her the honor of being an Eagle Feather. She is also a devoted wife, mother of six, and grandmother to many, balancing her deep-rooted dedication to her people with her love for family.
Vice President of Engagement and Mobilization and Creator of the Podcast Politics and Prosecco
Jacquetta Van Zandt is the Vice President of Engagement and Mobilization at The Partnership, Inc., where she builds and maintains strategic relationships across civic, political, and business sectors. A highly sought-after political strategist, she has worked on Capitol Hill and various campaigns, using her expertise to advocate for communities of color. Passionate about public policy and diversity initiatives, she returned to Massachusetts to address critical issues such as wage inequality, financial literacy, and women's empowerment. Van Zandt is also the creator of the popular podcast Politics and Prosecco and serves on multiple boards while residing in Roxbury, MA.