Board President, She/Her, Somerville

Naitasia Hensey (she/her) radiates warmth and dedication as a civically engaged and socially conscious attorney. Her exceptional skills in negotiations and client advisement stem from her ability to discern the true desires of all parties involved, making her a standout in the legal realm. In her role as counsel, Naitasia goes above and beyond, skillfully navigating contract negotiations and providing invaluable legal advice to mitigate risks effectively. Her commitment to excellence shines through in every aspect of her work.

Beyond her legal prowess, Naitasia wears multiple hats as the President of Mass NOW, where she passionately dedicates her time to educating others on intersectional feminist issues and championing policies that reflect the diverse needs of women, transgender, and non-binary persons. Her commitment to gender equality extends even further as the creative force behind the podcast “Women of Color: Legal Diaries,” where she amplifies the voices and stories of women of color in the legal profession.

Naitasia firmly believes in the importance of a balanced life. When not immersed in her legal duties, you’ll likely find her actively participating in Boston While Black, exploring the growing culinary scene of Boston, or enjoying the rhythm of live concerts. Her multifaceted interests and vibrant community involvement underscore her dedication to creating a rich and fulfilling life outside the office.

Email Naitasia at Naitasia@massnow.org

Vice President, She/Her, Boston

Quiana Agbai has 8 years of corporate experience in the advertising industry, both client and agency side. She’s run her own integrated marketing consultancy for 8 years and has been on the boards of Moms Demand Action, Wellesley Racial Justice Initiative and Wellesley College Alumnae of Boston. Being a Black woman, especially as a descendant of enslaved Africans married to a 1st generation Nigerian-American, and raising children fuel her quest for justice and equality. Quiana is passionate in understanding how her community is disproportionately impacted by gun violence, economic inequality and maternal justice issues.

Treasurer, She/Her, Mansfield

Linda was elected Treasurer in 2023.  She has served a few interim terms as Treasurer since her original term from 1993-2003. One of the founders of the Mass NOW Foundation, Linda’s active involvement in NOW arose from her experience as a single mother which led to her keen interest in economic justice. As a CPA, she included a focus on nonprofit organizations. Currently, Linda also serves on the Board of Mass Arts Center in Mansfield. She is retired and enjoys reading, theater performances, yoga, meditation, and spending time with friends and family. Linda has two grown children and eight grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Clerk, She/Her, Dorchester

Alessandra Pollina is the founder and owner of Quotable Media Co. which she launched in 2012 at 23 years old. Quotable Media Co. is a PR and media agency which works to elevate women-led brands and produces Quotable: A Female Millennial Entrepreneur Podcast and Quotable Magazine. She is also the founder of the Female Entrepreneurs of Boston networking group which aims to bring like minded entrepreneurs and business owners together. She lives in Dorchester with her husband and 6-year-old son.

Email Alessandra at Alessandra@massnow.org

At Large, She/Her

Ayanna Polk is a champion of racial and gender equity and civic engagement. As the Director of Community Partnerships for Vital CxNs, she uses her ability to bring diverse stakeholders together to push for shifting the healthcare system to center those who need care most.

Αyanna also leads as the Tri-State Social Action Co-Coordinator for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a public service sorority, leading the legislative activation of its members in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Her advocacy is guided by the mantra “Activism means you are an active part of the solution.”

At Large, She/Her, Boston

Kat Cline is the Associate Director of Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus. Prior to joining the MWPC, she served as the Congressional campaign manager to Ihssane Leckey in the competitive 2020 CD-4 race. During Shannon Liss-Riordan’s Senate campaign, she was Political and Operations Director. In Cline’s first race, she managed State Senator Becca Rausch’s winning campaign against a four-term incumbent. A graduate of Simmons University, Cline has also been a Barbara Lee Family Foundation Fellow.

Email Kat at Kat.Cline@massnow.org

At Large, She/Her, Boston

Kristine Acevedo, previously the Treasurer and now a Member At Large, is a native New Yorker and a first-generation Latina. She went to Penn State, became an activist, and went to her first massive pro-choice rally in Washington, DC in 1992. Kristine has been fighting for animal rights, women’s rights, and environmental justice ever since. She has been in Boston for over 20 years working for non-profits doing operations management.

Kristine is a cat mom who enjoys reading non-fiction, is an avid baseball fan, plus a major chocoholic. She volunteers her time to a multitude of groups and organizations in various capacities.

Email Kristine at kristine@massnow.org

At Large, She/Her, Boston

Dallas Ducar is a healthcare leader, advocate, and entrepreneur serving as Executive Vice President of Donor Engagement and External Relations at Fenway Health and founding CEO of Transhealth. A Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, she advises policymakers on affirming care and health equity. Dallas serves on the boards of GLAD and HOCC and is active in LGBTQ+ health initiatives. A faculty member at UVA, Columbia, and MGH, she blends academic and clinical expertise. Beyond her work, Dallas enjoys hiking, family, and building ethical, patient-centered healthcare systems focused on community and freedom

At Large, She/Her, Somerville

Nora Bent is the Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships at The Arc of Massachusetts, the state’s leading advocacy organization for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Prior to this role, she served as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators. Nora also worked in Representative Christine Barber’s office and served as the Deputy Finance Director of the 2018 ballot question campaign to uphold the state’s transgender nondiscrimination law.

Nora’s work focuses on equity, and she brings a unique skill set of managing relationships and navigating political strategy. Nora graduated from American University with degrees in Political Science, focusing on Gender and Race Politics, and Political Communications. She has certificates in Women, Policy, and Political Leadership from American University and from the University of Vermont’s Women in Leadership Program.