Our Board of Directors
The 2024 Mass NOW INC & Foundation Boards were elected at the Mass NOW State Conference on December 9, 2023. Email us at massnow@massnow.org if you’re a member and would like an e-introduction to any one!
Mass NOW is accepting nominations for the Board of Directors. Board members serve on both the Mass NOW Inc and Mass NOW Foundation boards, which are fun-loving, multi-generational boards of committed, vibrant, passionate individuals. At our State Conference on Saturday, December 7, 2024 10-1pm we will be voting on the 2025 Leadership Board.
Learn More and Apply!
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Naitasia Hensey
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
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Quiana Agbai
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.
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Linda Rogers
Treasurer, She/Her, Mansfield
Linda Rogers is an at-large board member of the Foundation. She was previously Treasurer 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 is also Treasurer of the Mass Music & Arts Society 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 seven grandchildren.
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Nazia Ashraful
Clerk, She/Her, Boston
Nazia Ashraful (she/hers) is a committed advocate and organizer for minority populations and women’s rights. She is the former Director of Government Affairs at the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Massachusetts. At CAIR-MA, she built the first-ever politically focused department to serve the Massachusetts Muslim community. Nazia holds a Masters of Public Health, specializing in Reproductive Justice. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Health Sciences degree, focusing on the development of public health curriculum. Nazia believes her true purpose is to pass the mic (and cape!) to marginalized individuals and communities.
Email Nazia at Nazia@massnow.org
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Ayanna Polk
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.”
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Alessandra Pollina
At Large, 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
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Kat Cline
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
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Kristine Acevedo
At Large, She/Her, Boston
Kristine Acevedo is a native New Yorker, first generation Latina, who went to Penn State for a Bachelor’s degree, became an activist & has lived in Boston for almost 20 years. She has been fighting for animal rights, womens’ rights, & environmental justice for over 20 years. Kristine volunteers for many organizations such as Last Hope K9, helped elect Julia Mejia to the Boston city council (by one vote) & is on the Boston Urban Tree Community Advisory Board. In her free time she enjoys reading non-fiction, is a huge baseball fan & a major chocoholic.
Email Kristine at kristine@massnow.org
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Hannah Schwichtenberg
Young Feminist At Large, She/They, Natick
Hannah Schwichtenberg is a senior at Natick High School and a community leader dedicated to alleviating disparities in education and public health. As an advisor and program manager at Egal Pads on a Roll she trains ambassadors in implementing period products in their respective schools. Through lobbying for progressive legislation under Massachusetts High School Democrats and drafting her own in Senate President Karen Spilka’s Youth Advisory Council she has learned how to analyze policy effectively. She trains other young feminists to view issues through an intersectional lens in her lead position in Natick’s chapter of Generation Ratify— an organization dedicated to ratifying the ERA and advancing gender justice.