Twenty years ago, I ended a twenty-year marriage and embarked on a new journey as a single mother of three: eighteen-year-old twin daughters in college and a twelve-year-old son in middle school. Over the years, we, “The IV,” have embraced change and forged ahead to create our path to success.
From 2005 to 2025, Boston has made significant strides in advancing opportunities for women and girls across education, business, politics and social impact.
Boston: A City of Firsts
Education
Boston’s educational landscape has been shaped by trailblazing leaders. Jackie Jenkins-Scott made history as the first African American president of Wheelock College, while Carol Johnson broke barriers as the first Black superintendent of Boston Public Schools. Pam Eddinger became the first Chinese American to lead a Massachusetts community college at Bunker Hill Community College, and Rachel Skerritt became the first Black headmaster of Boston Latin School. My board vice-chair, Lauretta Siggers, continues to drive change as the COO of Roxbury Community College. Education remains a family legacy, as one of my daughters has also pursued a career in teaching.
Politics
Maura Healey made history as Massachusetts’ first woman elected governor and the first openly lesbian governor in U.S. history. She previously served as the first LGBTQ+ attorney general of Massachusetts (2014-2023) and was the first to challenge Trump’s travel ban.
In 2023, Andrea Campbell became the first Black woman to serve as Massachusetts attorney general. She was also the first Black woman to be Boston City Council president (2018-2020).
Michelle Wu broke barriers in 2021 as the first woman and first person of color elected mayor of Boston. She had previously been the first Asian American woman to serve on the Boston City Council and its first woman of color president (2016-2018).
That same year, Ruthzee Louijeune, my daughters’ middle school mate, became the first Haitian American Boston City Council member and later its elected president.
In 2009, Ayanna Pressley became the first Black woman elected to the Boston City Council. She made history again in 2018 as the first Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts.
These women have transformed Boston’s political landscape, opening doors for future generations.
Business
I proudly yet bittersweetly remember my dear friend Elizabeth “Beth” Williams, whose leadership as president and CEO of Roxbury Technology helped address recidivism and champion inclusive employment in Boston. Rest in Power, my Sistah!
Abigail Johnson has been a trailblazer in the financial industry, becoming the first and only woman on the Financial Services Forum Board, the first female CEO of Fidelity Investments, and the first woman to chair Fidelity Investments. Her achievements highlight her leadership in a traditionally male-dominated field and the shifting landscape of corporate governance.
Chanda Smart co-founded Boston’s first Black woman-owned development firm, leading a major Brockton redevelopment and serving as the first environmental justice representative on the MBTA Board.
Social impact and nonprofit leadership
I am inspired by my high school mate and friend, Monalisa Smith, former Citizens Bank executive and founder of Mothers for Justice and Equality. I am also grateful for the mentorship and friendship of Nancy Huntington Stager of Eastern Bank Foundation.
Boston’s nonprofit sector thrives under exceptional women like Nia Evans (Boston Ujima Project), Natanja Craig Oquendo (Boston Women’s Fund), Leigh Handschuh (The Boston Foundation) Dana Smith (Career Labs at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston), Lisa Owens (Hyams Foundation), Mary Skelton Roberts (Philanthropy Massachusetts), Betty Francisco (Boston Impact Initiative), Danielle Kim (Asian Community Fund), and Dr. Makeeba McCreary (New Commonwealth Fund).
Their dedication to equity, economic empowerment and community transformation is shaping a more just and inclusive Boston.
Health care
Leading the charge for equitable health care in Boston are Dr. Thea James of Boston Medical Center and Dr. Robyn Riseberg, who founded Boston Community Pediatrics, Massachusetts’ first nonprofit pediatric private practice. Their work is transforming health care access for communities across the city.
A tale of two cities
Boston is often described as a “tale of two cities” due to its stark contrasts in wealth, opportunity, and racial and economic disparities. Despite being a hub of innovation, education and prosperity, Boston also grapples with deep-rooted inequality that affects different communities in distinct ways.
I often reflect on politics, business, education, health and economic opportunity and wonder — are we just kicking the can down the road? But then I remember why I started this work — “The IV” — and why I remain committed — my granddaughter, the future Dr. Prestyn.
Continued investment in education, entrepreneurship and health care is crucial to sustaining progress for women and girls in Boston. Women have earned seats at the table, ascended to leadership roles, and taken on top executive positions. As the city continues to champion the power of women, it paves the way for a future of greater equity and opportunity. To achieve true corporate success and fairness, more women must be represented in boardrooms.
Honoring women’s achievements
Every March, we honor the remarkable women who have shattered glass ceilings, achieved extraordinary milestones and left a lasting impact on our society. We invite esteemed leaders to join us in celebrating our collective successes and paving the way for the next generation of female leaders.
I’m committed to doing my part — now I ask you to do the same.
Ronia Stewart is a philanthropist, corporate leader and connector, serving as the founding president & CEO of Garden of Eden & Associates, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to leadership development and professional training. With over 25 years of experience spanning the financial, legal, and nonprofit sectors, she is committed to enhancing the well-being of individuals in the greater Boston area and beyond. Stewart has held leadership positions at Eastern Bank, Citizens Bank and MFS Investment Management and has contributed her expertise to several influential boards, including former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker’s relaunched Black Advisory Commission.
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