The Latest
I joined Newton mayor Marc Laredo, Rep. Greg Schwartz, and other civic leaders at Newton City Hall to celebrate America's 250th anniversary with a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Visiting Rancatore's Ice Cream and other businesses around Newtonville.
Touring businesses around West Newton!
Pride Flag Raising at the State House!
Denim Day, observed at the close of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, stands as a global protest against a 1999 Italian Supreme Court ruling that overturned a rape conviction on the claim that tight jeans implied consent.
Newton Civics Spotlight: Students, educators, elected officials and community members who strengthen civic engagement in Newton set up booths at City Hall.
I gathered for coffee with Cabot Park Village residents to discuss local issues, state policy, and community priorities. Thank you to Lionel Porter for the invitation!
I celebrated Japan Day at the State House on May 7.
I celebrated Taiwanese culture and the vibrant Taiwanese American community in Massachusetts at Newton Taiwan Day at the Hyde Community Center.
We proudly celebrated AAPI Heritage Month at the State House! Rep. Tara Hong and I, together with the Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, were thrilled to welcome an inspiring group of artists sponsored by the AAPI Arts and Culture Collaborative and the Cambodian American Literary Association.
I participated in the AAPI 5K at Carson Beach, Boston, an annual community road race held to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Members of the Asian Pacific Islander Caucus visited local businesses in Quincy for the Shop AAPI Month Challenge. Stops included HMart, China Pearl, Kam Man Food, and lunch at Pho Countryside.
The Newton LigerBots Robotics Team was welcomed to the State House to recognize their outstanding and incredible successful season, winning the Johnson Division of the 2026 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) World Championship.
Physician assistants visit to advance legislation
Parents to discuss funding needs on Metco Advocacy Day
My nominee, Josephine M., received the 2026 Black Excellence on the Hill Award, sponsored by the MA Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. This award recognizes leaders and trailblazers who move our communities forward.
To celebrate Black History Month, SparkNewton sponsored a concert at Newton City Hall, featuring George Russell.
Members of Bike Newton stopped by the statehouse for a legislative briefing and to advocate for passage of H3754 - An Act relative to traffic regulations using road safety cameras.
Legislators and educators gathered at the War Memorial for a breakfast sponsored by the Mass Tri-County Superintendents Roundtable to learn about this year’s budget priorities.
Nonantum tree lighting
Newton Center menorah lighting
On September 26, I participated in the Newton Bakery Crawl, organized by AllOverNewton founder Lauren Berman, who was recently named Small Business Champion of the Year by the Charles River Chamber of Commerce.
I was delighted to celebrate with the Newton Cultural Council as they recently honored their 2025 grant recipients. Funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the City of Newton, these grants support Newton's vibrant arts community. Congratulations to all!
I attended Sustainability Day at the State House!
I had a wonderful time celebrating at St. Mary of Carmen Society’s 90th annual Festa
It was great to meet this bird at the Protect Animals from Rodenticide Lobby Day - I am proud to co-sponsor H.965, An Act restricting the use of rodenticides in the environment
I was honored to have the opportunity to read a portion of Frederick Douglass’ speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” at the Jackson Homestead
Attendees were trained on how to use Narcan at the Brian Donaghue Simpson Naloxone Training
Interns hard at work!
Our interns visited the House Gallery for Formal Session
Neighborhood meeting with Islington Road residents and Ward 4 Councilors
Newton Pride Flag Raising Ceremony
Visit from Greater Boston CLT Network about Produce and Preserve Permanently Affordable Housing in MA
Meeting with Michael Bobbit, Executive Director of Mass Cultural Council; Rep Greg Schwartz; and Adrienne Hartzell Knudsen at the Allen House
Our 2025 summer interns will have the opportunity to participate in seminars, briefings, committee hearings, and full formal sessions, while also digging deep into policy issues
Robots visit the statehouse!
Juneteenth at the Allen Center with the Howard University Gospel choir
I presented an award to the Fessenden School on behalf of the Elliot House and Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition for employing Elliot House members for over 30 years
I was honored to be invited to give opening remarks for District Attorney Marian Ryan’s Girl’s Empowerment Program
District Attorney Marian Ryan’s Girl’s Empowerment Program, which brings over 500 girls together to build confidence and leadership skills
Monty with Grandma Getz sharing his concerns at April office hours
Armenian Flag Raising with Peter Koutoujian commemorating the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and honoring the resilience and culture of the Armenian community.
I attended a briefing hosted by Senator Jaime Eldridge alongside Governor Dukakis, where we discussed the crucial role of public transportation and the need for North-South Rail.
Agriculture Day
Meeting with Newton Arts and Culture organizations at the Allen House
Boys and Girls Club 2025 Champions of Youth Awardee Rep. John Lawn
Civics Week at the State House with Newton Democratic City Committee Chair Sharon Stout and former Newton City Councilor Steve Linsky
The Committee on Public Health heard from the Department of Public Health and public health and environmental agencies, organizations, and advocates about their legislative priorities and concern about cuts in federal funding
Immigrants Day at the State House
Meeting with Newton residents from 2Life Communities
Metco Day
Holi Celebration at Newton City Hall
Newton Piano Summit
The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hybrid public hearing and heard bills relating to emergency medical service, professional licensure, scope of practice, and end of life options
Revolutionary Day at the Durant Kenrick House
Newton Schools Foundation Trivia Night with Team Mission Improbable
Welcome event for new Legislators at the John Adams Courthouse
Film screening of Dukakis and election documentaries at West Newton Cinema
Mass Mentoring Partnership Day
President Eric Turner of Lasell University, my nominee, received the Black Excellence on the Hill award
The Asian Caucus hosted students from the OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates New England
I gave a presentation on the history of Black-Asian community alliances at Cabot Park Village
I joined Representative Christopher Worrell, who gave a presentation at NNHS for Black Leadership Advisory Council students
Swearing in ceremony of newly appointed members of Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission, including Newton resident Rakashi Chand
I attended a legislative briefing by the Alzheimer’s Association with Newton resident Jim Wessler
The Women's Caucus hosted Girl Scouts at the State House, including three from Newton
Governor Healey addresses legislature with her State of the State address
Black American Heritage Flag raising ceremony at the State House