- Hometown: Dracut, Mass.
- Role: Executive director of the Massachusetts Senate Office of Education and Civic Education
- Years of legislative service: 46
“Civics education is paramount for a democratic society. People need to understand what their rights and responsibilities are within their government.”
Ziaja
Why did you choose to work at the Legislature?
Government has always interested me, having been a child during President John F. Kennedy’s administration. A high school class on American political behavior inspired me to pursue a political science degree. A congressional internship during the bicentennial summer in 1976 and a Massachusetts Senate internship in 1977 solidified my goal to work for the Legislature.
What do you want people to know about civics education?
Civics education is paramount for a democratic society. People need to understand what their rights and responsibilities are within their government. Since 1976, the Massachusetts Senate has provided a Citizens’ Legislative Seminar that educates citizens about their state government and the functions of the Legislature. The information is available for all to access our government!
What skill or talent are you most proud of?
Community building is the talent of which I am most proud. Bringing people together and helping them feel appreciated is so important.
Civic Learning Week
For Civic Learning Week, March 11-15, NCSL is featuring legislative staff whose work supports civics education. Civic Learning Week is a project of iCivics and the CivXNow Coalition.
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
Planning and perseverance are essential to success, yet one needs to be flexible and willing to pivot when circumstances change.
Who or what inspires you?
I continue to be inspired by the late Senate Clerk William Welch. His institutional knowledge and appreciation of the Legislature and the Massachusetts Senate in particular reenforces my passion for the work that I do.
What’s one thing you love about your state or territory?
Massachusetts is in the forefront of American history and social change. I love being able to appreciate all that has and will happen as our country progresses.
What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?
The New York Times bestseller “Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion,” by Gregory Boyle.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Use the email icon above to suggest a legislative staffer for the “Staff Snapshots” series.