The Office of Government and External Affairs

Established in September 2006, the Office of Government and External Affairs works to strengthen Wheelock College's relationships with the community and all levels of government. The Office encourages civic engagement on policy initiatives and issues critical to Wheelock's mission of improving the lives of children and families. In addition, the Office identifies leadership opportunities for the Wheelock and students, faculty, staff and alumnae. It also facilitates policy discussion, debate, and action across the College and in partnership with the broader community.

Purpose

• Build Relationships: Increase institutional visibility and overall working relationships with civic and community leaders.
• Collaborate: Work with others on issues of importance to the College including identifying, pursuing, and attaining government-related funding and resources.
• Facilitate Engagement: Facilitate policy discussion, debate, and action to advance the institutional mission.
• Lead: Identify and support legislative initiatives at the local, state and national levels that improve the lives of children and families.

Accomplishments

 Since its creation, the Office has had an impact internally as well as externally. The creation of several programs—including the Student Policy Fellows Program, the Policy Connection website, Wheelock College Political Caucus, Winter Policy Talks, and the Early Education and Care Annual Community Dialogue—has enabled the College to increase its visibility, facilitate engagement, and build collaborative relationships to further the institution's mission. The Office has provided increased opportunities for students, faculty, staff, alumnae and the community at large to engage in policy discussion and debate. In addition, the office has helped obtain over $5 million in government funding to underwrite programs at the College.

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Marta T. Rosa, M.ED.

Senior Director, Government Relations & Civic Engagement: In 2005, Marta was asked by President Jackie Jenkins-Scott to establish the Office of Government Relations after working as a Consultant to Wheelock convening discussions with community leaders and focusing on legislative related work. Currently, Marta focuses on engaging public officials and decision makers on issues that are of interest to the College. She creates venues for convening community groups to discuss critical policy issues that impact children and families; develops programs for leadership opportunities in policy development and implementation; seeks related resources and funding opportunities; and organizes local, state and national forums for interactive discussion and action on critical policy issues. Within her work at Wheelock Marta conceptualized and became the Founding Director of the Aspire Institute (2007/2008) and the Administrative leader of the Math and Science Education Initiative (2006/2007).

Marta is an experienced leader, involved in the development of many grassroots community based organizations and efforts focused on: education, economic development and social issues. Marta brings a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, capacity building, organizational development and management, constituency building and diversity. For fourteen years (1990-2004) Marta led the Child Care Resource Center, Inc. with strategic vision, passion, capable and decisive management, and with great entrepreneurship. She has held teaching, management and political positions with determination and effectiveness. Marta is President of MTR Management Consulting Services. She is the recipient of multiple leadership awards, founder of multiple grass roots advocacy organizations, and a graduate of Cambridge College with a master's degree in education.

She was the first Latina elected to political office in the City of Chelsea, MA (1989), serving for six years in School Committee and three years in City Council; one of the first three elected public officials in Massachusetts in 1989. As Past-President of several national organizations including; the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) in Washington D.C. (2000-2004), and the Parent Services Project (PSP) in California (2005-2008), Marta provided leadership, vision and support to the organization while staying focused on the needs of children, families and community. Her three adult children and her husband describe her as a strong, inspiring and compassionate leader who makes a difference. Marta's life of service and leadership demonstrates her commitment to her work and her passion for caring.