Women, Leadership, Impact
Speakers
Panel Moderator:
Deborah Becker | WBUR Host & Senior Correspondent
Special Address:
Pelicia Hall | Chief Regulatory Officer, ViaPath Technologies; Commissioner, Mississippi Dept. of Corrections
Panelists:
Carol Cafferty | Co-Director, Education Justice Institute, Former Superintendent Middlesex County Jail and House of Corrections
Dr. Mary Ellen Mastrorilli | Former Superintendent of Community Corrections, Suffolk County; Director Prison Education Initiative, Boston University
Jennifer Gaffney | Former Deputy Commissioner of Medical, Treatment and Classification, Massachusetts Department of Corrections
Dr. Charlene Bonner | Member, Massachusetts Parole Board; Part-time Faculty, Boston University
Key Themes
Leadership Inside Structured Systems
Correctional systems operate within strict legal, operational, and public safety frameworks.
The panel described leadership not as sweeping transformation, but as consistent work: building credibility, navigating resistance, and making small improvements that accumulate into meaningful change.
Practical Advice for Rising Into Leadership
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Become a subject-matter expert
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Ask questions
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Stay teachable
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Don’t burn bridges- relationships are huge
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Do the job as if it’s the job you want
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Pursue further education
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Differentiate yourself through reliability and professionalism
“It took hard work… proving myself… being a good learner.”
“We don't have the brawn. We have our minds and our communication skills”
Differences in Leadership Approaches
Panelists emphasized communication and de-escalation over authority-driven leadership. Rather than relying on force, many described resolving conflict with approaches grounded in collaboration and problem-solving.
“Women tend to be more collaborative… ‘let’s figure out a solution so everybody wins’.”
Reentry is Public Safety
Corrections can prepare people for release, but success depends on community infrastructure:
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housing
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healthcare
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treatment
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transportation
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employment
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support networks
Reform depends on coordination between correctional agencies, service providers, and community institutions; people don't enter or leave the corrections system if they're disconnected from their communities.
“If the resources aren’t available… they’re stuck and we’re stuck.”
“They’re going to be somebody’s neighbor… we want them to be successful.”
Persistent Challenges
Women described ongoing workplace barriers, including being labeled “too soft,” navigating assumptions, and balancing parenthood in rigid environments.
“Don’t mistake my niceness for my ability to get the job done.”
They also discussed being tested in male-dominated spaces — and the importance of supporting, not competing with, other women.