Policy FellowsThe Office of Government Relations & Civic Engagement
Established in September 2006, the Office of Government Relations & Civic Engagement works to strengthen Wheelock's relationships with our community and all levels of government. The Office encourages civic engagement with policy initiatives and issues critical to our mission of improving the lives of children and families.
In addition, the Office of Government Relations & Civic Engagement identifies leadership opportunities for the institution and for students and facilitates policy discussion, debate, and action across the institution.
The Office:
- Helps to position Wheelock as a player in policy development
- Creates opportunities for internal and external engagement
- Identifies, supports, and leads legislative initiatives at the local, state, and national levels
- Collaborates with other organizations to identify, pursue, and attain government related funding to support programs
Marta T. Rosa, M.ED.
Marta T. Rosa, M.ED is currently the Senior Director at Wheelock College, Office of Government Relations and Civic Engagement. In 2005, she was asked by Wheelock College, President Jackie Jenkins-Scott to open the Office after working as a Consultant to the President convening community leader discussion round tables and focusing on legislative related work.
As the Senior Director, 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.
During her term at Wheelock College, Marta has worked across the campus to build innovative programs and engagement opportunities including: the Student Policy Fellows Program; the Winter Policy Talks; the Annual Community Dialogue on Early Education and Care in Mass; the Aspire Institute; the Family Child Care Summit; and the Math and Science Education Initiative.
Marta is an experienced leader that has been 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, management, organizational development, constituency building, diversity and capacity building. 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, a consulting firm focused on assisting companies with today's management and organizational development challenges.
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 history of the City of Chelsea, MA (1989), serving for six years as a School Committee Member and three years as a City Councilor-At-Large. She was one of the first three elected public officials in Massachusetts. As the 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 has provided leadership, vision and support to the organizations always focused on the needs of children, families and the professionals and caregivers who work with them.
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.
