Massachusetts 17th Middlesex District Representative Vanna Howard. experiences are unique and devoted to public service. After surviving and fleeing the Killing Fields of Cambodia she immigrated here and settled in Greater Lowell and found safety, peace, and a way to give back. She earned a college degree, married, raised a family built a career, and immersed herself in community life. Rep. Howard’s career has been in service to our community, and she is the definition of a woman who is STRONG, SMART and BOLD.
She worked in the Middlesex and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices for 13 years then spent 12 years as Greater Lowell’s Regional Director for Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, then became the Chief of External and Government Relations at the Lowell Community Health Center. Now first term into her role at the State House, Rep. Howard sits on the Joint Committees on Education, Public Health, Cannabis Policy, and Racial Equity, Civil Rights and Inclusion. Also, she serves on Early Education and Childcare Advisory Council, Special Legislative Commission on Structural Racism in the Correctional Facilities of the Commonwealth, as well as House Asian Caucus, Progressive Caucus, Criminal Justice Reform Caucus and the Massachusetts Caucus of Women's Legislators.
“I’m humbled and honored to be this year’s recipient of the Celebration of Today’s Woman award,” said Rep. Howard. “I share this honor with 27 exceptional women and being among them gives me a deep feeling of pride and gratitude.”
Pictured below (L to R): Former Girls Inc. Board Director and Development Consultant Barbara Dunsford, Rep. Niki Tsongas (2007-2019) and Rep. Vanna Howard.