The 15-member Michigan Women's Commission was created by statute in 1968. Commission duties include reviewing the status of women in Michigan, directing attention to critical problems confronting women, and recognizing women's accomplishments and contributions to Michigan. Commissioners are appointed by the Governor and serve three-year terms.
Appointed MWC Commissioners agree to
Questions, comments, concerns? Email us leo-miwomenscomm@michigan.gov
Cheryl Bergman is a statewide policy leader advancing economic opportunity and improved health outcomes for women in Michigan. Appointed Executive Director of the Michigan Women’s Commission by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2019, Cheryl leads the Commission’s work at the intersection of public policy, workforce participation, and women’s health—ensuring that the experiences of Michigan women inform state leadership and economic strategy.
Under her leadership, the Michigan Women’s Commission has elevated emerging issues affecting women and families across the state, convening employers, healthcare experts, advocates, and policymakers to translate lived experience into practical policy solutions. Cheryl has helped position the Commission as a trusted statewide platform for dialogue and innovation on issues ranging from economic security, affordable child-care and midlife women’s health.
Prior to her appointment, Cheryl built a career advancing women’s political leadership in Michigan. She played key roles in historic campaigns that helped elect Michigan’s first woman U.S. Senator and the state’s first woman Governor. Most recently, she served as Senior Advisor on Governor Whitmer’s successful 2018 campaign.
A graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Journalism, Cheryl lives in East Lansing and serves as Chair of the advisory board of Potter Park Zoo in Lansing. Through her leadership, she continues to champion the belief that when women thrive, Michigan thrives.
Anna Rose Benson (she/her) is the Stakeholder Relations Lead for the Michigan Women's Commission. She creates, maintains, and manages relationships with various stakeholders, including legislators, nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and corporate entities, to uphold the statute of the Michigan Women’s Commission. Externally, Anna Rose represents the commission by speaking and attending conferences and conducts community outreach to understand goals with existing partnerships. Internally, she coordinates in-person and virtual events along with supervising university scholars, research partners, and staff. Anna Rose understands the gravity of women’s issues and is determined to use her privilege to uplift marginalized voices. She is friendly and approachable, always willing to lend a helping hand, dedicated to creating a more inclusive and equitable society, and inspires future leaders.
Anna Rose is originally from the western suburbs of Chicago and came to Michigan for college. She graduated from the Eli Broad College of Business with a Bachelor of Arts in marketing and an additional major in Spanish. Anna Rose spends her free time baking, cooking, drawing, and hanging out with her cat, Trout.
J’Nay Mason is the Communications Specialist for the Michigan Women’s Commission. Her duties under this position include managing the commission’s social media accounts and developing communication strategies for growth. A Flint native, J’Nay moved to Lansing in 2019 and graduated from Michigan State University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising Creative from the College of Communications, Arts, and Sciences. Prior to this position, along with attending undergrad, she worked with local small business owners and entrepreneurs in various communication positions. J’Nay is also a social justice advocate and Black Queer Feminist who has worked to help those in her community since she was young. This drive to use her creative skills to speak for marginalized communities is what drew her to the Women’s Commission and she’s proud to know that the work she’s doing is helping uplift the women of Michigan.
