As the daughter of a single mother who had her at 17, Diana has always had to fight for the things that have mattered to her. A student of Massachusetts public schools, she went to Middlesex Community College. She later earned a financial scholarship to Wellesley College.After serving in the legislature as an aide, as Chief of Staff for the 12,000 member Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, and years of work for local nonprofits and community organizations, she won her first race for public office in 2012. Diana served three terms as State Representative for the 14th Essex District. In 2018 was elected to the State Senate.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) students are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide compared to their straight and cisgender peers. Negative treatment by others, such as bullying, is a strong and consistent risk factor for youth suicide and LGBTQ youth experience bullying at far greater rates than their straight and cisgender peers. A recent study revealed that between 2011–2019, an average of 20% of U.S. high school students reported in-person bullying and 15% reported electronic bullying, with no significant changes in prevalence rates over time. Massachusetts has had an independent commission focused on the needs of LGBTQ youth for decades, however the commission’s recommendations have been unevenly implemented.
As Auditor, my office will examine the recommendations of the Commonwealth’s independent commissions dedicated to equity and justice — including the Commission on LGBTQ Youth, LGBTQ Aging Commission, the Asian American Commission, and others — to ensure swift implementation by state agencies.