Sunila Thomas-George was appointed as a Commissioner for the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) in November, 2007 by Governor Deval Patrick, was reappointed in 2009 and was reappointed again in 2013 for a third term. As a Commissioner, Ms. Thomas-George is responsible for the administration, adjudication, and
education of civil rights matters for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She serves as the Investigating Commissioner on a majority of the investigative cases filed at the Commission and holds public hearings on cases found to have probable cause.
Prior to her appointment as a Commissioner, Ms. Thomas-George served as the Acting Chief of Enforcement where she directly oversaw the entire Enforcement Division of the MCAD, which consisted of over 50 employees including attorneys, investigators, mediators and support staff. She directed the processing and investigation of all cases filed at the Commission. Before that, she served as the Supervisor of the Enforcement Advisors Unit where she oversaw a staff of attorneys and provided legal counsel to investigators and enforcement supervisors. Ms. George joined the Commission’s Springfield office in 1997 where she litigated cases at public hearing and conducted substantive trainings in anti-discrimination laws for the area’s businesses and schools. She is certified as a trainer in areas of discrimination and sexual harassment, and also mediates cases for the Commission.
She was formerly co-chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Section’s Employees Rights and Responsibilities Practice Group. She also serves as a faculty panelist in many seminars with the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE), the
Massachusetts Bar Association, and Boston Bar Association. Ms. Thomas-George is the recipient of the 2001 Manuel Carballo Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service and received the 2004 Executive Branch Award for Excellence in Government Legal Services. She is a
graduate of Wheaton College (BA) and Western New England University School of Law
How did you decide to choose Law as a career?
I knew at a young age that I liked performing in front of people and loved arguing adolescent issues with my parents. I thought being a lawyer would be a natural fit for me. What I didn’t realize was that being a lawyer was a lot more than what we see in movies and on television. A law degree is like having a life skill – something that enables you to function better in most of life’s situations. What I learned was that I loved the law and the enforcement of it.
Can you tell us a little about your professional work?
I serve the Commonwealth as one of three Commissioners with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). I have been honored to be appointed in 2007 by Governor Deval Patrick and twice re-appointed since then. My work consists of overseeing the investigations of cases filed with our agency based on discrimination in employment, housing, places of public accommodations, education and credit. As an agency, we also prosecute and adjudicate as well. These are a lot of cases – more than 3,000 new complaints filed each year! Part of my job includes managing the agency with its 70 employees across the Commonwealth and overseeing the day to day operations. It’s a huge responsibility but I love every minute of it!
How did you decide to work in the Government?
I have only worked in government jobs since law school. I like serving the public. The hours are really good too!
What is it like to be an Indian American Woman working in the Government?
It is an honor. It is always nice to see Indian people in high profile government jobs. It gives me a sense of pride to hear about Indians being appointed to serve the administration or serving as judges. It also gives the Indian community more contacts within government and promotes diversity in these positions. I would love to see more of us in these positions.
What personal and environmental attitude has helped you succeed in your work?
I believe my work ethic has really helped move my career ahead. If you don’t have a good work ethic – it’s really difficult to convince people that you are the person for the job. State workers get a bad reputation but I think state workers have been some of the hardest working people I know.
What advice do you have for women wanting to follow your footsteps?
First, figure out what is your passion and what you are good at – then surround yourself with people better than you – people who are not afraid to give you objective and meaningful advice and people who you can learn from. Keep yourself up-to-date on the latest innovations in your area. Don’t be afraid to take risks. I would not be in the position I have if I didn’t believe in taking risks.
What lasting impact do you expect your work to have on the world?
It’s not important for me to make an impact on the world. Having an impact on people’s everyday lives in our community would be enough for me. If I make just one life better because of the work I do or change one person’s attitude regarding racism and discrimination or even mentor a law student on giving back to the community – then I have made an impact.
What is the secret to your maintaining a work-life balance?
My calendar!! I only use one calendar for everything! My whole life is on it! My husband and I make sure that we are always synching up our Outlook calendars a few times a month so that someone is always around for the kids and able to attend their school and extra-curricular events. I am also very organized – I live by “TO DO†lists – for home and work.
This is the hardest part of my life and an everyday challenge for me. I live in Lexington - a suburb of Boston. I am always fighting traffic to get to work and back. I have 2 boys, ages 10 and 12. I want to be able to attend their school functions and volunteer in their classrooms but it’s not always possible. They are at an impressionable age and I want them to know that it’s possible for moms to have a high profile career and still be able to spend quality time at home. I am lucky to have beautiful, well-adjusted kids but it’s still challenging to balance life at home with the demands of the job.
What is your approach to parenting?
My husband and I try to teach by role modeling. You can’t teach kids good habits and the importance of being disciplined if you don’t model it each and every day. But our biggest rule: BE KIND!
You were born and bought up in the US. What advice do you have for Indians raising children in the US?
This is a great question. My advice: 1. Be patient with your kids. They are adjusting to life in a country that is both culturally and economically different from India. For kids – they want to fit in with their American counterparts. 2. Embrace their youth. Their questions, remarks and comments about life in the United States should intrigue you - not make you cringe. 3. Meet them halfway. Create opportunities for your kids to learn their Indian culture from you and then let them teach you about American culture.
Who are the people who you admire?
My parents. They are my biggest heroes! I lost my dad recently but I have his wisdom, advice and the terrific memories that keep me grounded and spirited in my life. They emigrated from Kerala, India in the early ‘60’s. They were pioneers for their time.
Can you describe the influence of any women mentors?
Mentors are the key to success. Everyone should have at least one in their life –both professionally and in their personal life. They are like life coaches and can help navigate the issues in your life
What kind of support have you valued most from your husband?
My husband is key to creating our family balance. He thinks of himself as my “Chief of Staffâ€. He has my back. He is my own Wikipedia. He gives me political advice and political history. He constantly monitors our calendar to make sure that we are meeting our commitments. He keeps me grounded and humble. He constantly reminds me to leave work at work.
Any words of wisdom?
People will never remember all your accomplishments but they will always remember if you treated them kindly.
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