Yvonne M. Spicer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Yvonne Spicer
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| 1st Mayor of Framingham, Massachusetts | |
| In office January 1, 2018 – January 1, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Charlie Sisitsky |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 30, 1962 New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Divorced |
| Alma mater | |
| Profession | Educator |
Dr. Yvonne Michelle Spicer is an American educator and politician. She was born on June 30, 1962. Yvonne Spicer served as the first mayor of Framingham, Massachusetts. She made history as the first African-American woman to be elected mayor in Massachusetts. She started her term on January 1, 2018. Her time as mayor ended on January 1, 2022. Before becoming mayor, she was a Vice President at the Museum of Science in Boston, Massachusetts.
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Early Life and Education
Yvonne Spicer grew up in Brooklyn, New York. She was the third of four children. Her parents were Willie and Dorothy Spicer. When she was six, a visit from politician Shirley Chisholm inspired her. It showed her the importance of leadership and helping others.
Yvonne's father passed away when she was ten. At 13, she started her first job. She ran errands and helped at a Brooklyn restaurant. Her first official job was at McDonald's. In the summers, she also helped her mother clean houses.
Spicer went to Catholic middle school. She then graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School. She earned her first college degree in 1984. It was a Bachelor of Science (BS) in industrial arts & technology. In 1985, she earned a Master of Science (MS) in technology education. Both degrees were from the State University of New York at Oswego. She was the first African-American woman to graduate from that university. In 2004, she earned her doctorate degree. This was in Educational Leadership from the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Career Path
Working in Education
After college, Yvonne Spicer moved to Framingham, Massachusetts, in 1985. She started working as a woodworking instructor. She taught in the Framingham Public Schools for 16 years. She also taught drafting, architecture, and photography. Later, she became the Chair of Technology Education. She was the first woman to hold this position. During this time, she also worked part-time as a realtor.
She then spent two years at the Massachusetts Department of Education. There, she was the Statewide Technology and Engineering Coordinator. After that, she worked for five years in the Newton Public Schools. She was the Director of Career and Technical Education. In 2006, Spicer joined the Museum of Science in Boston. She became the associate director of their National Center for Technological Literacy. She eventually became Vice President for Advocacy and Educational Partnerships. She created and led this new division.
Entering Politics
Yvonne Spicer was involved in her community. She served on the Framingham Human Relations Commission. She was also part of the Democratic Town Committee. In 2016, she was elected to Framingham's Town Meeting. She served as vice-chair for Precinct 6. She also worked on the Standing Committee on Ways and Means.
In November 2017, Framingham decided to change its local government. It moved from a Board of Selectmen to a mayor and City Council. Yvonne Spicer was elected as Framingham's first mayor. Senator Elizabeth Warren held the bible during Spicer's swearing-in ceremony. This happened on January 1, 2018.
Governor Deval Patrick appointed her to the Massachusetts Governor's STEM Advisory Council in 2010. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Governor Charlie Baker reappointed her to the council in 2017.
On November 2, 2021, Spicer ran for re-election but did not win. Her term as mayor ended on January 1, 2022. Charlie Sisitsky became the new mayor.
Awards and Recognition
Yvonne Spicer has received many honors for her work:
- In 2000, NASA chose her for an aerospace engineering program. This was for technology educators.
- In 1993, Framingham State University named her their Global Education Teacher of the Year.
- She received the "A World of Difference" Teacher Incentive Award in 1995. This award was from the Anti-Defamation League.
- In 2009, Mass High Tech magazine named her one of the "Women to Watch."
- In 2017, she was chosen as President-Elect for the International Technology Engineering Education Association (ITEEA).
