Honoring Our New Speaker of the House

Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk

The Women Legislators of Maryland Foundation is proud to welcome Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk as she assumes the role of Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates. A trailblazing leader with decades of service to the people of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel Counties, Speaker Peña-Melnyk has built a distinguished career rooted in compassion, equity, and results. A longtime champion for accessible healthcare, working families, and vulnerable communities, she brings to the Speakership a deep understanding of policy, a steady hand, and a lifelong commitment to public service.

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Throughout her tenure in the House of Delegates, Speaker Peña-Melnyk has been recognized as one of Maryland’s most knowledgeable and effective legislators. She previously served as Chair of the Health and Government Operations Committee, where she played a pivotal role in shaping landmark healthcare policy, expanding access to care, strengthening public health systems, and protecting Marylanders during times of crisis. Her leadership has been defined by thoughtful collaboration, a command of complex issues, and an unwavering focus on improving the lives of families across the state.

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We also recognize and thank Speaker Emerita Adrienne A. Jones for her historic tenure and transformational leadership, which paved the way for this moment. Together, their legacies reflect the strength, resilience, and impact of women legislators—and reaffirm Maryland’s role as a national leader in advancing women’s leadership in government.