Worcester, Massachusetts—The Worcester Women’s History Project (WWHP), recently merged with Worcester Historical Museum (WHM) as WWHP at WHM and will host a year-long celebration of the momentous Women’s Rights Convention held on Main Street in 1850. Events will be held across the city through October 2025 and will involve scholars, performers, and historians from Worcester and beyond. The kick-off will be on October 30, 2024, at 6pm at Worcester Historical Museum, for the Annual Meeting of the Worcester Women’s History Project. Celia Blue, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC) Inc. will be the keynote speaker.

Celia Johnston Blue is a seasoned executive leader with over 25 years of experience in the private, public and nonprofit sectors.  In 2015, Celia led the development and public launch of the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC) Inc. As President and CEO, she is leading the organization to realize its vision and mission, while strongly advocating for the voices of women of color to be heard.

Prior to her current role at MAWOCC, Celia was the Interim Director of the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, a cabinet level position reporting to Governor McKee. Prior to her roles in Rhode Island, Celia spent nine years in the transportation industry in Massachusetts and nationally gaining experience in multiple modes. Celia is the first African American in Massachusetts’ history to serve as the Registrar for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Worcester State University (WSU), an MBA from Anna Maria College, and is currently enrolled in a PhD Leadership program at the University of Vermont. She has received awards for her leadership and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, including a distinguished Alumni Award from WSU, and was named in the Power 50, Class of 2021 by Worcester Business Journal.