Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition

Virtual Health and Wellness Statewide Platform Meeting
2023-07-13 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Online
We invite you to join us for updates and to participate in the next level of planning to achieve the platform goals and objectives.

Worcester Candidates Forums
2023-08-02 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-08-09 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-08-16 18:00 - 19:30 | Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, 65 Boys & Girls Club Way, Worcester, MA, 01610, United States
The Worcester Community Labor Coalition and community partners are hosting in person candidates’ forums for elected offices in Worcester.

Diversity Business Exhibit
2023-09-16 10:00 - 17:00 | Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., Providence, RI, United States
MAWOCC takes great pride in being a partnering organization for the Diversity Business Exhibit. We are proud to support the vision for a well needed platform for all Northeast businesses and non profits that are BIPOC led, to network, share information, and resources.
Special Discount:
A permanent 15% off Exhibitor booth packages to all MAWOCC members/subscribers using special promo code: MAWOCC15OFF
Nurture your professional connections alongside individuals and organizations spanning the northeast. Broaden your sphere of impact by forging meaningful bonds with the influential trailblazers of the region. Enhance your network and potential prospects as you cultivate authentic relationships during a day brimming with captivating activities and carefully tailored experiences. The Diversity Business Exhibit has several offerings/programming: grants, job fair info, entrepreneurship. I will be moderating a panel regarding Boards and Commissions. Additional resources will be available to small and micro entrepreneurs on the day of the event.

This event will hold Event Sponsorships, a Power Hour Speed Networking Segment, and much more. Register today! We hope to see you there. Please see the flyer below for additional information.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health: Virtual Health & Wellness Forum
2023-09-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Online
Save the date for MAWOCC’s virtual health & wellness forum – Thursday, September 21st, 6 pm-7:30 pm. The theme is “Taking Care of Your Mental Health.”

Aging & the Prison System Series with Anthony Ray Hinton
2023-10-09 17:30 - 19:30 | Central Community Branch YMCA, 766 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01610, United States
MAWOCC is pleased to partner with the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging, the major sponsor of our 2023 annual meeting, for the upcoming event on October 9th at 5:30 pm, featuring Anthony Ray Hinton – Aging and the Prison System speaker series. The event will be held at the Central Community Branch YMCA on 766 Main Street in Worcester. View the event flyer here.
There will be a free book signing & giveaway for 100 guests. Food & drink will also be provided. Please see below for more details & register here – https://seniorconnection.co/anthony-ray-hinton
Anthony Ray Hinton, author of the best-seller The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row, will visit Worcester, Massachusetts, on Monday, October 9, 2023, Indigenous Peoples Day.
Anthony Ray Hinton is the inaugural speaker for The Central Massachusetts Agency on Agency, Inc.’s (CMAA) speaker series “Aging and the Prison System.” After being wrongfully convicted of murder, Hinton spent 30 years on death row in Alabama before his release in 2015. Mr. Hinton will discuss his navigation of the US prison system and its impact on his life and other older black and brown adults. The co-sponsors of this event are The Worcester Black Clergy Alliance, NAACP of Worcester, The Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition, and The Village Worcester. This event will be held at the Central Community Branch YMCA gymnasium at 766 Main Street, with doors open at 5:30p.m. Mr. Hinton will be signing and giving away 100 copies of his book. The event is open to the public and requires pre-registration.
Mr. Hinton was represented by attorney and social justice activist Bryan Stevenson, the author of Just Mercy “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption” and the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, and the nationally renowned Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama. Oprah Winfrey has also interviewed Mr. Hinton several times; his book is one of her Book Club selections.
“Mr. Hinton’s story is one of the most significant failures of our justice and prison system in modern history; the structural violence that Mr. Hinton endured for 30 years on death row in the state of Alabama for a crime he did not commit was, in fact, injustice. With a growing aging prison system of older black and brown adults, Mr. Hinton will provide great insight into how the sun shines after wrongfully being in prison” – Dr. Moses S. Dixon, President and CEO of the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging, Inc (CMAA)

Tuesdays with WI - DEI Speaker Series
2023-11-28 17:00 - 20:00 | Clark University – Tilton Hall, 939 Main Street, Worcester, 01610, United States
Join Women’s Initiative of Central Massachusetts and United Way of Central Massachusetts on November 28th, 5 pm-8 pm, for good food, networking, & conversation with guest speaker MAWOCC’s President & CEO, Celia Johnston Blue. Moderated by Joyce Augustus, Chair, DEI Committee & President, JCassand, Inc.

Registration is required. Register today at https://give.classy.org/TuesdaysWithWI

Download the flyer here.

Civic Engagement Series: How to Make Your Local Government Work for You
2023-12-06 18:00 - 19:30 | Online
Join MAWOCC & Worcester SURJ on Wednesday, December 6th, 6-7:30 pm, for the Political & Civic Leadership Series: How to Make Your Local Government Work for You.
At this VIRTUAL FORUM, hear from guest speaker Cheryl Clyburn Crawford, Executive Director of MassVote and moderator, Celia Johnston Blue, President & CEO of MAWOCC.
Together we will learn how to:
– build relationships with & engage elected officials
– become more civically engaged
– hold elected officials accountable
Register today at bit.ly/civicseries</a

MAWOCC Central Region Meeting
2023-12-07 18:00 - 20:30 | Central Community Branch YMCA, 766 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01610, United States
Calling all women of color in the CENTRAL REGION!
Please join us in person at our upcoming Central Regional HOLIDAY GATHERING at YMCA Worcester on Thursday, December 7th, 6 pm-8 pm.
No registration is required. Invite your friends!

MAWOCC Annual Meeting & Celebration
2024-01-20 12:30 - 16:30 | Hogan Center at The College of the Holy Cross, 1 College St, Worcester, MA, 01610, United States
Register Here: bit.ly/CelebrateMAWOCC
January 17, 2024 – The Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC) will host its Annual Meeting and Celebration featuring keynote speaker Representative Brandy Fluker Oakley and a legislative panel discussion with Congressman James McGovern and Senator Robyn Kennedy on Saturday, January 20th from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at College of the Holy Cross Hogan Center, 1 College Street in Worcester.
View complete press release here and download it here.
Link: Flyer in English
Link: Información en Español
Link: Sponsorship Information

26th Annual Boston Area International Women's Day Breakfast
2024-03-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Simmons University, 300 Fenway Street, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
Join feminist organizations from around the greater Boston area in coming together for International Women’s Day, a day celebrated around the world to uplift, and support efforts to advance gender equity, and highlight the achievements of women, locally and globally. Twenty six years ago in Boston, this breakfast was created by women leaders who knew the power in our collective voice and with each year our sister circle has expanded. Today more than 50 organizations are represented, a testament to the importance of meeting advocacy at our intersections.

Women's History Month Celebration
2024-03-09 10:00 - 15:00 | Lynn Museum/LynnArts, 590 Washington Street, Lynn, 01901, United States
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we hope you’ll join us for an all-day, multigenerational civics education event!
The morning session (10:00 am to 1:00 pm) is geared toward elementary through eighth-grade students and will feature round-robin sessions with our collaborators, a hands-on art project with Raw Art Works, and a boxed lunch.
The keynote speaker is Laurie Ann Thompson, author of Be a Changemaker: How to Start Something that Matters! Her Zoom presentation begins at 1:00 pm.
The afternoon session (1:00 to 4:00 pm) is for high school and college students. It will feature a presentation by Fredie Kay, Founder & President of Suffrage100MA, as well as a panel discussion facilitated by Pattye Comfort, LWVMA Executive Director:

“Youth Changers!” with Lena Crowley, Director of Teen and Middle School Programs, Girls, Inc. of Lynn
“What it Takes to Run for Office” with Nicole McClain, Councilor At-Large for the City of Lynn, and Adriana Paz, Campaign Manager.
“Standing in our power, women of color leading Change” with Gail Jackson Blount, Chief Development and Communications Officer, Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center.

LynnMuseum/LynnArts is proud to partner with the League of Women Voters (LWV), Girls Inc. of Lynn, LWV Marblehead, LWV Salem, MA Women of Color Coalition, Northshore Juneteenth Association, Inc., Raw Art Works, and Suffrage100MA.

Sipping Tea with Suzanne Podcast
2024-03-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Celia J. Blue appears on the Sipping Tea with Suzanne podcast at noon on Wednesday, March 13. Video recording may be found here.

MAWOCC Eastern Region Meeting
2024-05-24 17:30 - 19:30 | Cambridge College, 500 Rutherford Avenue, Cambridge, 02129, United States
Calling all women of color EASTERN REGION members and non-members!
Please join us in person at our upcoming Eastern Regional Meeting at Cambridge College on Friday, May 24th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM ET.
We will be holding an engaging panel about Economic Sustainability with our esteemed panelists:
Yemisi Oloruntola-Coates: Chief Inclusion & Equity Officer, VP GBH
Daliza Nova: Head of Development and Strategy, Amplify LatinX
Ayanna Polk: Director of Community Partnerships Vital CxNs
*All guests to Cambridge College campus are advised to park in the garage at 100 Hood Park Drive. This garage is not affiliated with the College in anyway, but provides up to three hours’ complimentary parking. After three hours, then hourly rate applies. Their rates are published online HERE *

MAWOCC Central Region Meeting
2024-06-13 18:00 - 20:30 | Mount Wachusett Community College, 100 Erdman Way, Leominster, 01453, United States
Calling all women of color in the CENTRAL REGION!
Please join us in person at our upcoming Central Regional Meeting at Mount Wachusett Community College on Thursday, June 13, 6 pm-8 pm.
Register here!

SEIU AFRAM Massachusetts Juneteenth Gala Fundraiser
2024-06-22 18:00 - 22:00 | 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East Massachusetts, 108 Myrtle Street #4, Quincy, 02171, United States
Join us for a Juneteetth celebration at AFRAM Mass Gala Fundraiser while we honor, fundraise & celebrate black workers.

ElevateHER: Women of Color Leaders Panel
2024-06-26 17:30 - 19:30 | Foley & Lardner LLP, 111 Huntington Avenue #2500, Boston, MA, 02199, United States
Join Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC) and Women in the Enterprise of Science and Technology (WEST) for an inspiring evening celebrating the achievements and contributions of women of color in STEM. This dynamic event will feature a panel of accomplished professionals sharing their personal stories, career journeys, and insights on overcoming challenges in the field.
Engage in a thought-provoking panel discussion on topics such as:

Navigating the STEM landscape as a woman of color
Building resilience and overcoming bias
Mentorship and sponsorship opportunities
Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace
Professional advancement strategies and resources
Career opportunities in STEM

There will be plenty of networking time to connect with fellow attendees, panelists, and industry leaders in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. This is a unique opportunity to build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, and expand your professional network.
Panelists include:

Jennifer Bradford, Assistant Professor of Family Medicine & Community Health, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Yvette Dalton, Program Manager – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Eversource Energy
April Effort, Vice President, Head of Corporate Development, Vigil Neuroscience
Gail Jackson-Blount, President, Jackson Communications & Vice President, Eastern Region, Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition
Celia J. Blue, President and CEO, Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition, Moderator

Given our mission is to promote women’s development and empowerment we would like to offer a free spot in our workshops to those in transition between jobs or who cannot afford the ticket price. Please contact info@mawocc.com if you qualify.

Women of Color Leadership Program Info Session - July 22
2024-07-22 17:00 - 18:00 | Online
Calling all women of color! We’ve got a fantastic free opportunity for you – our 2nd cohort for our Intergenerational Leadership Academy for women of color (ILA) program. Sessions are hybrid, with in-person meetups in Worcester, MA. This program is 12 weeks long and has a mentor component for all participants. Get ready to unlock your leadership potential!

VIRTUAL KICK-OFF TO THE BALLOT BOX Your Vote is Your Voice: Your Voice is Your Power
2024-07-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Online
MAWOCC is partnering with The Massachusetts League of Woman Voters, CIRCLE @ Tufts University, MA Voter Table, & MassVOTE on this virtual event. There will be 4 presentations on why your vote matters especially as a woman of color, an overview of strategies to help increase voter turnout in our communities, data overview on BIPOC voter trends, and the impact of the youth vote.
Please join us for this important and free virtual forum.

Women of Color Leadership Program Info Session - July 26
2024-07-26 13:15 - 14:00 | Online

Eastern Regional Convening
2024-09-18 18:00 - 20:00 | 1 Broadway, 1 Broadway, Everett, MA, 02149, United States
Calling all Eastern sisters and our allies please save the date for our next convening on September 18th from 6-8 pm! We will have a panel of incredible sisters in the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Together, our panelists will address the challenges and strategies surrounding DEI, particularly for women and people of color in today’s society. Join us to be part of this vital conversation aimed at empowering people of color and driving meaningful change. Refreshments will be served, and networking will follow.
Please email communications@mawocc.com with any questions.

Virtual Kickoff at the Ballot Box
2024-10-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
With the General Election fast approaching, Massachusetts’ top law enforcement official — Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell — discusses the importance of voting in 2024, and her efforts to promote voter access and participation, and ensure voter protection in the Commonwealth.
Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell will be in conversation with Celia Johnston Blue, President & CEO of the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC).
Register for the event here: https://wgbh.zoom.us/webinar/register/7017265793676/WN_83euVvgySOK0Uq0nJBatcA#/registration

MAWOCC Central Region Forum
2024-10-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Mount Wachusett Community College, 100 Erdman Way, Leominster, 01453, United States
Please join us! We are excited to share news about our Women of Color Business Initiative.

Worcester Women's History Project Annual Meeting
2024-10-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Worcester Historical Museum, 30 Elm Street, Worcester, MA, 01609, United States
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.

False Narratives: Understanding Contemporary Native concerns, including harmful images, and why change matters
2024-12-04 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
Please join us on for a virtual forum on December 4th from 6pm- 7pm, to hear from members of our Indigenous/Native community.
Registration is required.

POWER-PATH Info Session for Entrepreneurs
2024-12-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
Are you ready to take your business to new heights? We are excited to introduce POWER-PATH: Powering Ownership, Wealth-building, Entrepreneurship & Resilience – a transformative program designed to give you the tools, training, and opportunities to achieve financial freedom and entrepreneurial success.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81645986061?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 816 4598 6061
Passcode: [REDACTED]

MAWOCC Central Region Holiday Gathering
2024-12-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Worcester YMCA, 766 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01610, United States
🎉 Save the Date! 🎉
Calling all women of color in the Central Region!
Join us for our Central Regional Holiday Gathering:
📍 YMCA Worcester
🗓️ Tuesday, December 17th
⏰ 6 PM – 8 PM
Save the date & bring your holiday spirit!

POWER-PATH Info Session for Entrepreneurs
2025-01-07 12:30 - 13:30 | Online
Are you ready to take your business to new heights? We are excited to introduce POWER-PATH: Powering Ownership, Wealth-building, Entrepreneurship & Resilience – a transformative program designed to give you the tools, training, and opportunities to achieve financial freedom and entrepreneurial success.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82375263794?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 823 7526 3794
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Girls of Color Leadership Program Info Session - January 10
2025-01-10 11:30 - 12:30 | Online
Calling all girls of color! We’ve got a fantastic free opportunity for you — our 2nd cohort for our Intergenerational Leadership Academy for girls of color (ILA-GOC) program. We will have two one-week programs in Worcester/Worcester County during the February and April school breaks (with a 2nd location COMING soon)! Get ready to unlock your leadership potential!
We are offering two informational sessions: Friday, January 10 and Tuesday, January 14.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88021729150?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 880 2172 9150
Passcode: [REDACTED]
