Women's History Month Celebration
2024-03-09 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | 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]

Girls of Color Leadership Program Info Session - January 14
2025-01-14 18:00 - 19:00 | 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 offered two informational sessions: Friday, January 10 and Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

MAWOCC Annual Meeting & Celebration
2025-01-25 12:30 - 16:30 | Beechwood Hotel, 363 Plantation St., Worcester, 01605, United States
The Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC) is excited to welcome its members, allies, & supporters to our annual meeting and celebration! This Annual Meeting is extra special as we are kicking off our 10th year of celebrations.
Our Annual Meeting and Celebration will feature keynote speaker Betty Francisco, CEO of Boston Impact Initiative & Cofounder of Amplify Latinx. This year’s meeting will be at the Beechwood Hotel (363 Plantation St, Worcester, MA 01605), which is offering a special discount of $199 per night for all attendees who book by January 17th!
This year’s Annual Meeting will feature an exciting panel discussion moderated by Colette Phillips, a networking reception, a keynote address, the presentation of the 2024 Annual Report, and much more.
For the first time ever, we’re introducing special programming for high school students, empowering the next generation of leaders to engage in this impactful day.
We are also proud to honor former Senate President Harriette Chandler and Rev. Dr. Sarai Rivera, former Worcester City Councilor, for their outstanding work in the public sector.
Plus, the celebration will include an exclusive announcement that you won’t want to miss—it will be shared for the first time at the Annual Meeting. Be the first to hear it live!
Join us for an inspiring and impactful day as we reflect on our progress, celebrate achievements, and look ahead to a brighter future.
Tickets are available with a suggested donation of $25, $50,$100, or $250.
Admission is FREE for high school and college students. Students should select the “Free Ticket” option during checkout.
Register today!

More exciting details will be announced leading up to the annual meeting.
MAWOCC is a non-partisan organization. We do not support or oppose any particular candidate or political party.
We want you to be aware that by attending any of MAWOCC’s events, those co-sponsored or held in partnership with other organizations, MAWOCC may take photographs, audio, and video during our events and reserves the right to use any photo/video/audio taken to document and enhance your event experience.
This content may be utilized in various forms, such as educational materials, news features, or promotional content, both online/electronic and in print, including our website and social media platforms. We deeply appreciate your participation in our events and we will handle all content (photos/video/audio) with care. Thank you for being a valued part of MAWOCC’s community and network.

Women's History Through the Arts
2025-03-19 17:30 - 20:30 | Lynn Museum/LynnArts, 590 Washington Street, Lynn, 01901, United States
Lynn Museum & Arts Center is proud to partner with the League of Women Voters (LWV), Girls Inc. of Boston and Lynn, LWV Marblehead, LWV Salem, Mass NOW, MA Women of Color Coalition, Northshore Juneteenth Association, Inc., Raw Art Works, Salem United, Inc., and Suffrage100MA.
Questions? Please email sgarvey@lwvma.org.
Registration is required, and this is a free event for all (limited to 50 participants). Register here: https://lwvma.org/womens-history-through-the-arts-event-registration/

Women Who Accelerate Action
2025-03-22 15:00 - 17:00 | Fontbonne Academy, 930 Brook Rd, Milton, MA, 02186, United States
Five influential Boston women (including MAWOCC’s Celia Blue) lead a panel discussion, #ACCELERATEAction, addressing how to drastically shorten the path to gender parity.

MAWOCC Grand Opening
2025-04-09 18:00 - 20:00 | MAWOCC Headquarters, 100 Grove St., Suite 401, Worcester, MA, 01605, United States
Join us for the Grand Opening of the MAWOCC Headquarters! You will be able to tour the headquarters, be there for the ribbon cutting, and enjoy a short speaking ceremony!
Registration is required.

A Day of Holistic Healing and Wellness for Women of Color
2025-05-03 09:00 - 16:00 | Higgins Center, Clark University, 950 Main Street, Worcester, MA, 01610, United States
Join us for a transformative and rejuvenating experience at A Day of Holistic Healing and Wellness for Women of Color, a dedicated space for healing, growth, and self-care.
Parking information is here.
This event is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment where women of color can:
💜 Release – Let go of stress, trauma, and emotional burdens.
💜 Receive – Strategies, expert insights, and self-care resources to nurture and empower you.
💜 Restore – Reconnect with your inner strength, cultivate resilience, and embrace your well-being.
While this event is specifically designed for women of color, we welcome ALL women who are seeking healing, wellness, and community.
What to Expect:
✨ Keynote Speaker: Dr. Dr. Joia Stapleton Mukherjee
Dr. Mukherjee is an associate professor of medicine in the Division of Global Health Equity at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and associate professor of global health and social medicine at Harvard Medical School.
✨ Engaging Breakout Sessions on mental health, maternal wellness, holistic healing, overcoming trauma, and more – stay tuned for additional sessions.
✨ Self-Care & Wellness Activities (Additional $25) including yoga, massage therapy, acupuncture, and sound bathing meditation.
✨ Vendor Marketplace featuring local businesses, wellness practitioners, and resources tailored to women of color.
✨ A Space for Sisterhood & Support – Whether you come alone or bring your mother, daughter, sister, or sister-friends, this is a day to prioritize YOU and your well-being.
✨ Networking reception (cash bar)
✨ Breakfast & lunch
Event Details:
📅 Date: May 3, 2025
📍 Venue: Clark University, Higgins Center, Worcester, MA
Registration Options:
We offer two types of registration—General Participants & Vendors.
General Participant Registration – Limited to 150 Spots!
– $75 per attendee
– FREE for students (Event Access Only ticket)
Optional: Wellness/Self-Care Activities ($25) – Enhance your experience with guided yoga, acupuncture, and more.
Vendor Registration (Limited to 20 Spots!)
Non-Profit Vendors: $125 – includes breakfast, lunch, keynote address, panel discussions, and networking reception
For-Profit Vendors: $250: please update this to “For-Profit Vendors: $250 – includes breakfast, lunch, keynote address, panel discussions, and networking reception
Interested in Becoming a Corporate Sponsor?
Do you want to be a corporate sponsor for our 10th Year Events and support this powerful movement? Contact us today at info@mawocc.com to explore sponsorship opportunities!
📢 Secure your spot today! INVEST IN YOU, and join us for a day of healing, empowerment, and community.

MAWOCC 10th Anniversary Western Region Reception
2025-06-18 17:30 - 19:30 | Penthouse 650 Weddings & Events, 1500 Main St. Suite 650, Springfield, 01115, United States
Save the Date: MAWOCC 10th Anniversary Western Region ReceptionLet’s Celebrate! Join MAWOCC for our 10th Anniversary Western Region Reception!
Penthouse 650 Weddings & Events
📍1500 Main St., Suite 650
📍Springfield, MA
There will be a short speaking engagement, appetizers, and networking! There is no charge to attend this event.
PARKING INFORMATION

MAWOCC 10th Anniversary Central Region Reception
2025-08-22 19:00 - 23:00 | Worcester Regional Airport, 375 Airport Dr, Worcester, MA, 01602, United States
Save the Date: MAWOCC 10th Anniversary Central Region ReceptionJoin MAWOCC for our 10th Anniversary Central Region Reception!
Join us to celebrate MAWOCC’s impact, resilience, and power as we honor our legacy and ignite our future!
Second stop to Gala Weekend!
Event Details

When: Friday, August 22, at 7:00 PM
Where: Worcester Regional Airport
Address: 375 Airport Dr. • Worcester, MA
Parking: Parking is free! Parking is available in lots A and B (lot B is closer but has stairs). Enter through door 2.

What to Expect

Short speaking program
Delicious food
Amazing networking opportunities

Proudly Presented By
MASSPORT and Worcester Regional Airport
Don’t miss this incredible milestone celebration! See you there!

Gala Weekend
2025-10-03 - 2025-10-04 | Seaport Hotel Boston, 1 Seaport Ln, Boston, MA, 02210, United States
Take a moment to view some of the memories captured at the 10th Anniversary Gala!
Thank you to all who attended.
VIEW PHOTOS HEREKeynote Speaker — Jeneé Osterheldt Jeneé Osterheldt is a culture columnist who covers identity and social justice through the lens of culture and the arts. Her work centers Black lives and the lives of people of color. She is also the creator of A Beautiful Resistance, a multimedia platform and docuseries for The Boston Globe that centers Black voices and celebrates Black Joy.
The work is both joy and justice. Sometimes this means taking systemic racism, sexism, and oppression to task. Other times it means arts, joy, and space-making. It always means Black lives matter.
Beyond writing and film, her work comes to life on stage and screen as she moderates conversations with thought leaders and culture makers like Ghetto Gastro, Taraji P. Henson, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley.
More recently, she’s joined leadership at The Boston Globe. In 2023, she was named deputy managing editor of talent, culture, and development.
She joined the Globe in 2018. She was the 2023 chair of the Pulitzer jury for criticism, 2023 ONA winner for Commentary, 2022 YW Boston Women Achiever, a 2022 Murrow Award winner, a 2021 News Leader Association winner, and a 2021 Most Influential Bostonian. She is a 2024 New England Regional Emmy Award winner.
A native of Alexandria, Va., and a proud graduate of Norfolk State University, Osterheldt was a 2017 Nieman Fellow at Harvard, where her studies focused on the intersection of art and justice. She previously worked as a Kansas City Star culture columnist.
Emcees Antoinette Antonio
Anchor, WCVB Read Annette's Bio
Antoinette Antonio is co-anchor of WCVB’s EyeOpener newscasts (4:30AM-7AM) with co-anchor Doug Meehan, chief meteorologist Cindy Fitzgibbon, and traffic anchor Katie Thompson. Antoinette also anchors NewsCenter 5 at Noon (12N-12:30PM) with Jessica Brown.
Antoinette joined the NewsCenter 5 team in June of 2013. Since she arrived in Boston, she’s been lucky enough to cover victory parades for three Patriots Super Bowl wins as well as two Red Sox World series wins. Antoinette has also been honored with a NATAS Boston/New England Emmy® Award for her role anchoring during breaking news coverage of the Apple Store crash in Hingham in 2022.
Antoinette came to WCVB from KOB in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she was a morning anchor and reporter. While in Albuquerque for approximately seven years, Antoinette covered everything from wildfires to floods to snowstorms and even hot air balloon crashes. She also interviewed Barack Obama during his campaign for President. She was part of several team Breaking News awards from the New Mexico Broadcasters Association. If you’re a fan of the TV show “Breaking Bad” you might also recognize Antoinette from her role as ‘News Anchor’ in two episodes. It was a real stretch!
Antoinette started her broadcast career as a morning news anchor and reporter at KWES Midland/Odessa, Texas. During her time there she received awards for anchoring, general assignment reporting as well as sports reporting.
A graduate of University of California, Irvine, Antoinette earned degrees in English and International Studies. She is a member of the Asian American Journalists Association.
Working the morning shift and being a mom doesn’t allow for a lot of free time but in her past life Antoinette enjoyed traveling, reading on the beach, snowboarding in the winter, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen and checking out all of Boston’s amazing restaurants. Antoinette lives outside of Boston with her husband Jeremy and their sons Greyson and Weston.
Brittany Johnson
5 Investigates Reporter, WCVB Read Brittany's Bio
Emmy award-winning journalist Brittany Johnson joined WCVB’s market-leading investigative unit, 5 Investigates, in June 2023. One of the most lauded investigative teams in the country, Brittany works alongside fellow 5 Investigates reporters Karen Anderson and Mike Beaudet.
A skilled investigative journalist, Brittany made the move to Boston from Hearst Television’s KCRA in Sacramento, CA where she served as an investigative reporter and primary fill-in anchor since September 2020.
While at KCRA, Brittany’s continuing coverage of failures by California’s Employment Development Department exposed abuses of the unemployment benefit system and a backlog in jobless and disability claims. The investigative team’s reporting, of what many called the worst fraud in the state’s history, led to changes in the legislature and rectified claims for numerous Californians. In another investigation, Brittany exposed fraud problems with the state’s Middle Class Tax Refund program. She also uncovered unsubstantiated medical bills resulting in the review of pricing practices and reversal of some charges. In addition, Brittany pushed Pacific Gas & Electric for answers about thousands of aging wood power poles at potential risk of failing from hidden dry rot, including some in high fire-threat areas.
Prior to KCRA, Brittany was an investigative reporter and anchor at KTVX in Salt Lake City, UT where she worked with Utah’s Attorney General and the U.S. Marshals Office to give viewers unprecedented access into human trafficking and child sex crimes plaguing the state. Some of Brittany’s work has led to legislative change. She discovered that Utah’s constitution still allowed slavery as a form of punishment. After Brittany broke the news, Utah State Representative Sandra Hollins immediately filed a bill to remove the wording from the state’s constitution. Through dogged determination, Brittany’s reporting led to a referendum on the November 2020 ballot and an amendment to the state constitution.
Before KTVX, Brittany was a news assistant and guest booker at KCBS/KCAL in Los Angeles, CA. During her time there, Brittany also worked as an investigative field producer, helping to expose government corruption and wasteful spending of taxpayer money.
Brittany recently received two 2023 Northern California Area Emmy® Awards, one for Breaking/Spot News – Multiple Reports, and the other for Politics/Government – News or Long Form Content. She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and graduated from California State University-Northridge with a degree in broadcast journalism.
Originally from San Diego, Brittany is excited to call Boston home. She enjoys trying new restaurants, attending sporting events, exploring the outdoors, and above all, spending time with family.
Jacquetta Van Zandt
Host and Creator, Politics and Prosecco Podcast Read Jacquetta's Bio
Jacquetta Van Zandt serves as the Vice President of Engagement and Mobilization at Partnership, Inc. She is tasked with developing, coordinating, and sustaining strategic relationships throughout the civic, political, and business arenas. In this capacity, the Vice President oversees long-term strategic planning related to the Partnership’s connections, aiming to establish systemic and sustainable influence to advance the organization’s mission. Before her tenure at Partnership, Inc., Van Zandt cultivated her political expertise on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., as well as through various state and federal campaigns. She has established herself as a respected advocate, contributing to critical decisions that affect communities of color.
A highly sought after political strategist, specializing in public policy and diversity initiatives, she has returned to Massachusetts driven by her passion for creating equal opportunities for women of color. Her commitment to making a difference in her community and highlighting critical issues such as wage inequality, financial literacy, socioeconomic development, women’s empowerment, and diversifying the legislature lies at the core of today’s most pressing challenges.
She played a crucial role in numerous campaigns, notably in the successful election of Framingham’s first mayor, who was also the only woman of color to be popularly elected to that position and in the history of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Van Zandt initiated a thriving and well-loved podcast named “Politics and Prosecco.” Now featured on SparkFM, Politics and Prosecco is a one-hour program where hosts and guests delve into discussions about
current events and their effects on daily life.
Born and raised in Boston, MA, Van Zandt earned her B.S. in Criminal Justice from Mount Ida College, which is now part of the UMASS education system. She currently lives in Roxbury, MA. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and The Links, Incorporated, she also serves on the boards of Common Cause, the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus, and The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts and the Environmental League of Massachusetts.
Awardees Betty Francisco READ BIOJohn Esler READ BIOJeanne Esler READ BIOKaren Holmes Ward READ BIOMelissa Ferretti READ BIONancy Huntington Stager READ BIOSen. Robyn Kennedy READ BIOSpeakers Celia Johnston Blue READ BIOCrista Johnson-Agbakwu READ BIOEvelyn A. Toney READ BIOGail Jackson-Blount READ BIOJo Elle Moody READ BIOLidy Chan READ BIOSen. Liz Miranda READ BIOMaria Rivera-Cotto, Esq. READ BIOMayor Maria Rivera READ BIORuthzee Louijeune READ BIOSharon Scott-Chandler READ BIOBrandy Fluker-Reid, Esq. READ BIOSen. Robyn Kennedy READ BIOEvent Details:
October 3rd — Opening Reception (Flagship Ballroom) 5:30-8:30 PM
October 4th — Legislative Breakfast (Seaport Ballroom) 8:30-11:30 AM
October 4th — Black-Tie Gala (Plaza Ballroom) 6-11 PM
Dress code:
Friday night (Opening Reception) — semi-formal
Saturday morning (Legislative Breakfast) — business casual
Saturday night — Black-tie/formal
BID ON SILENT AUCTION ITEMS
Parking:
The Seaport Hotel Boston is located at 1 Seaport Lane, Boston, Massachusetts, 02210. Seaport offers convenient, covered, self-parking within the hotel. The current 2025 rates are listed below, but are subject to change without notice. Current rates will apply. For more details on parking, learn more here.
EVENT: Self: $24.00 Valet $44
OVERNIGHT: Self: $42.00 Valet $55
THANK YOU TO OUR GALA WEEKEND CORPORATE SPONSORS

Virtual Training: Boards & Commissions
2025-11-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Online
A MAWOCC & Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy Collaborative
Be at the table. Wield your power. Shape the future.

Learn the foundations of good governance and how to navigate politically as women of color.
Understand why representation matters more than ever.
Connect with changemakers, building equity from the inside out.

Free Event — Focused on Women of Color
We welcome allies and supporters to attend.
Why it Matters:

Women chair 56% of Massachusetts’ public boards and commissions*
Only 8% of those chairs are women of color*
Over half of Massachusetts boards are still majority male*

We are not at the table, and those decisions are being made without us.
*EOS Foundation Women’s Power Gap Progress Report, 2019-2022
Registration for this event is now closed.

MAWOCC Annual Meeting
2026-01-31 12:30 - 16:30 | College of the Holy Cross, 1 College St., Worcester, 01610, United States
2025 MAWOCC Annual MeetingJoin us for Our Tenth Year Finale!
You don’t want to miss this event!

2025 Annual Report
Keynote Speech
Cocktail Reception & Networking

Location: College of the Holy Cross, 1 College Street, Worcester, MA
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm: registration
1:00 pm – program begins
Cocktail reception following the program
Back By Popular Demand: Justin Time Productions – Steel Drum Band
Admission is free for high school and college students! Use promo code student25 to get this deal.
Sponsorship Opportunities available! Learn more or pay by credit card here, or contact us at info@mawocc.com to pay by check.

MAWOCC Central Region Gathering – Sip & Paint
2026-04-16 18:00 - 20:00 | MAWOCC Headquarters, 100 Grove St., Suite 401, Worcester, MA, 01605, United States
Join us for an in-person MAWOCC Central Region Gathering for Members: Sip & Paint, an evening of creativity, connection, and community.
Spend the evening relaxing, creating, and connecting with fellow MAWOCC members while being guided through a fun and inspiring painting experience by artist Nayari Veras of NV Creations. Whether you are an experienced artist or picking up a paintbrush for the first time, this gathering is designed to bring people together through creativity and shared community.
Members from the Western and Eastern regions are also welcome, so come enjoy an evening of dinner, cocktails (as well as non-alcoholic beverages), painting, and connection as we celebrate creativity and community together.
REGISTER NOWTicket Includes:

Guided painting experience
All art supplies
Dinner and drinks
Community networking with MAWOCC members

Space is limited to ensure an intimate and engaging experience. We encourage you to register early to reserve your spot.
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