Calling all Women of Color in Massachusetts
Step into your leadership journey with MAWOCC — a 12-week experience that builds the confidence, skills, and network to lead in your career, organization, and community. Ask your employer to sponsor you.
A 12-week leadership experience, built for us
Applications are open for the 4th Cohort of MAWOCC's Intergenerational Leadership Academy — Women of Color Program. Designed for emerging and established leaders, it equips participants with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and network needed to lead effectively in their careers, organizations, and communities.
12 interactive modules, each 2.5 hours, in a hybrid format with most sessions held virtually.
Two in-person Saturday sessions for deeper learning, networking, and community building.
A close cohort of up to 25 women — peers, mentors, and community partners.
After training, mentor a high school girl of color for one year.
More than a training — a community
The curriculum is intentionally designed to address the unique opportunities and challenges experienced by Women of Color, in a supportive, culturally affirming environment where participants learn, grow, and thrive. Through transformative leadership development and a powerful network of peers and mentors, participants lead with authenticity, challenge structural racism and systemic barriers, and inspire meaningful change.
Participants gain lifelong connections, practical leadership and mentorship tools, and the confidence to create change in their workplaces and communities. By investing in the leadership of Women of Color, MAWOCC is cultivating a strong pipeline of diverse leaders prepared to influence policy, serve on boards and commissions, mentor future generations, and advance equity across Massachusetts.
Two steps to join the cohort
Submit your application
Complete the short online application by the extended deadline, September 3, 2026.
Receive your acceptance
We review applications and send your acceptance letter.
Invest in yourself — or ask a sponsor
We encourage applicants to ask their employer or organization to sponsor their participation. Contact us if you need materials to support a sponsorship request.
The fee includes
- 12-week leadership curriculum
- Facilitator-led workshops & guest speakers
- Transformative leadership development
- Networking & peer learning
- Culturally responsive content
- Leadership assessment & reflection
- Program materials & resources
- Certificate of completion
- Access to the MAWOCC alumni network
Learn from exceptional Women of Color leaders
Eight accomplished leaders across academia, government, business, ministry, and the arts.
Celia Johnston Blue, MBA
Visionary Founding Member
President & CEO, MAWOCC
Minnyetta Marie Boone, MHS
Founder, Freeman-Boone Investment, LLC
Esther Jones Cowan, PhD
Associate Dean for Faculty Development & Diversity, Associate Professor (Research) in Africana Studies, Brown University
Laurie Nsiah-Jefferson, PhD, MPH, MA
Dir., Ctr. for Women in Politics & Public Policy, and Graduate Program Dir., Gender, Leadership & Public Policy, UMass Boston
Rev. Karen Louise Rucks-Walker, Th.D
Development/Advancement, Payne Theological Seminary
Jeannine Hunt
Host of The Jeannine Hunt Experience on ORCTV, and co-host of Luxury Tax and Mag's in the Morning on WNbone Radio
Kim M. Robles, LMHC, BC-DMT
Owner/Clinical Consultant/Outpatient Psychotherapist, Movimiento! LLC
Zulma Valenzuela, MSW
Asst. Director for Admin. Services, Center for Staff Development and Learning, Rhode Island Department of Human Services
What past participants say
The wealth of knowledge I have acquired cannot be compared to anything. Now I not only treasure my roots, I am grateful for the land that I came from.
Dr. Claire WakulyakaInaugural Cohort
I've evolved into a more resilient and confident individual, especially as a Black woman — empowered to address the issues affecting my community.
Esther Hamidou TabayiInaugural Cohort
Now I can walk with my head held high, knowing that I am enough and that my gratitude is more than enough to get me where I need to go.
Brianna WestoverSecond Cohort
You challenged me to go deeper and wider into my heritage — to discover the me God knew before He placed me in my mother's womb.
Charlene RossSecond Cohort
Become part of a growing network of WOC leaders
Don't miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and mentor a high school girl of color. Apply today and make a lasting impact across the Commonwealth.