Massachusetts · mawocc.com
Women and girls thrive when they are supported, connected, and represented. For a decade, the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC) has built its work on that belief.
MAWOCC is a community-centered nonprofit that empowers women and girls of color through leadership development, mentorship, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment. On November 14 at Knights, Crowns & Community, For One Child Foundation is proud to recognize MAWOCC as a 2026 Mission Champion.
Room to Grow and Lead
MAWOCC serves women of color and high school girls of color. At the heart of its work is a commitment to safe, inclusive spaces where they can explore their identities, amplify their voices, and build meaningful relationships with peers, mentors, and professionals.
Through workshops, mentorship circles, wellness activities, educational programming, and leadership training, participants build self-confidence, advocacy skills, and long-term personal and professional goals.
Mission: To eradicate the racial inequities among women of color created by structural, institutional, interpersonal, and internalized racism. MAWOCC works toward that goal through authentic inclusion in political and civic leadership, education justice, economic power and sustainability, criminal justice reform, and health and wellness.
The Intergenerational Leadership Academy
MAWOCC's flagship program, the Intergenerational Leadership Academy (ILA), connects two generations of leaders through three parts:
- Women of Color Leadership Track: A 12-module curriculum covering authentic leadership, racial and gender trauma, healing, civic engagement, self-care, ethics, and mentorship.
- Girls of Color Leadership Track (Grades 9–12): A free two-week leadership program with year-round mentorship, STEAM career exploration, financial literacy and entrepreneurship workshops, a college readiness session, transportation support, and stipends, all in a safe, healing-centered environment.
- Intergenerational Mentorship: Women of Color graduates are matched one-on-one with Girls of Color for a structured, year-long mentoring relationship.
By the Numbers
MAWOCC has built a statewide ecosystem of:
- 1,000+ members
- 1,500+ Allies
- 40+ partnering organizations
- A reach of 20,000+ people across the Commonwealth
The ILA, a federally funded, data-driven program now in its third Worcester cohort, has graduated 70 Women of Color and 50 Girls of Color. The results speak for themselves:
- 100% of Girls of Color in the 2024 and 2025 cycles were matched with Women of Color mentors
- 100% of seniors are attending or enrolled to start college as of September 2026
- 95% have participated in career exploration workshops
- 90% reported improvement in overall health and wellness
- 75% of the girls showed significant improvement in leadership skills, including public speaking, teamwork, financial literacy, problem-solving, and decision-making
- 85% of participants rated the program five stars, and 100% would recommend it to others
Answering the Call
MAWOCC's connection with For One Child runs through Founder Racquel Knight, who is also a MAWOCC member.
Its reasons for getting involved go back to its own mission: advancing equity, creating opportunities, and making sure youth, especially those from underserved communities, have the resources and support they need to thrive.
"Supporting this initiative reflects MAWOCC's commitment to community partnership, collective responsibility, and extending our impact beyond our own programs."
Stronger Together
To MAWOCC, "collaboration goes beyond showing up for an event or providing financial support. It means listening to community needs, recognizing the strengths and expertise each partner brings, sharing resources, and working together toward common goals."
That matters because "no single organization has all the resources, expertise, relationships, or capacity needed to address the complex challenges facing our communities."
"This recognition reinforces our belief that advancing equity and creating lasting change requires organizations to come together, extend their reach, and support one another's missions." — Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition
What's Next
- Boards and Commissions Training: A virtual training on December 2 at 6:00 PM to equip Women of Color with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to pursue leadership and public service on boards and commissions.
- Annual Meeting and Celebration: Saturday, January 23, 2027, at 12:30 PM at the College of the Holy Cross, Hogan Campus Center.
- The ILA grows: In early 2027, MAWOCC will launch its fourth Girls of Color cohort in Worcester and expand the program to Boston, serving about 25 Girls of Color in grades 9–12 from Boston and surrounding communities.
Get Involved
Join MAWOCC's community by becoming a Member or an Ally/Supporter, or make a donation.
Learn more at mawocc.com and find all of MAWOCC's links at linktr.ee/MAWOCC.
We'll celebrate MAWOCC at Knights, Crowns & Community on Saturday, November 14, 2026. Thank you to everyone joining us for a sold-out evening honoring the partners powering our mission.
For One Child Foundation: Empowering Education. Transforming Lives.