WORCESTER—The Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC) celebrates a decade of advocacy and leadership at its 2025 Annual Meeting and Tenth-Year Finale Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 31, at the College of the Holy Cross.
The event, running from 12:30-4:30 p.m., highlights the organization’s achievements over the past ten years while setting the stage for its next chapter of civic engagement, leadership development, and policy advocacy.
Dr. Sonia E. Dinnall, superintendent of Springfield Public Schools, delivers the keynote address. A nationally recognized education leader, Dinnall made history as both the first woman and first Black woman to serve as Springfield’s superintendent. She has more than 30 years of experience in education, including roles as teacher, counselor, principal and senior district leader in Springfield and Hartford. According to a MAWOCC press release, her leadership has driven increased graduation rates, expanded college access, and strengthened family and community engagement.
“I am honored to join the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition in celebrating a decade of powerful leadership and collective impact,” Dinnall said in the press release. “Organizations like MAWOCC remind us what is possible when women of color are not only included, but centered as changemakers, visionaries and builders of stronger communities.”
The program also features highlights from MAWOCC’s 2025 Impact Report, reflections from the community, and organizational updates. Attendees enjoy live music by Justin Time Productions’ Steel Drum Band and a cocktail reception and networking opportunity following the program.
As part of the anniversary celebration, MAWOCC will honor leaders whose work exemplifies its mission of equity and community empowerment. Legacy Leadership Award honoree Dr. Matilde “Mattie” Castiel will be recognized, alongside Game Changer Award honorees including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, U.S. Representative Jim McGovern and Dr. Sayra Pinto.
Registration is required at mawocc.com, and admission is free for high school and college students using promo code student25.
MAWOCC, founded in 2015, works to eradicate racial inequities affecting women of color through leadership development, advocacy and community collaboration across Massachusetts.
