The Superhero Effect Is in Motion

A Note from Our Executive Director, Kishana Osei

At MAWOCN, we often say that leadership is not about titles—it’s about how we show up. It’s the everyday acts of courage, care, and commitment that move this work forward. Whether you are holding space for someone’s healing, raising your voice for justice, or simply showing up as your full, authentic self—you are a vital part of this movement.

As we close out Sexual Assault Awareness Month and move toward our upcoming 8th Annual Conference and Reception, we’re excited to continue honoring the superpowers that each of us brings to this work. Together, we are building a future rooted in safety, healing, and liberation.

Thank you for being here with us.

In community,

Kishana Osei

Executive Director, MAWOCN

The countdown to June has begun…

Stay Connected: The Superhero Effect Conference + Reception

We’re gearing up for our 8th Annual Conference and “A Night of Heroes” Reception—and we can’t wait to share what’s ahead.

We’ll be updating our website regularly with all things related to the upcoming conference and fundraiser. Stay connected and check back often at:

👉 www.mawocn.com/thesuperheroeffect

🗓 Coming soon:

Conference + Reception details
Origin stories from our network
A chance to share YOUR superpower or nominate a hero

This is who we are. This is what we do. This is what the world needs.

#TheSuperheroEffect #MAWOCN #UnmaskYourPower

STAY TUNED…

The Superhero Effect: Real Power. No Mask Required.

In Kill Bill Vol. 2, there's a line that reminds us: "Superman didn't become Superman. He was born Superman. Clark Kent is the disguise."

At MAWOCN, we know this truth well. Our power isn't something we earn—it's something we remember. And this year, we’re honoring every hidden strength, every bold move, every quiet act of survival that makes our community powerful.

As we prepare for our 8th Annual Conference and A Night of Heroes: Superheroes & Sneaker Ball, we invite you to join the movement. This isn't just a fundraiser or a weekend event. It's a collective calling to unmask, to rise, and to be seen.

SAAM May Be Ending, But the Work Continues—Be the Change.

As we close out Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we’re reminded that the power to create change lives in each of us. Whether through advocacy, caregiving, education, or simply showing up with compassion—every act of courage, every voice raised, and every hand extended is part of the work to end sexual and domestic violence. This movement thrives because of everyday superheroes like you.

Join us for The Superhero Effect: Changing the World One Strength at a Time, MAWOCN’s 8th Annual Conference, June 12–14—where we’ll honor the strengths that sustain this work and the people who carry them.

Nominate a hero. Share your story. Be part of the change.

"You are someone’s hero just by being who you are. Never underestimate the power of your presence." ~ Unknown

Save the Date: The Superhero Effect

MAWOCN’s 8th Annual Conference & Reception

June 12–14, 2025 | Boston, MA

Join us for two powerful days of connection, community, and courage as we honor the strength it takes to lead in the movement to end domestic and sexual violence.

The Superhero Effect: Discovering Your Superpower.

Changing the World One Strength at a Time

This transformative gathering brings together advocates, leaders, and changemakers for workshops, panels, and powerful storytelling—all rooted in the belief that the real superpower is how we show up for justice, healing, and one another.

Featuring:

Thought-provoking workshops and panel discussions
Origin stories and affirming spaces for reflection
A Night of Heroes: Superheroes & Sneaker Ball — our evening reception and fundraiser - An evening of music, movement, and magic — for the advocates who show up every day with courage, compassion, and power for justice and healing.

Expect style. Sound. Soul. And surprises.

This is more than a conference.

It’s a call to unmask your power, lace up, and show out.

🔗 More details coming soon: www.mawocn.com/thesuperheroeffect/

"A hero is someone who has given their life to something bigger than themselves." ~ Joseph Campbell

CAMPAIGN IN ACTION

You may see something new showing up in your favorite spaces:

Bright red postcards that say "Thank you for being a hero"
Community cards to pass on to someone whose strength has impacted you
Flyers in salons, churches, bookstores, and advocacy spaces across the state.

These visuals are more than outreach. They’re invitations. They say: You belong. You matter. You’re part of this too.

New in the Community: Our “Hero Cards” Are Here!

This month, we’re launching a statewide postcard and pocket card campaign to recognize unsung heroes across Massachusetts. Whether it’s your sister, your barber, your neighbor, or your coworker, thank them for their strength. Then invite them to pass it on.

🖨 Want a set to distribute? Let us know!

📩Email: masswocn@gmail.com

"Our superpowers aren’t measured by the battles we fight, but by the healing we create and the hope we inspire." ~ MAWOCN

"Real superheroes walk among us—they listen, they uplift, they fight for a better world." — MAWOCN

Unmasking strength, honoring lived experience, and celebrating the purpose behind the power. Real Power. No Mask Required.

The Superhero Effect is more than a theme—it’s a call to unmask the power we’ve always carried.

At MAWOCN, we believe that every one of us is a real-life superhero—not because of titles or recognition, but because of how we show up, what we’ve overcome, and the purpose we move with.

This campaign was inspired by the idea that:

"Superman was born Superman. Clark Kent is the disguise."

We’re here to lift the mask, honor the stories, and spotlight the strength that keeps our movement alive—especially the lived experiences and leadership of Women of Color.

But this call is for everyone.

We’re opening up this nomination platform to people from all walks of life—whether you’re deeply rooted in advocacy, a community supporter, or someone just learning about MAWOCN for the first time. You can nominate yourself or someone else. The only requirement is that they (or you) are showing up with heart, healing, purpose, or quiet power that deserves to be seen.

Because everyone has a role in this movement, everyone has a superpower.

And together, we can spread awareness, build community, and work toward a future free from sexual and domestic violence.

This is how we expand our reach, welcome new supporters, and show the world the many ways leadership and healing can look.

*each submission will automatically enter the nominee into a raffle to win two tickets to the evening reception, "A Night of Heroes".

NOMINATE A SUPERHERO

Thank You for Being a Hero.

Whether you donate, repost, show up, or simply remind someone of their worth, you are part of the Superhero Effect. And we are so glad to have you with us.

As we continue building momentum toward the conference and reception, our MAWOCN board, Circle members, and staff recently took on the challenge of asking ourselves:

“What is your superpower?”

In the weeks ahead, we’ll share these reflections, highlighting the strengths and stories of the incredible people behind MAWOCN who lead, advocate, and create change daily.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Your presence, your voice, your care—it all matters.

With gratitude,

Dani W.

Communications Manager

Massachusetts Women of Color Network (MAWOCN)

A Note About this Newsletter.

You received this newsletter because you have been acknowledged as a friend, ally, and/or supporter. If you are not a member of MAWOCN, you are NOT subscribed to receive Massachusetts Women of Color Network member-specific newsletters.

Thank you for your interest in receiving infrequent MAWOCN general newsletters for announcements and statements.

Take Care!

Sincerely,

Massachusetts Women of Color Network, Inc.