Greetings,
As we approach Mother’s Day, our team has been reflecting on our own varied relationships with this day. We’ve recognized a vastness among our experiences and some that we don’t often see reflected in the wider culture, namely, that Mother’s Day isn’t celebratory for everyone.
For many who have lost a mother, lost a child, or experienced a miscarriage, the complexities of those losses can rise this time of year. Visions of what was and what could have been may dominate the view during others' celebrations. It’s not just grieving the loss of that person, it’s about the loss of the relationship, and that specific connection that existed while we walked among that loved one.
We cannot forget the depth of experiences within the umbrella of motherhood, especially considering the current state of reproductive justice in the United States. True inclusion means refraining from assuming anything about another person’s path to motherhood or current emotional experience as a mother. And, on the note of inclusion, aunties, non-binary caregivers, and those who have carried children and may not identify as women don’t often see themselves and their role as vital caregivers honored on this day.
Clearly, it’s complicated, and we don’t profess to have all the answers. But if Mother’s Day being around the corner is difficult for you, we want you to know that we see you and some of us are right there with you.
From a place of love and support, we offer a reminder for everyone to move with sensitivity and inclusion as you go into Mother’s Day, whatever that day might look like for you.
In Solidarity,
The Boston Women’s Fund Team
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“To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.”
—Maya Angelou
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Women of Color Leadership Circle Update |
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Women of Color Leadership Circle 2023 is in full swing! The six-month cohort program provides leaders of color a supportive space to advance their leadership journeys through group sessions and individual executive coaching by women of color coaches. The content goes beyond a traditional leadership development program, and is designed to speak to the unique barriers that Black and Brown women and gender-expansive individuals often encounter in the workplace, including white supremacy and isolation. The Women of Color Leadership Circle is curated to be a safe space for belonging, fellowship, learning, unlearning, self-care, and restoration.
Here’s what some of the leaders have to say about their experiences so far:
- “...full of emotions, support, transformation and new friendships. I appreciate how open and vulnerable we are able to be and the reminder that we all belong here in this space.”
- “Being a part of this women's leadership circle has made me realize that I need to take more time for myself. This amazing network of powerful women, every time it’s over, I’m riding high with them. The coaches and BWF family have created an amazing space for women of color to love and grow.“
- “This is a sacred space made up of authentic superstar sisters that support and uplift one another. We are truth-tellers, wisdom whisperers, and spirit warriors; successful women of color coming together in an all too rare sanctuary of belonging.”
And in case you missed it, check out our “Women of Color Wednesday’s” series where we’re highlighting this year’s cohort on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.
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Congratulations, Diana Hwang! |
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We’re sending congratulations to Founder and Executive Director of Asian American Women’s Political Initiative (AAWPI), Diana Hwang! Diana was recognized on Politico’s 2023 Recast Power List as a leader shaping the nation’s discussion around race, culture, politics and policy. Diana is named among other powerhouse leaders like Vice President Kamala Harris and Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
AAWPI is the country’s only political leadership organization for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women. Diana and her team have been leading groundbreaking work to ensure that AAPI women have a voice in our democracy.
We are so honored to have Diana and AAWPI as a partner and collaborator in this work!
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Attend Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition’s Professionals for Trans Rights
Join MTPC to learn about their work to build power and equity for trans and nonbinary people in Massachusetts during their annual fundraising event! This year they'll also highlight ways to get involved with some of MTPC's programs as volunteers. The event will feature dinner, performances by community members, their annual community awards, and of course, plenty of trans joy and excellence to go around. Buy tickets here.
Attend No Longer ⅗ Coalition’s Community Conversation
Justice 4 Housing, a BWF grantee partner, is a member of the No Longer 3/5ths Coalition — a power building group of community leaders, individual activists, and incarcerated men and women working to restore voting rights in Massachusetts while simultaneously building monolithic people power. The coalition is hosting a community conversation event Saturday, April 29 at Clark University. Register here.
Apply to Join the Asian Women for Health Team
Asian Women for Health (AWFH) is hiring for the role of executive director in Boston, Massachusetts. The executive director (ED) is accountable for the long-term success of the organization, ensuring that AWFH delivers on its mission and enables Asian Women to improve their health outcomes. To be considered, please send a resume and cover letter to Adam Thomas, AWFH Board Chair, athomas@asianwomenforhealth.org. To learn more about the job responsibilities, click here..
Apply for Sister Unchained’s Summer Intensive
Sisters Unchained’s Summer Intensive is a six week program for daughters of incarcerated or formerly incarcerated parents. Participants meet Monday - Thursday at the Old Oak Dojo in Boston to learn about prison abolition, leadership, spiritual healing, and more! Participants receive a stipend of $15/hr. Apply here.
Attend Propa City’s Grief and Loss Workshops
Attend Propa City’s four-week workshop on grief and loss. Sessions will be led by Maternal health advocate, educator, and author, Stephanie Crawford. Topics covered include: Healing from loss, supporting a loved one through pregnancy or infant loss, positive healing in the community, and effective strategies for birth workers. Register here.
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*Disclaimer: The above media do not reflect the views of Boston Women's Fund and are not endorsed by Boston Women's Fund. These are the items our board and staff are currently engaging with to further their learning and/or rest and find joy. |
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