BOSTON — The Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus will honor Pittsfield City Councilor Helen Moon as an elected woman of color.

 

This year MWPC will honor and award Public Service Awards to Mayor Yvonne Spicer of Framingham, Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards, and Pittsfield City Councilor Helen Moon.

 

MWPC, an advocate for equal representation for women in all areas of society, presents these awards to recognize that their goal of attaining equality can only be reached through the concerted efforts of both men and women in all areas of professional and political life. The MWPC wants to specifically recognize the achievements of women of color as they have historically been un- and/or under-represented in public policy spaces.

 

Mayor Spicer took office in 2018, officially becoming one of the eight Black female mayors in the country. She has a Doctorate of Education and is a former advisor to the National Governors Association. As "The People's Mayor," she is committed to forming a fair and transparent government that values full community participation. 

 

City Councilor Moon is one of Pittsfield's 11 councilors; she is one of two Asian-Americans and one of three women who currently sits on the Council. Her key policy issues are the environment, education, and health care and she is a tireless advocate for youth. 

 

City Councilor Edwards built her career as an activist and advocate for the City of Boston's most vulnerable populations. As a public interest attorney, she focused on labor issues and as a councilor, she is committed to fighting for homeless and tenants' rights, ensuring all students have access to a quality education and supporting small and local businesses, among other key issues.

 

The celebration will be held via zoom on Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 6 to 7 pm.

 

Proceeds from the Celebration will benefit the MWPC Education Fund, a 501(c)3 non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to increasing the number of qualified women elected to public office and appointed to public policy positions in the Commonwealth by providing resources these candidates need for effective participation in the political process and public policy, while also supporting MWPC's internship program and educational programs throughout the year.