Events
Saturday, January 31, 2026
9AM – 3PM
YWCA Southeastern MA
20 South Sixth St
New Bedford, MA 02740
$50, limited scholarships available
A one day workshop open to all who have never served on a board and are interested to learn more! Enrollment is open to all but is focused on diverse communities: BIPOC, LGBTQ+, under 30, cultural backgrounds, and levels of ability who have not yet served on a Board of Directors.
The workshop will also include a panel of nonprofit, public and private sector experts in the field that will give real life experiences about serving on a board.
Questions? Contact info@ywcasema.org or 508-999-3255
New Bedford Mayor’s Youth Council 11th Annual Leadership Academy
February 17 – 19
9am – 3pm
YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts
FREE
The New Bedford Mayor’s Youth Council is back with its 11th Annual Leadership Academy, and it’s the perfect way for 5th–8th graders to level up their skills over the February break.
Lunch and snack included
Youth will gain:
- Confidence Boost: Master public speaking and communication.
- Problem Solving: Learn how to make big decisions and tackle challenges.
- Teamwork: Build lasting friendships through team-building exercises.
- The Amazing Race: Put your skills to the test in the MYC’s legendary challenge!
Questions? Contact Pam Pollock, MYC Advisor at 508-965-6927.
International Women’s Day Networking Brunch
Sunday March 8, 2026
11 am – 2 pm
Lighthouse Tavern ( 578 Brock Ave, New Bedford, MA)
$35
Join us in celebrating International Women’s Day by connecting with women across the region.
Brunch buffet included with coffee, tea, and water. Cash bar for additional drinks.
Gift bags for the first 75 attendees!
Sponsorship opportunities available, please contact mtarentino@ywcasema.org for more information.
23rd Annual Red Dress Fashion Show
Thursday, February 26, 2026
5:30 PM
Century House
107 S Main St, Acushnet, MA
Tickets on sale now!
Members, models, designers, and stores – check your email for your discount codes!
Heart Disease is the #1 killer of American women, but it does not have to be. The event will educate women about their risk of heart disease, provide them with information on how to speak with their health care provider and tell them how heart disease has affected the lives of women like them. The YWCA HEARTplus Program focuses on outreach, education, raising awareness and increasing understanding of the risks of cardiovascular disease, particularly among women of color, older women and low-income women. This program also assists women with obtaining health screenings necessary for them to identify their own personal risk.
The YWCA is an active participant in the National Heart Truth Red Dress Project. The Red Dress Project includes a collection of dresses from America’s most prestigious designers. The dresses symbolize the fact that heart disease is a women’s health issue, as well as a man’s. The YWCA Red Dress Fashion Show includes a collection of red dresses from a variety of local stores and designers. Models for this event are recruited from the community and are reflective of the population served by the YWCA.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Southcoast Health, Organza Title Sponsor
LifeStream, Inc., Velvet Sponsor
Bank5, Chiffon Sponsor
Allyson Molloy Hussey, Satin Sponsor
Sylvia Group, Satin Sponsor
Martha Briggs Educational Club, Taffeta Sponsor
Special thank you to Monaghan’s Printing Co. for their printing sponsorship
For help with purchasing tickets, view our how-to guide
Contact ywca southeastern massachusetts at 508-999-3255 or info@ywcasema.org with questions
Estate Planning Info Session
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
5:30 – 6:30 PM
FREE
Zoom
Learn about creating wills, estate planning tools, & how to leverage philanthropy to achieve your financial goals from a financial planning professional
Questions? Contact mtarentino@ywcasema.org or call 508-999-3255
Baby Sitting Course
Tuesday December 30, 2025
9:30AM – 3:00PM
$30 per person
YWCA Southeastern MA
20 South Sixth St
New Bedford, MA 02740
This workshop will give youth (age 11-15) the knowledge and confidence to care for infants, toddlers and school age children and start their own babysitting business.
Certificates and lunch provided.
Questions? Contact mtarentino@ywcasema.org or 508-999-3255
Young Men’s Leadership Conference
Saturday December 6, 2025
10 am – 2 pm
Nativity Preparatory School
66 Spring St, New Bedford, MA
$10
Our second annual Young Men’s Leadership Conference is scheduled for this Saturday at Nativity Preparatory School in New Bedford. This program is designed for 10-14 year old young men who are interested in building confidence and gaining an understanding of the power of self worth.
Inspiring keynote by David Guadalupe, Director of Community Impact and Engagement at YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts
Workshops:
- Physical Mindfulness with Mike Williams
- Entrepreneurship with Hendrick Hernandez
- Mental Health & Wellness with Phoebe Marshall, M.Ed.
Lunch will be provided
Pick up is promptly at 2 PM
Email DGuadalupe@ywcasema.org with questions
Style & Impact at Luxury Tax
Saturday, November 22, 2025
1PM – 5PM
WNBOne Radio
262 Union St, New Bedford, MA
$20 – $50
Join the women of Luxury Tax for a chic Sip & Shop experience like no other! We’re opening our closets to bring you exclusive fashion finds, lightly loved pieces, and stylish accessories ready for a second life. With a wide array of styles and sizes to choose from, there’s something for every taste and budget — from $ to $$$$.
- Complimentary sips + light bites
- Unique closet-to-closet shopping
- Music & interactive vibes
- Networking with influential women in business
- Give back! – A portion of proceeds supporting the YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts
Young Women’s Leadership Conference
Saturday November 22, 2025
9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Our Sisters’ School
145 Brownell Ave, New Bedford, MA
$15
The Young Women’s Leadership Conference 2025 will bring 10-14 year old girls from New Bedford and surrounding areas to take part in a day focused on self empowerment and interactive workshops with industry leaders
Inspiring keynote by David Guadalupe, Director of Community Impact and Engagement at YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts
Workshops:
- Advocacy & Civic Awareness with Illusionist Lyn Dillies
- Entrepreneurship with Hendrick Hernandez
- Mental Health & Wellness with Phoebe Marshall, M.Ed.
Lunch will be provided
Pick up is promptly at 1:30 PM
Email DGuadalupe@ywcasema.org with questions
YWCA Annual Meeting
Wednesday December 3, 2025
6PM
Waypoint Event Center
185 MacArthur Dr, New Bedford, MA
Free
The evening will feature the heartfelt stories of YWCA program participants, the annual business meeting, and election of board members and officers.
RSVP – please RSVP by 11/23/25