Event: Launch of Women's Pipeline for Change

Women's Pipeline for Change, a new initiative "designed to support progressive women of color and improve civic participation and equal representation in the political pipeline" will be launched Thursday. Boston City Councilor At-Large Ayanna Pressley will be the keynote speaker. The initiative is a project backed by The Partnership for Democracy and Education. Attendees will announce a new collaboration with UMass Boston's Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy and media will be introduced to five women who will take part in fellowships under the collaboration: Gladys Lebron-Martinez, Holyoke School Committee member; Sheneal Parker, Boston public schools teacher; Martina Cruz, Lawrence School Committee member; Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong and Elizabeth Cardona, director of Gov. Patrick's western Massachusetts office in Springfield. Auditor Suzanne Bump plans to deliver remarks as well. Women make up 24 percent of the state Legislature and about 20 percent of all local elected officials, according to event organizers (Thursday, noon, Grand Staircase)