Local governments are confronting unprecedented challenges and rapid change. Women are often at the center of this work and they face barriers to visibility, influence, and recognition. 

The 2026 SheLeadsGov Virtual Summit tackles those realities head‑on, offering guidance rooted in lived experience and actionable expertise. This event will bring together seasoned practitioners, rising leaders, and strategic thinkers for three powerful panel discussions that address the realities women face in public service. 

Register today to join this dynamic, future‑focused webinar. You’ll be equipped with tools, insights, and inspiration to thrive in today’s complex civic landscape. 

Panel Spotlights

• Brag Better at Every Level in Local Government: Strategic Self-Advocacy That Feels Authentic 
• Command the Message: Strategic Communication for Women in Leadership 
• Influence in Action: Women Leading Through Change 

Key Takeaways 

• Explore how strategic communications can build more confident leadership and overcome adversity in a changing world. 
• Gain insights into effective communication with elected officials, community members, and colleagues and peers.  
• Learn actionable strategies to build trust and credibility during periods of stress or uncertainty.  
• Discuss championing your team as a local government leader while owning your own contributions and success. 
• Explore approaches to protecting your peace, honoring your experience, and stepping into your own self-worth. 

Registration 

Register to join us through the ICMA Learning Lab. If you cannot attend the live event, on-demand session recordings will be available there. 

Watch each 1-hour session (either live or on-demand) to earn 1 Continuing Education credit. The completion of this program conveys 3.0 credit hours towards maintaining the ICMA-CM designation. 

The 2026 SheLeadsGov Virtual Summit is complimentary, courtesy of Cigna Healthcare. 

Consider a Watch Party 

A SheLeadsGov watch party lets you engage with colleagues, combining virtual content with in-person interaction for a richer Summit experience. 

Watch parties can provide: 

• Shared Viewing Experience: Gather with others to watch the virtual forum together, creating a sense of community and shared purpose. 
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with colleagues across departments to foster relationships and collaboration. 
• Interactive Components: Enhance the experience with in-person activities such as networking breakfasts, mindfulness breaks, and facilitated discussions about the forum's content. 
• Engagement and Focus: By participating in a watch party, attendees can stay more engaged and focused on the event, minimizing distractions that often come with virtual attendance. 

Schedule at a Glance

11:00 AM–11:10 AM: Welcome and introductions

11:10 AM–12:00 PM: Brag Better at Every Level in Local Government: Strategic Self-Advocacy That Feels Authentic

12:00 PM–12:10 PM: Break/introduction to the second panel

12:10 PM–1:00 PM: Command the Message: Strategic Communication for Women in Leadership

1:00 PM–1:10 PM: Break/introduction to the third panel

1:10 PM–1:55 PM: Influence in Action: Women Leading Through Change

1:55 PM–2:00 PM: Conclusion

Meet the Moderators

	Kimberly Funderburk president of government, education, and health systems, Cigna Healthcare
	Tina Hamilton strategic communications manager, International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
	Craddock Stropes cultural arts manager, Carlsbad, CA

Meet the Panelists

	Sharon Subadan city manager, South Fulton, GA
	Emily A. Colon, ICMA-CPM, MPA partner, The Southern Group, and member of the SheLeadsGov Committee
	Susana Carbajal assistant city manager, Austin, Texas
	Amanda Serock, MPA township manager, Concord, Pennsylvania, and member of the SheLeadsGov Committee
	Jessica Whitley assistant to the borough manager, State College, Pennsylvania, and member of the SheLeadsGov Committee
	Ginger Spencer assistant city manager, Phoenix, Arizona
	Heather Strickland senior director of communications, Department of Health and Human Services, North Carolina
	Betsy C Keller, CM, SPHR, SHRM-SCP chief administrator, El Paso, Texas
	Marcia Frazier city manager, Douglasville, GA