Founded nine years ago by five municipal leaders, Massachusetts Women Leading Government (WLG) began as an idea to unite female local government professionals. It has since evolved into a formal standing committee of the Massachusetts Municipal Management Association. The committee experienced exponential growth from small gatherings at Town Hall conference rooms to sold-out events with over 200 attendees. The committee hosts three annual events and presents sessions at the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s annual meeting. Over the years, the committee has remained dedicated to its goal to support current female professionals and to cultivate the next generation of female managers. 

Inclusivity and Accessibility 

With a distribution list exceeding 700 members, WLG thrives on inclusivity. Women in appointed municipal roles at all levels are welcome. The group eliminates barriers to entry by forgoing membership dues and keeping event fees minimal to cover only direct costs, ensuring accessibility for all women in the field.  By moving the meetings geographically around the state, they are able to continue to offer meetings that are convenient to attend for different demographics. Women drive from around the state to gather despite the locations. 

Empowerment through Community 

For nearly a decade, the committee has fostered a safe space for female local leaders. It serves as a powerful reminder that women in municipal government do not just deserve a seat at the table—they have built the table themselves.  

A hallmark of WLG meetings is the vulnerability shared through storytelling both at formal panels, and through discussions at tables with peers. Addressing the isolation often felt by female managers, the group embraces the philosophy shared by Tyrese Gibson: "It’s not lonely at the top if you help somebody else get there."  

These meetings provide the tools to build connections, find mentors, and explore the unique professional challenges faced by women in local government.  Attendees represent a diverse range of departments, including Conservation, Assessing, Human Resources, Public Safety, Library, Aging and Youth Services, and more.  The meetings embrace the toughest topics, including burnout, mental health, juggling work and family obligations while teaching important skills like contract negotiations, resume review and public speaking.  The room allows female leaders at all levels of government to be vulnerable about the realities they face while also showing a path for professional growth and development. 

Moving Forward   

The Massachusetts Women Leading Government committee members recently came together for their first committee retreat.  They reflected on the growth of the movement over the last nine years, and strategically planned how to continue to build on their model to be a place of respite for every woman in local government.  Ideas shared by the committee included smaller regionally placed meetings sharing the same agendas, continued commitment to inclusivity for all, and a shared goal of maintaining the pipeline to encourage women to step into town management positions.  The committee plans to commemorate their tenth anniversary next year and looks forward to continuing to bring women in local government together. 

Melissa Anne Murphy-Rodrigues is the town manager of North Andover, Massachusetts, chair of Massachusetts Women Leading Government and is an ICMA SheLeadsGov Committee member.