One thing we might not do enough of is recognize those who have left a lasting impact on our careers. To take a step toward changing that, we asked several board members who currently serve on Women Leading Government to share what woman (or women) have made a lasting impact on their career.

Their answers revealed the encouragement and honest advice that drove them to succeed in local government.

By reading how one woman or several women impacted their careers, our goal is that you'll impact someone else's. 

Here's what these four women had to share about those who have impacted their career as women in local government. 

Carol Jacobs, Assistant City Manager, City of Newport Beach, Chair - Women Leading Government

"Early in my government career, my supervisor Ann Shultz, who was the Assistant to the City Manager, with the City of Costa Mesa encouraged me to go back to school to get my Master’s degree. So after a number of years out of school, I took the plunge and went back.  While I was in school, there was an opening in Public Works and she encouraged me to apply. I landed the job, mostly because I was in school. A few years later, Susan Temple, the Finance Director worked with the City Manager to allow me to switch jobs with another employee so that I could work in Finance. Over the years there have been many supervisors both men and women who have helped shape my career and given me opportunities. As the Chair of Women Leading Government in California, I believe it is important to encourage and support women in the profession in whatever way possible." 

Cheryl Hughes, Administrative Analyst, City of Palmdale, Member at Large - women leading government

"There are so many women who have made an impact in my career, but one particularly stands out and that woman is Pat Martel. I reached out to Pat during a frustrating time and felt that I would never reach my career goals in local government. Pat took time out of her hectic schedule to have a telephone conversation with me. She spoke to me about her career path and encouraged me to continue towards the pursuit of my goals and not give up. The most powerful sentence anyone has said to me, came from her and it is engrained in me. She told me to always remember that ‘it’s not about the destination, but rather, it’s about the journey that gets you to your destination and make sure to enjoy the journey’. So when I become frustrated, I always go back to her words and know that this is all part of my journey; instead of frowning upon it, embrace it!"

Lori Sassoon. Deputy City Manager, City of Rancho Cucamonga, Vice Chair - Women Leading Government

"I have been so blessed to have a friend and mentor in Pam Easter. I got to know Pam when she was an Assistant City Manager and I was working in a neighboring city. Later on, one of my first interviews for an Assistant City Manager job resulted from a personal referral by Pam. While I wasn’t selected for that position, it was so meaningful that she was willing to recommend me. Over the years, Pam has been a great sounding board, coach, and source of honest advice. And in her “retirement” she keeps working to help others, both as an ICMA Senior Advisor and active member of Women Leading Government. Thank you, Pam, for all you have done and continue to do for me and so many others!"

Maria Hurtado, Assistant City Manager, City of Oxnard, Member at Large - Women Leading Government

"My career trajectory was greatly influenced by incredible women executives, friends and family.  Throughout my career, I was fortunate enough to have these women share with me the potential they saw before I could see it.  They encouraged me to try when I thought I wasn't ready, and they were there to talk things through when I needed a sounding board.  I am where I am today because of them and I am forever grateful."

Has a certain woman or a group of women impacted your career? Tweet this:

"Thank you to the women in #localgov that have left a lasting impact on my career! @ICMA #ICMALeadership http://bit.ly/1RjlIwfClick here to Tweet.

 

If you are ready to make an impact on your career or on someone else's, learn to become a resilient leader at this year's free Regional Summit Workshop: You Have What It Takes to Be a Resilient Leader.


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