Formed in 2017 by a group of five municipal administrators, Massachusetts Women Leading Government provides programming, resources and networking opportunities for professional women working at all levels in local government. WLG has grown exponentially through the years. What began with small gatherings in town halls has grown to sold-out events with 200-plus attendees.

Massachusetts WLG hosts three events annually: two half-day meetings and one full-day conference. Topics include: negotiating skills, public speaking and presenting, Artificial Intelligence, and how to say “no,” as well as nuts and bolts local government topics like human resources and budgeting. In the fall of 2024, WLG held its first virtual Book Club, featuring “That’s What She Said: What Men Need to Know about Working with Women.”

Women Leading Government in Massachusetts counts more than 700 members on its email distribution list, including women at every level and in every department of local government. There are no membership dues; any woman working in local government is invited to participate, and meetings are self-supporting.

The Massachusetts Municipal Management Association oversees and financially supports Women Leading Government, by appointing a committee of its members to manage its operations.

Massachusetts Women Leading Government is currently exploring ways to expand its work.

For more information, contact MMA Senior Member Program Coordinator Denise Baker at dbaker@mma.org.