Stacey Sommerfield, the Parks and Recreation Director for Fairfax City, Virginia, has recently completed an influential leadership program aimed at empowering women in local government. The Virginia Women’s Municipal Leadership Institute, a joint initiative by Virginia Women Leading Government and the Virginia Tech Roanoke Center, is designed to foster the growth of women leaders in local government roles.
This program has been particularly significant in Virginia, where only 17% of the top chief administrative roles in local government are held by women, a statistic highlighted by diversitydashboard.org. Bonnie Svrcek, the institute’s coordinator and the first female city manager of Lynchburg before her retirement in 2020, emphasized the importance of diverse leadership in local governance for better decision-making and stronger communities.
Sommerfield, along with 24 other high-potential women from across the state, participated in eight monthly sessions, both virtual and in-person, covering a range of topics. These included technical skills such as budgeting and soft skills like public speaking and navigating the challenges of being a woman executive in local government. The program not only provided valuable knowledge and skills but also enabled participants to build a network of professional connections and mentorships across the state.
Scott Weimer, Executive Director of Roanoke Regional Initiatives, highlighted the institute’s role in connecting communities with university resources and developing a new generation of leaders equipped with diverse perspectives and skills. These efforts are seen as crucial in enhancing the functioning of local governments throughout Virginia.
The institute is now preparing to accept applications for its 2024 cohort, with the program set to run from March to October. Those interested in applying or seeking more information can contact Bonnie Svrcek.
