Training helps remove barriers for Grand Ledge woman

There was a time when Amee King was surrounded only by male leaders. Sure, there were professional women, but they tended to be in supportive roles.

Today, King sees more diversity in the workplace and is taking advantage of training opportunities like the Michigan Municipal League’s 16/50 Project so that she can serve as the female mentor she never had. Through its Women’s Municipal Leadership Program, King now has access to personal coaching, networking, budgeting, and economic development training.

The MML Foundation is a proud sponsor of the 16/50 Project, so named because a paltry 16 percent of municipal managers are women, even though women make up half the population.

The program has been especially helpful now that she is leading a $1 million airport runway reconstruction and downtown parking lot project. Getting hands-on training from current municipal managers has been invaluable.

“I see things differently,” said King, the Grand Ledge Assistant City Manager. “I see things from a manager’s perspective and feel better equipped to lead initiatives.”

One session of the 16/50 Project taught her how to present her ideas so that they’re better received.

“I used to say ‘I think we should…’ and now I say ‘I propose we…’ I can’t believe how that one change has gotten better results,” she said.

The experience has also changed King’s perception of how she can best help her community. Before, she never saw herself taking an executive leadership role. Now?

“I can and I may,” King said. “It’s an exciting time for me.”

You can help remove barriers and help close the gender gap in local government. Please make a contribution today.