The Women’s Municipal Leadership Program is an opportunity for aspiring women to advance their skills and leadership abilities on the path to becoming strong local government managers.

Michigan communities deserve exceptional leaders, and attracting the best and the brightest minds to professions in local government is important for the future of our cities and villages. At present, only 16% of local government managers in Michigan are women. When contrasted against women making up 50% of the population, it shows they face significant barriers when attempting to enter the profession.

That’s why the 16/50 Project empowers women leaders with access to critical topic education & executive development through this transformative training opportunity – the Women’s Municipal Leadership Program. We’re eliminating barriers so everyone has a fair shot in the collective hiring pool – and increasing the number of exemplary candidates ready to serve Michigan communities.

Tapping into municipal & leadership experts, the Women’s Municipal Leadership Program brings together lectures, panels, and interactive experiences – and offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares women to make bold moves forward in their careers. Participants explore topics including municipal budgeting & finance, economic development, council-manager relations, and interviewing and negotiating; dialogue with experts and veterans in the field of municipal management; build leadership expertise through executive coaching; and participate in a mock interview experience with immediate feedback from seasoned managers.

Interested in the Women’s Municipal Leadership Program? Sign up for our interest list to get the latest information about future cohorts.

2024 Program Details

Session 1
Friday, September 6
LANSING

Session 2
Thursday & Friday September 26-27
VIRTUAL

Session 3
Thursday & Friday October 17-18
VIRTUAL

Session 4
November 15
LANSING

Session 5
Thursday & Friday December 5-6
VIRTUAL

2024 Program Details & FAQ

Session Logistics:
WMLP offers a mix of in-person and virtual sessions. Participants will be expected to attend the September 6th and November 15th sessions in-person. The September 26-27, October, and December sessions will take place virtually.

Who Should Apply:
This program is open to Michigan women with a demonstrated interest in serving as local government managers.

Program Cost:
We are proud of our commitment to keep this opportunity financially accessible. This five-month training is supported by the Michigan Municipal League along with a number of generous sponsors – and is provided cost-free to selected participants.

Application Requirements:
Complete application (online form) including resume in PDF format.

Application & Acceptance Timeline:
Applications will be open through Friday, July 26th, 2024. Accepted applicants will be notified the week of August 6th.

Participation Expectation:
WMLP is a competitive program, with significantly more qualified applicants than spots available. For those accepted, the program incorporates practical topic education, personal leadership development, and interactive dialogue that rely on active participation for best results. For these reasons, participation in all five sessions is expected.

Curriculum at a Glance
Tentative

IN-PERSON SESSION

September 6th

8:30 am – 9:00 am Sign-In, Professional Headshots, & Networking
9:00 am – 9:30 am Welcome & Introductions
9:30 am – 12:30 pm Eight Key Financial Areas Every Manager Should Know: Part I – Budgeting
Karen Lancaster
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm Leadership & Executive Development
Heidi Frye, UpWords, Inc.

VIRTUAL SESSION

September 26

9:00 am – 9:30 am Welcome
9:30 am – 12:30 pm Eight Key Financial Areas Every Manager Should Know: Part II
Karen Lancaster

 

September 27

9:00 am – 11:30 am Leadership & Executive Development
Heidi Frye, President, UpWords, Inc.
11:30 am – 12:30 pm Panel: Leadership & Success as a Woman Executive

VIRTUAL SESSION

October 17

9:00 am – 10:00 am Local Government Roles & Responsibilities
Chris Johnson, General Counsel, Michigan Municipal League
10:00 am – 12:00 pm Council-Manager Relationships
Victor Cardenas, City Manager, City of Novi
Adam Smith, City Manager, City of Grand Ledge

 

October 18

9:00 am – 11:30 am Leadership & Executive Development
Heidi Frye, President, UpWords, Inc.
11:30 am – 12:30 pm Panel Discussion

IN-PERSON SESSION

November 15

9:00 am – 12:00 pm Economic Development
Deb Stuart, City Manager, City of Mason
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm Leadership & Executive Development
Heidi Frye, UpWords, Inc.

VIRTUAL SESSION

December 5

9:00 am – 12:30 pm Interviewing & Negotiation
Joyce Parker, Township Manager, Scio Township
Steven Schwartz, Attorney, Steven H. Schwartz & Associates

 

December 6

9:00 am – 11:30 am Mock Interviews & Roundtable Discussions
11:30 am – 12:30 pm Leadership Wrap-Up
Session 1: September 6

IN-PERSON SESSION

September 6th

8:30 am – 9:00 am Sign-In, Professional Headshots, & Networking
9:00 am – 9:30 am Welcome & Introductions
9:30 am – 12:30 pm Eight Key Financial Areas Every Manager Should Know: Part I – Budgeting
Karen Lancaster
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm Leadership & Executive Development
Heidi Frye, UpWords, Inc.
Session 2: September 26-27

VIRTUAL SESSION

September 26

9:00 am – 9:30 am Welcome
9:30 am – 12:30 pm Eight Key Financial Areas Every Manager Should Know: Part II
Karen Lancaster

 

September 27

9:00 am – 11:30 am Leadership & Executive Development
Heidi Frye, President, UpWords, Inc.
11:30 am – 12:30 pm Panel: Leadership & Success as a Woman Executive
Session 3: October 17-18

VIRTUAL SESSION

October 17

9:00 am – 10:00 am Local Government Roles & Responsibilities
Chris Johnson, General Counsel, Michigan Municipal League
10:00 am – 12:00 pm Council-Manager Relationships
Victor Cardenas, City Manager, City of Novi
Adam Smith, City Manager, City of Grand Ledge

 

October 18

9:00 am – 11:30 am Leadership & Executive Development
Heidi Frye, President, UpWords, Inc.
11:30 am – 12:30 pm Panel Discussion
Session 4: November 15

IN-PERSON SESSION

November 15

9:00 am – 12:00 pm Economic Development
Deb Stuart, City Manager, City of Mason
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm Leadership & Executive Development
Heidi Frye, UpWords, Inc.
Session 5: December 5-6

VIRTUAL SESSION

December 5

9:00 am – 12:30 pm Interviewing & Negotiation
Joyce Parker, Township Manager, Scio Township
Steven Schwartz, Attorney, Steven H. Schwartz & Associates

 

December 6

9:00 am – 11:30 am Mock Interviews & Roundtable Discussions
11:30 am – 12:30 pm Leadership Wrap-Up