Maine Municipal Association is pleased to partner with Maine’s Women Leading Government Chapter to offer this full day event focusing on some of the biggest issues for women leading government. We will explore how women can engage mentors, harness their inner confidence, develop a growth mindset, and get involved with the Women Leading Government Chapter!

PLEASE NOTE: This hybrid training is being offered via Zoom Meeting and will be highly interactive, so participants will be required to actively participate and utilize their audio and video functions throughout the day. Space is limited so there is also NO option for multiple attendees to join the meeting together. All participants must register and join the meeting separately.

Agenda:

9:00 – 9:30 a.m.    Welcome and Introductions

Introduction of Women Leading Government Chapter

9:30 – 10:30 a.m.  Keynote Presentation – The Importance of Connection in Leadership - Jan Kearce, Vice President of Program

Impact, Maine Development Foundation

“Leadership is an activity, not a position.”

What does it take to lead in government? Women represent over 50% of the U.S. population. However, the percentage of women leaders in government roles tops out between 20 and 30% except in cabinet positions. There is room to grow in the ways that we work, not just the positions we hold. How do we embrace leading from where we are? What/who do we need to hold on to and what can we let go?

10:30 – 10:45 a.m. Break & Networking Activity

10:45 – 11:45 a.m. Panel Discussion – Real-Life Tips and Tricks on Mentorship -

Laurie Smith, Manager, Town of Kennebunkport; Yanina Nickless, Support Services Director, Town of Kennebunkport; Patricia Finnigan, Retired Town/City Manager; Sandra Fournier, Manager, Towns of Mapleton, Chapman, Castle Hill; Lisa Foster, Treasurer, Towns of Mapleton, Chapman, Castle Hill

The panel will explore the transformative impact of mentorship on career growth, leadership development, and workplace advocacy for women in government. Through real-life experiences shared by mentor-mentee pairs from Maine towns, the discussion will cover how to establish and maintain meaningful mentorship relationships, navigate career challenges, and foster confidence and resilience.

11:45 – 12:15 p.m. Small Group/Roundtable Discussions on Mentorship

12:15 – 1:00 p.m.   Lunch and Networking

1:00 – 3:00 p.m.     Empow(HER)ing Workplace Confidence – Danielle Abbott, Leadership Development Educator, Speaker, Coach, and Founder, The Abbott Advantage

Are you ready to unlock your full potential and thrive in the workplace? This empowering two-hour workshop is designed exclusively for women, and we will dive deep into the art of building unwavering confidence and harnessing it to propel your career forward. During this session, you will: dive into your own imposter syndrome; release the inner critic and shift your self talk; learn to navigate challenging workplace dynamics; and develop your own personal brand to increase your confidence in the workplace and beyond.

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.     The Power of Yet – Danielle Yale, Health Promotion Coordinator, Maine Municipal Employees Health Trust

Having a growth mindset: What is it – How it works – Why it Matters! Ever wonder why some people succeed while other people, who are equally talented, do not? It really comes down to their mindset! Learn more about the difference between a fixed mindset versus a growth mindset.

4:00 – 4:30 p.m.     Q & A and Debrief

How to Get Involved with Women Leading Government

Confirmation and Zoom link:

Registrants will receive their Zoom link and meeting details directly from Zoom no later than 24 hours in advance. An official workshop confirmation from MMA will follow with further instructions and access to meeting materials.

Please reach out to training@memun.org if you have not received your link the day prior to the training.

Cancellations for MMA Zoom Meetings:
Cancellations must be submitted using this Cancellation form to cancel your registration for an event. Cancellations received before 4/22/25 will be assessed a $15 administrative fee for processing. Registration changes (switching from in-person to virtual or vice versa) will be assessed a $15 administrative fee for processing. Cancellations received on/after 4/22/25 will be charged 50% of the course fee. Any registrant who does not attend and does not cancel their registration (i.e., no-show) and any cancellation received the day of the event will be charged the full registration fee. Registration substitutions are permitted for registrants within the same municipality/organization and will be assessed a $15 substitution fee. Please email wsreg@memun.org to request a registration substitution. Registration transfers to a future training offering are not permitted. If you have questions, please contact the Educational Services Office at (800) 452-8786 or (207) 623-8428 or training@memun.org.