MMASC’s premier signature one-day event, Women’s Leadership Summit, offers a full day of inspiration, learning, and connection focused on empowering women and allies in local government. Through a blend of keynote presentations, interactive workshops, engaging panel discussions, and networking opportunities, attendees will explore real-world leadership challenges and walk away with tools to navigate their own professional paths.
What to Expect
- Inspiring Keynotes: Hear from experienced leaders who will share powerful stories and practical advice on breaking barriers, driving change, and leading with purpose.
- Engaging Panel Conversations: Learn from diverse voices in city leadership as they discuss the realities of navigating complex decisions, transitions, and challenges.
- Hands-On Workshops: Participate in collaborative sessions designed to build your leadership skills—covering everything from conflict resolution and communication to strategic decision-making.
- Personal Development & Wellness: Reflect on internal growth, professional confidence, and the importance of self-care in sustaining leadership.
- Networking & Community Building: Connect with peers, mentors, and changemakers throughout the day—with dedicated time for networking, resume reviews, and casual conversations.
- Meaningful Activities: Enjoy creative group exercises and thoughtful prompts that encourage reflection, storytelling, and real-time application of what you’ve learned.
- Closing with Purpose: End the day with a renewed sense of direction, inspired to lead authentically and support a stronger, more inclusive community.
Summit Program Schedule
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration & Networking Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Opening Remarks |
| 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Keynote: Navigating Leadership |
| 10:30 AM – 10:45 AM | Morning Break & Raffle: Navigating Connections |
| 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM | Panel Discussion: Navigating Through the Storm |
| 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM | Networking Lunch & Raffle: Navigating Nutrition and Self-Care |
| 12:15 PM – 12:45 PM | WLG/MMASC Award |
| 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM | Discussion: Navigating New Territory |
| 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM | Discussion: Navigating Growth • Table-top activity |
| 2:45 PM – 3:00 PM | Afternoon Break/Raffle |
| 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM | Discussion: Navigating Leadership with Purpose • Resume Workshop available • Speed Coaching available |
| 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM | Final Raffle and Announcements |
| 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Closing Remarks & Call to Action: Navigating a Path Forward |
| 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Networking Reception |
Registration
Registration rates:
MMASC/WLG Member – $160
Nonmember – $185
Individual Registration – Sold Out!
MMASC member and nonmember only.
Group Rate Registration – Sold Out!
Group registration is limited to 25 groups of 5, with one group per agency.
Contact Information
For questions or more information, please contact Women’s Leadership Summit Co-Chairs at wls@mmasc.org.
2025 Women’s Leadership Summit Awards
The Municipal Management Association of Southern California (MMASC) and California Women Leading Government (WLG) are thrilled to announce that we are soliciting nominations for the Rising Star award and the Career Excellence award. Please take a moment to consider whom among your staff, peers, and colleagues may qualify for these awards. Recipients will be recognized at the 2025 Women’s Leadership Summit in Long Beach, CA on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Nominations are due by 4:00 p.m., Monday, September 1, 2025. Winners will be recognized at the MMASC Women’s Leadership Summit on September 25, 2025 in Long Beach, CA.
MMASC Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award is presented to an MMASC member who is a woman and demonstrates the leadership skills crucial to sound local government, exemplifies the ethics that are core to MMASC, and seeks out opportunities for professional development. In addition to leadership skills, ethics, and a commitment to professional development, a Rising Star award winner has the following traits:
- Dedication to a career focused in local government
- Exemplary performance in her position and commitment to her organization or department
- A track record of contributing to her organization as a leader, motivator and innovator
MMASC members are encouraged to nominate fellow members (or themselves) for this award. The recipient must be a current Full Member of MMASC. To verify membership status, please email membership@mmasc.org.
WLG Career Excellence Award
California Women Leading Government (WLG) is soliciting nominations for the Women’s Leadership Summit Career Achievement Award. The Career Excellence Award was established in 2007 as part of the Inaugural Women’s Leadership Summit. WLG is a professional organization with a mission to inspire and prepare women to be local government executive leaders and support their success.
The Career Achievement Award is presented to a woman who is dedicated to the field of local government, has taken a proactive approach to her own personal and professional development, and contributes to the community as a leader and facilitator.
A Career Achievement Award winner has the following traits:
- Primary career focus has been in local government.
- Has spent the past 10 years in an executive leadership position either as a department head, assistant city manager or city manager (or equivalent county or special district positions).
- Incorporates high standards in her decision-making, work performance, and ability to work with others.
- Contributes to the organization as a leader, motivator and mentor.
- Has an inclusive and positive approach towards leadership, empowers others to recognize their full potential and encourages opportunities for career development.
- Contributes to the community as a leader and facilitator.
- Is a forward thinker and works towards implementing positive changes and high standards throughout her community and organization.
