The annual Women’s Leadership Summit gathers local government professionals for educational sessions, networking opportunities and uplifting conversations. This event is one of MMANC’s most popular event to  propel the future leaders of government forward. This year we are celebrating the different paths women have taken on their “Journey to Leadership.” The event will highlight various career decisions, experiences, challenges, and achievements women across the local government and public sector have taken on their road to pave their way to leadership and break barriers to make large impacts benefiting our region.

“The MMANC Women’s Leadership Summit is a “don’t miss” event. The dynamic speakers and the Executive Roundtable discussions educate and energize everyone. The comfortable and inclusive environment enhances this professional growth opportunity regardless of your position or tenure in local government employment.” – Linda Barton, Special Advisor, Management Partners
“The Summits have been really great over the years, and I have loved participating in them as a speaker, a roundtable executive, and as an attendee. The roundtable discussions have been really wonderful experiences for me, because even though I am the “executive,” I have learned just as much from the other people at the table as they may have learned from me. All of these women, no matter what level or position they happen to be, are my colleagues in local government, and being able to support one another and learn from one another is incredibly important and valuable. Every time I attend a Summit I feel like I make new friends and contacts that I can call on anytime. And to me, that is what it’s all about!” – Karen Pinkos, City Manager, City of El Cerrito
“The roundtable was a fast and fun opportunity to sharelessons learnedwith our emerging leaders. Moving from table to table was an adventure. My conversations went from budgets to professional development tothe art of juggling marriage, motherhood and career. It was a terrific learning experience for me too!” – Reyna Farrales, Retired Deputy County Manager, San Mateo County
“It’s inspiring to talk to so many bright young women at the Summit who are moving into executive management. They are our future leaders and our governments are in good hands!”  – Jan Perkins (former City Manager), Senior Partner, Management Partners, ICMA Senior Advisor,  Women Leading Government Board Member

Sold Out!

Thursday, May 18, 2023
9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Oakland Scottish Rite Center
1547 Lakeside Dr
Oakland, CA 94612

Registration is currently sold out!

MMANC Member – $135
Nonmember – $165
MMANC Student Member – $100

Time Program
8:30 am Light Breakfast and Networking Sponsored by Visit Oakland
9:00 am Welcome and Opening Remarks
Main Ballroom
 

Welcoming Remarks:
Sheng Thao, Mayor of Oakland

9:15 am Opening Keynote
Main Ballroom
9:55 am Break
10:00 am Breakout Session – Ladder to Success
Blue Room
Professional success in the local government context does not require us to climb, but rather to use ladders to make bridges for others. This session explores how we can be successful professionals by valuing lived experiences, and focusing on making strong connections inside and outside the building.

Speaker:
Sarah Zarate, Director of Office of Administration, Policy, and Intergovernmental
Relations, City of San Jose

10:00 am Panel – Paving The Way: Closing the Leadership Gap, Pushing Boundaries, and
Breaking Glass Ceilings
Main Ballroom
This panel discussion will bring together leaders from police, sheriff, and fire  departments who have risen to the top to become leaders in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field. While these women may be the “first”, they will certainly  not be the last. Attendees will leave this session feeling inspired and hopeful for the  future of local government and public safety.

Panelists:
Felicia W. Bryant, Fire Marshal, City of Oakland
Christina Corpus, San Mateo County Sheriff
Jen Louis, Interim Police Chief, City of Berkeley
Zoraida Diaz, Fire Chief, City of Fremont

Moderator:
Lauren Sugayan, Assistant City Manager, City of Martinez

10:50 am Snack and Coffee Break Sponsored by Miller Consulting
Main Ballroom
11:00 am Executive Roundtable – An Interactive Session For Attendees to Network and
Engage with Executives from Different Cities and Departments Across Northern California

Main Ballroom
Sponsored by Women Leading Government
12:30 pm Lunch Catered by Havana Catering
Main Ballroom
1:00 pm Awards – Presentation of Career Excellence Award and the Rising Star Award
Main Ballroom
Presented by the Municipal Management Association of Northern California
(MMANC) and California Women Leading Government (WLG)
1:50 pm Breakout Session – Preparing for Your Next Step: Questions and Answers on
Resumes and Interviews
Main Ballroom
This informative session will provide attendees with valuable insights on how to prepare for the next step in their career. The focus will be on creating effective resumes that highlight relevant skills and experiences, as well as mastering interview techniques that make a lasting impression on potential employers. Attendees will have ample opportunity to ask questions of an experienced recruiter to help them better prepare for future opportunities.

Speaker:
Suzanne Mason, Teri Black and Associates

1:50 pm Breakout Session – Queen of the Concrete Jungle: Adjusting Your Crown While
Navigating the C-Suite
Blue Room
This session will introduce concrete actions every leader should take and illustrate how the “law of the jungle” can be applied to successful leadership. As people progress in their careers, new roles and differing expectations can pose a challenge. Attendees will learn how and when to shift approaches to adapt with authenticity and grace.

Speaker:
Dee Williams-Ridley, City Manager, City of Berkeley

2:40 pm Break
2:50 pm Closing Session – Define Your Journey: Speaking Up For Yourself and Knowing
When To Ask For Help
Main Ballroom
If you’re attending the Women’s Leadership Summit this year, it’s likely because you are on your own “Journey to Leadership”. If you feel stuck in your career or find yourself thinking “What now?”, then you’ll want to attend this closing session. Come hear from MMANC veterans and local government rockstars Monica Davis, Alex Orologas, and Maraskeshia Smith who will share tips and tricks to help you move up in your career, discuss the power of networking, and reflect on their journey to leadership. Plus, former MMANC President Jessica Deakyne will give an insiders exclusive on a new MMANC pilot program.

Panelists:
Monica Davis, Assistant Director of Planning and Building Department, City of Oakland
Alexandra Orologas, Assistant City Manager, City of El Cerrito
Maraskeshia Smith, City Manager, City of Santa Rosa

Moderator:
Amanda Gallo, Management Analyst II, City of Fremont

3:45 pm Wrap Up and Upcoming Events
Main Ballroom
4:00 pm Adjourn
4:30 pm Networking and Post Mixer
Lake Chalet (across the street from the Scottish Rite Center)
Sponsored by Tripepi Smith
Breakfast Coffee/Snack Break
Executive Roundtable Post-Event Happy Hour
  • May 26, 2022: Women’s Leadership Summit, Citrus Heights Community Center
  • May 16, 2019: Women’s Leadership Summit, Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
  • May 17, 2018: Women’s Leadership Summit, Richmond Memorial Convention Center