Leadership MetroWest

09/03/2026

Leadership MetroWest is delighted to be launching its first Rising Leaders program for early-career professionals in November 2026!

Our Rising Leaders program is designed for working professionals from the for-profit, nonprofit, and public service sectors with 2-8 years of experience who are eager to understand and develop their leadership potential. Over six months, participants will build the tools, confidence, relationships, and perspectives they need to emerge as leaders in their workplaces and communities.

Please take a moment to share this post with someone who you think is right for the program, and ready to jump start their leadership journey! Full details, our application, and our nomination form can be found on our website at https://leadershipmetrowest.org/programs/

08/25/2026

Leadership MetroWest, please meet the highly talented Mary!

Mary Erickson LMW’26 | Framingham & Brighton

Occupation/Community Activities: Community Partnerships & Visitor Services Manager, Danforth Art Museum & School, Volunteer at Jeff's Place, Volunteer Driver for Metrowest Worker Center - Casa

Interests: Making art, swimming, hiking, camping, reading

Favorite thing about your Academy experience: Meeting so many interesting people

What you're now looking for from LMW alumni: Connecting with anyone who wants to learn about or collaborate with the Danforth

Favorite motivational quote: “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”--Lao Tzu

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marycerickson/

08/25/2026

Leadership MetroWest & MetroWest Nonprofit Network

08/25/2026

We had a wonderful turnout for our get together with MetroWest Nonprofit Network last night! It was lovely to connect and reconnect with so many alums. Thanks for coming 🧡💙🧡💙

08/24/2026

Tonight! Please join us!

08/18/2026

Everyone, please say hello to Rachel Vingsness LMW’26 | Natick

Occupation/Community Activities: Executive Director, Natick Service Council | Metrowest Nonprofit Network Board Member | Rotary Club of Natick, Past President

Interests: hiking, camping, theater, building community, unstructured family time

Favorite thing about your Academy experience: Listening and learning from new perspectives, connecting with local professionals

What you're now looking for from LMW alumni: Continued networking and collaboration

Favorite motivational quote: Desiderata, a poem written by Max Ehrmann. Here’s an excerpt: "You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here."

Linked in profile www.linkedin.com/in/rachelvingsness

08/17/2026

Please join us for our 3rd annual evening of networking and celebration on Monday, August 24, 4:30-6:30pm at Margarita's Framingham, 725 Cochiuate Rd. (corner of Rt. 30 & Speen St.) Framingham. Cohosted by@leadershipmetrowest & the there's no admission free, and the conversation is always well worth it.

08/11/2026

Show of thumbs--how many people know Sarah Rodriguez and the amazing work she is doing at Framingham State University's Career Development?

Sarah Rodriguez LMW’26 | Framingham

Occupation: Director of Career Development at Framingham State University

Interests: Pure Barre, reading, West Coast Swing dancing, time with community and friends.

Favorite thing about your Academy experience: Connecting with the people and places who make the MetroWest happen and getting to go in depth on so many different topics.

What you're now looking for from LMW alumni: Connections from those interested in hiring Framingham State interns and graduates.

Favorite motivational quote: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” - Howard Thurman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-b-rodriguez/

08/10/2026

Way to go Class of 26!

🎉 Congratulations to today’s NVP: the 2026 Leadership MetroWest Academy Class!

🏆 Nominated on behalf of Leadership MetroWest in recognition of their leadership, service, collaboration, and commitment to strengthening our community.

💥 As a class, they organized a highly successful blood and platelet drive with the American Red Cross at the Danforth Art Museum and School. Their efforts not only helped bring in much-needed donors, but also inspired Leadership MetroWest alumni to participate – including several first-time donors!

👏 Thank you to the 2026 Leadership MetroWest Academy Class for stepping up, bringing people together, and putting leadership into action!

👉 You can nominate your own Nonprofit Valuable Player and learn more about this program at https://metrowestnonprofit.org/mission-possible/

08/04/2026

Leadership MetroWest, meet Ali; Ali, meet LMW--
Ali Phaneuf LMW’26 | Marlboro & Holden

Occupation/Community Activities: Director of Communication & Digital Engagement at Special Olympics Massachusetts, part-time dance instructor at Charlotte Klien Dancer Centers

Interests: Disability rights and fostering inclusion. Dance! Plants & gardening. Reading (add me on Goodreads!)

Favorite thing about your Academy experience: Having the opportunity to step back from my day-to-day work, grow as a leader, and be inspired by the experiences and ideas of such a diverse group of awesome people.

What you're now looking for from LMW alumni: I’m excited to continue making connections with fellow alumni who are passionate about making a difference in their communities and organizations! Looking forward to exchanging ideas and finding opportunities to support one another.

Favorite motivational quote: "A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference."--Eeyore, from Winnie the Pooh

Linked in profile address https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciaphaneuf/