Director of Planning and Community Development Nora Amos with the Town of Ashland is one of many VRSA members who have attended the Virginia Women’s Municipal Leadership Institute.
She joins Hillsville Town Manager Leanna Surratt, Director of Administration for the Bedford Regional Water Authority Megan Pittman, City of Hopewell Director of Parks and Recreation Tabitha Martinez, and others in completing this program after receiving VRSA grants for tuition.
“I had been to numerous leadership trainings in the past geared toward young and new professionals,” said Amos. “I have to admit I’m a little past the young and professional age now. The VWMLI intrigued me because it was for women in mid-career or women who wanted to grow beyond their current role.”
Amos says the program allowed her to grow in energy and confidence that she’s brought back to the town, along with new friendships and networks.
“The most valuable aspect was the relationships with women across the state that I now consider friends who are there to listen to me when I have challenges,” said Amos. “I still enjoy being able to share concerns and struggles as well as big wins with people who knew how hard it was to get there.”
Last year, VRSA provided nearly $40,000 in funds for members to attend training such as the Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management at Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia’s Leading, Educating, and Developing program, the Senior Executive Institute, and the Virginia Women’s Municipal Leadership Institute.
“In this small town, we have limited funds for training, and without the grant, I may not have been able to attend,” said Amos. “I’m very thankful for the opportunity I was given.”
Supporting quality professional and personal development is one way to support good governance for the future. For questions or inquiries about the VRSA Risk Management Grant program, contact VRSA Director of Education and Training Thomas Bullock at 800-963-6800.