Growth-Minded. Like-Hearted. Community-Focused.
Connecting, Growing, and
Inspiring Community Leaders
Leadership MetroWest is a respected community organization in the MetroWest region of Massachusetts dedicated to community leadership training and professional development. Through our leadership development programs, we foster like-hearted, authentic, and engaged leaders. Join our MetroWest networking events and apply to our Leadership Academy to make a meaningful impact.
Programs
Empowering individuals through diverse leadership development opportunities.
Leadership Academy
Inspiring members of our community through our signature program.
Alumni Directory
Connecting leaders across MetroWest who have participated in our programs.
Community Leadership Development
Building Strong Leaders
for Vibrant Communities
Leadership MetroWest is a respected community leadership development organization that has been serving the region since 1986. Our mission is to connect, empower, and inspire members of our community to become more like-hearted, community-focused, authentic, and engaged leaders. Through impactful engagement and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we empower leaders to make a positive impact in their communities while fostering authentic connections with one another.
Empowering Education
Unlock your leadership potential with
the MetroWest Leadership Academy
The flagship program of Leadership MetroWest
Discover the transformative power of the Leadership Academy. Our program equips aspiring leaders with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to make a lasting impact in their communities.
Inspire Others
Develop leadership skills and build lasting connections with like-hearted individuals.
Drive Change
Apply today to participate in next year's program and increase your capacity to have a positive impact in your community.
Empower. Support. Transform.
Empowering Future Leaders
Explore our impactful leadership development programs and initiatives.
Mission
To connect, grow, and
inspire community leaders
Our mission is to connect, grow, and inspire members and alumni to become more like-hearted, community-focused, authentic, and engaged leaders. As a member of the Leadership MetroWest community, you'll gain access to exclusive networking events, professional development opportunities, and a supportive network of like-hearted leaders.
Programs
Leadership Programs
Leadership programs are designed to empower individuals through unmatched educational initiatives. Our programs enhance the leadership skills of individuals committed to making a positive impact in their communities. By fostering a diverse cohort of emerging and established leaders, Leadership MetroWest aims to build a stronger, more connected community.
Partners
Building strong
community alliances
Our supporters and partners, including local businesses, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and civic leaders, play a crucial role in advancing our mission to foster dynamic leadership and community engagement. Together, we are building strong, resilient communities, united by a commitment to leadership excellence and social progress.
Donate
Make a difference
and donate today
Support the growth of future leaders in our community by donating to Leadership MetroWest today. By supporting Leadership MetroWest, you are not only fostering individual growth but also strengthening the fabric of our community.
Supporting the Community
Make a difference in your community today
Your donation helps us continue to empower leaders and make a positive impact in our community. Join us in creating a more connected and engaged MetroWest.
Our Approach
Community driven solutions
for lasting impact
Leadership
Empowering Future Leaders
through the Leadership Academy
The Leadership Academy provides participants with an intentional space for personal reflection on how they can become more effective community leaders. Through a combination of workshops, interactive conversations, and experiential learning opportunities, participants will develop the knowledge, confidence, strategies, and skills to be leaders within their community and champions for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Positive Leadership
The curriculum is focused on developing positive leadership skills, through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Interactive Learning
Participants engage in hands-on activities, frequent community visits, and robust group discussions to enhance their learning experience.
“Leadership MetroWest allowed me to build a deep and lasting relationship with many business leaders. To this day I continue to reach out to them for advice, counsel, and to partner on various programs sure to impact our communities. Without LMW I am confident those relationships would not exist in their current form and maybe not at all. I have a group of 25 that I know I can pick up the phone and they will take my call. To me that is the power of this community.”
“The Leadership Academy has significantly enhanced my personal and professional growth. It has equipped me with advanced leadership skills, boosting my confidence and strategic thinking abilities. The program has also expanded my network, connecting me with like-minded professionals and mentors. This experience has empowered me to drive positive change and take on more challenging roles within my organization.”
“As both an alum and supervisor that has sent staff, Leadership MetroWest has been an invaluable asset and resource to me as an individual and a leader. I personally have grown my own tools for my toolbox and witnessed staff soar in their development through the Leadership Academy. The alumni network is one of the best assets, as there are alumni everywhere and ongoing efforts to keep us all connected! We are incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful resource in MetroWest.”
Latest News and Events
Stay informed about our impact and initiatives
It`s not too late to grab your ticket to the Spring Alumni Breakfast, but act quickly because registration closes on Friday!
Here are the details:
** Friday, May 2nd from 8-10 AM,
** Framingham State University`s McCarthy Center (93 State Street, Framingham).
>> Register here: https://bit.ly/LMWSpringBreakfast2025
>> Nominate a candidate here: https://bit.ly/2026LMWNominations
In addition to presenting an opportunity to begin meeting the candidates for the Class of 2026, our program will be headlined by a panel discussion with four amazing local leaders:
* Phillip Gonzalez, President & CEO, MetroWest Health Foundation
* Jay Kim, Executive Director, Community Foundation for MetroWest
* Rebecca Reiner, Executive Director, Sincere Foundation
with Moderator, Kelly Grill, Executive Director, Hopkinton Center for the Arts
The panel`s focus will be on:
* How local foundations are navigating national and global change,
* What types of programs they are prioritizing and funding in this current climate, and
* What community protections they think will be important to protect moving forward.
Come meet the Class of 2025, connect with fellow alums, partake in our signature table discussions, and leave inspired.
We are also excited to offer an optional add-on tour of Framingham State University`s recently renovated Christa McAuliffe Center for Integrated Science Learning from 10-11 AM. We`ll meet after the breakfast in front of the auditorium.
Lastly, if you are able, please consider being an Alumni Breakfast Sponsor! This additional donation of $50 helps Leadership MetroWest continue to offer meaningful and accessible programming to our full alumni community. Alumni Sponsors will be recognized in the event program and from the podium.
Meet the Class Monday – Tiago Pirete Gadens
Tiago Pirete Gadens is the Associate Director of Human Resources and Talent Development at Framingham Public Schools, a position he has held for 11 years. He graduated with a degree in Business Management from Framingham State University and earned an MBA in Human Resources from Fitchburg State University. Tiago is committed to developing talent and improving HR strategies to support the goals of the school district.
Interested in joining next year’s Leadership Academy? Apply here: https://forms.gle/1kmL2NeZy3xexfnw9
Hey everyone - Marathon Monday is almost here! Come and support our Team Framingham runners who are raising money for Leadership MetroWest - Garret Fitzpatrick and Anna Rouse (not running due to an injury).
Garret is wearing bib 30848 and a blue singlet with a black hat. Anna will be with Team Framingham at mile 5.
The Team Framingham tent will be at mile 5 by the big parking lot of La Cantina restaurant in Framingham. They will have cowbells and water. Please feel welcome to join!
And it`s not too late to donate!
Garret: https://www.givengain.com/project/garret-raising-funds-for-leadership-metrowest-90988
Anna: https://www.givengain.com/project/anna-raising-funds-for-leadership-metrowest-90501
Did you know that Leadership MetroWest offers an Equity Scholarship so that we can live our mission to connect, empower, and inspire members of our community to become more like-hearted, community-focused, authentic, and engaged leaders.
Please apply here: https://bit.ly/2026LMWEquityScholarship
Or consider donating to the scholarship here (please note Equity Scholarship when you make your donation): https://bit.ly/LMWDonation
Thank you!
Meet the Class Wednesday – Kevin Piers
Kevin is a Sergeant with the Ashland Police Department. He started as a Patrol Officer in 2010. In 2014 he was assigned as a Detective and promoted to Sergeant in 2015. He is currently assigned as the Day Shift Patrol Supervisor. In addition to this primary role, he oversees Use of Force training, including firearms and electronic control weapons, for the department. Kevin also supervises the School Resource Officer program in collaboration with the Ashland Public Schools. Kevin was raised in Ashland and currently lives in the Metrowest area with his wife and three children. Outside of work, Kevin enjoys the outdoors and caring for the land. He holds a Bachelor`s Degree in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Master`s Degree in Criminal Justice from Westfield State University.
Interested in joining next year’s Leadership Academy? Apply here: https://forms.gle/1kmL2NeZy3xexfnw9
It`s not too late to nominate your favorite leader (or two!) for an award at this year`s Leadership MetroWest Annual Celebration on June 12th!
Click here: https://bit.ly/2025LMWAwards
It`s not too late to join us for our next Encore Day!
Big workforce gaps. Big solutions. 🚀
At Leadership MetroWest’s Encore Day, we’re bringing together higher ed & industry leaders to discuss how we’re training the workforce MetroWest needs—from healthcare to early education to human services.
📍 MassBay Framingham Campus
📅 April 17, 10 a.m.
🎓 Tour the campus with MassBay President David Podell!
🎤 Expert panel discussion & networking
Be part of the conversation. Register now!
https://bit.ly/LMWEncoreMassBay
*** $75 for the full day (tour and lunch) or $30 for lunch only ***
#EncoreDay #LeadershipMetroWest #WorkforceInnovation
🚨 Struggling to find a nurse, daycare provider, or mental health counselor? You’re not alone. 🚨
Massachusetts’ higher education institutions are stepping up to address workforce shortages impacting critical services. Want to learn how? Join us for Leadership MetroWest’s Encore Day!
📍 MassBay Framingham Campus
📅 April 17th, 10 a.m.
🍽️ Campus tour, lunch & panel discussion
📢 Reserve your spot today! https://bit.ly/LMWEncoreMassBay
*** $75 for the full day (tour and lunch) or $30 for lunch only ***
🎓 Special Highlight: MassBay President David Podell will personally guide us on an exclusive tour of the Framingham campus before joining the expert panel discussion!
🎤 Panelists include:
✅ David Podell – President, MassBay Community College
✅ Heidi Kaufman – Social Impact & Gov. Relations, MetroWest YMCA
✅ Mishawn Davis-Eyene – Director of Marketing & Outreach, MassBay
✅ Sheniqua Rogers – Senior YouthWorks Manager, MassHire
🎤 Moderator: Julie Ginn, Director of Career Services, MassBay
This is a must-attend event for anyone invested in the future of healthcare, early education, and human services in MetroWest.
📢 Reserve your spot today! https://bit.ly/LMWEncoreMassBay
#LeadershipMetroWest #EncoreDay #WorkforceSolutions #EducationForAll
We`re looking for our next Executive Director! If you are a Growth-Minded, Like-Hearted, Community-Focused leader, we want YOU.
Grab this URL to learn more and apply: https://leadershipmetrowest.org/hire/
And please help us spread the word! We have big plans for 2025 and beyond, and we need your support to broaden our mission and our community impact.
We want YOU...to come to the Spring Alumni Breakfast!
Here are the details:
** Friday, May 2nd from 8-10 AM,
** Framingham State University`s McCarthy Center (93 State Street, Framingham).
>> Register here: https://bit.ly/LMWSpringBreakfast2025
>> Nominate a candidate here: https://bit.ly/2026LMWNominations
In addition to presenting an opportunity to begin meeting the candidates for the Class of 2026, our program will be headlined by a panel discussion with four amazing local leaders:
* Phillip Gonzalez, President & CEO, MetroWest Health Foundation
* Jay Kim, Executive Director, Community Foundation for MetroWest
* Rebecca Reiner, Executive Director, Sincere Foundation
with Moderator, Kelly Grill, Executive Director, Hopkinton Center for the Arts
The panel`s focus will be on:
* How local foundations are navigating national and global change,
* What types of programs they are prioritizing and funding in this current climate, and
* What community protections they think will be important to protect moving forward.
Come meet the Class of 2025, connect with fellow alums, partake in our signature table discussions, and leave inspired.
We are also excited to offer an optional add-on tour of Framingham State University`s recently renovated Christa McAuliffe Center for Integrated Science Learning from 10-11 AM.
Lastly, if you are able, please consider being an Alumni Breakfast Sponsor! This additional donation of $50 helps Leadership MetroWest continue to offer meaningful and accessible programming to our full alumni community. Alumni Sponsors will be recognized in the event program and from the podium.
Struggling to find quality childcare, a home health provider, or a mental health counselor? Our region is facing a workforce crisis—but solutions are in motion!
Join us for Leadership MetroWest’s Encore Day to hear how higher education leaders are stepping up to train the next generation of critical service providers.
📍 MassBay Framingham Campus
📅 April 17th, 10 a.m.
🍽️ Campus tour, lunch & panel discussion
🎓 Exclusive Opportunity: Get a behind-the-scenes tour of MassBay’s Framingham Campus led by President David Podell himself before diving into a thought-provoking panel discussion!
This is a chance to learn, connect, and engage with regional leaders tackling workforce shortages head-on.
📢 Reserve your spot today! https://bit.ly/LMWEncoreMassBay
#LeadershipMetroWest #CommunityImpact #WorkforceDevelopment #EncoreDay
We can`t wait for the Leadership MetroWest Annual Celebration on June 12th! This is the perfect time to nominate a Leadership MetroWest Leader to receive an award.
All you need to do is grab this URL to nominate: https://bit.ly/2025LMWAwards
Impact
Make an Impact
Support our Mission
Help us empower leaders and make a difference in our community. Your support makes a big difference!
Leadership MetroWest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
Address
P.O. Box 734
Framingham, MA 01701