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
We had a great start to Day 1 of the Leadership Academy Class of 2027 Retreat. What an excellent group of people! Timeline stories had us glued to our seats. Bring on Day 2. Huge thanks to @metrowest_ymca_outdoors for your hospitality. 🧡💙 #leadershiptraining #leadershipmetrowest #leadershipisamuscle #LMW2027
Leadership MetroWest’s new Rising Leaders program is designed for professionals with 2-8 years of work experience who are eager to understand and develop their leadership potential. Over six months, participants build the tools, confidence, relationships, and perspectives they need to emerge as leaders in their workplaces and communities. The program is grounded in a simple idea. Leadership is a muscle: the more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes.
We bet you know someone who`s ready for more. Please recommend candidates, and send applicants to https://leadershipmetrowest.org/rising-leaders/
@leadershipmetrowest #leadership #metrowest #risingleaders #leadershipdevelopment @sudburymachamberofcommerce
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/
#leadershipmetrowest #leadership #leadersinaction #makeart @danforthartframingham
More photos from our networking/socializing/gathering last night with the @metrowestnonprofitnetwork. Trish **may** have snuck a few vegetables into the auction. 🙄#leadershipmetrowest #leadershipmetrowestalumni
We had a lovely time connecting and reconnecting with so many good people at last night’s August networking night. Cheers to everyone who joined us, and to out wonderful cohosts at the @metrowestnonprofitnetwork #networking
Everyone, please say hello to the incredible 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
#LeadershipMetroWest #leadership #LeadershipInAction
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 @metrowestnonprofitnetwork there`s no admission free, and the conversation is always well worth it. #leadership #networkingevent #LeadershipMetroWest #metrowest #metrowestnonprofitnetwork #connectioncollaborationcommunity
Show of thumbs--how many people know Sarah Rodriguez and the amazing work she is doing at @framinghamstateu 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/
#leadershipmetrowest #leadership #leader
From our friends at the @metrowestnonprofitnetwork
🎉 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!
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/
#LeadershipMetroWest #CommunityLeadership #Leader
Impact
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Leadership MetroWest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
Address
P.O. Box 734
Framingham, MA 01701