Events
Explore our upcoming events and join us for networking and community-building opportunities.
Encore to the Massachusetts State House & Embrace Boston*
Annual Leadership Celebration
Community ChangeMakers Networking Event
Encore to A Better Day Adult Social Day Program
Fall Alumni Breakfast with Current Academy Class
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Thank you to Regina Wolf Fritz and Nancy Johnson of Better Day Adult Social Day Program for hosting such an insightful Encore. We saw first-hand why there is such a demand for their care. MetroWest needs more programs like this one! @better_day_program #dignity #connection #respite #love
Let`s all give a great big HOWDY to Matt--
Matt Brand LMW’26 Natick
Occupation/Community Activities: Chair of the Natick School Committee / Senior Vice President of Engineering @Uwill
Interests: being a nerd, writing, reading, summer camp, sarcasm, seeing movies
Favorite thing about your Academy experience: the people and also getting to visit and learn about all the great work happening in our community
What you`re now looking for from LMW alumni: future networking and just being part of a community of leaders
Favorite motivational quote: "You miss 100% of the shots you don`t take." -Wayne Gretsky
https://linkedin.com/in/mattbrand
https://mattbrand.com/
Join us for Encore on Tuesday October 20 for an intimate behind-the-scenes visit to Better Day Adult Social Day Program, a small, innovative nonprofit providing nonmedical daytime care for adults living with early- to mid-stage dementia. See for yourself how a peer group, caring staff, and a welcoming, residential environment can provide social engagement and cognitive stimulation in ways that work for guests and caregivers alike. We`ll learn how Better Day is working to bridge the gap between senior centers and residential memory care. After the visit we`ll gather for lunch, reflection, and conversation at Main Street Cafe, 182 Main St, Marlborough 01752. (Please note lunch is not included in your registration.)
Whether you have a personal connection to dementia, an interest in senior services, or are simply curious about how organizations can creatively approach care, here`s a wonderful chance to see, learn, and connect.
Register at https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/AWi-hhOv-FlsbxuUUJolug
This week the Leadership Academy Class of 2027 had the privilege of meeting the amazing staff, athletes, and parents who make up the tight-knit community of Special Olympics MA. Our self-appointed tour co-director Colleen made sure that LMW alums Stephanie and Charles did not miss anything important on our tour. During the panel discussion, Colleen explained that "Authenticity is showing up as yourself." Anita, who has won gold in swimming at Nationals, shared that she shows up authentically in the world by "showing my own bubbly personality, and talking to people and my friends just as I want to be treated." And Matt explained how his authenticity plays an important role in his work as an Athlete Leader. "As an Inclusion Ambassador, I am representing inclusion for everyone, not just those with disabilities. You speak for those who can`t really say for themselves or articulate for themselves--you give them that voice that they don`t have on their own, that voice to speak out." Thank you @specialolympicsma for an unforgettable day. #inclusion #authenticity #leadership #leadershipmetrowest
Leadership Academy Day is at Special Olympics MA today! It is such a treat to introduce the new class to the wonderful, tightknit community of SOMA LMW alums and staff, the Athlete Ambassadors, and their families. Thank you #specialolympicsma 💙🧡
Welcome Jess D!
Jessica DeBenedictis LMW’26 | Somerville & Ashland
Occupation/Community Activities: Deputy District Director for the Office of Senate President Karen E. Spilka, Farmers Market volunteer
Interests: Movies, volunteering, basketball and softball, farmers markets, hiking/trail walks
Favorite thing about your Academy experience: The lifelong friendships I made and the organizations I got to learn more about
What you`re now looking for from LMW alumni: Continued networking opportunities and events – I love to meet new people!
www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-debenedictis
Yesterday we had a marvelous day hanging out at Framingham Fest! So many alums came by and were very good sports about taking photos. Thanks to everyone who stopped by, volunteered, hung out, and made it such a lovely day. 🧡💙 #leadershipmetrowest #wegrowleaders
Tomorrow!
Find us at Framingham Fest on the Framingham Centre Common.
We`ll be there saying hello to fellow alum (take photos!) and talk about our Academy and Rising Leaders programs.
It’s a free and family‑friendly event, with more than 140 booths, a dozen food vendors, and four hours of live entertainment.
Weather is looking great! We cannot wait to see you!
Interested in senior care? Curious about dementia support? Step inside Better Day’s and see how this innovative program works.
Join Leadership MetroWest alumni for a behind-the-scenes visit to Better Day’s Adult Social Day Program, where a converted residential home offers adults living with early- to mid-stage dementia a welcoming place to spend their day—and gives family care partners much-needed respite.
How does the program balance structure with freedom? What role do music, art, gardening, exercise, and shared meals play? And how does a nonprofit make this care accessible to more families?
Explore these questions firsthand as you:
▪ Tour the home and garden to see how familiar, comfortable surroundings help guests feel at ease.
▪ Discover the approach to nonmedical social engagement and cognitive stimulation that bridges the gap between senior centers and residential memory care.
▪ Learn how connection supports well-being, through meaningful peer engagement and activities designed to address loneliness.
▪Explore what makes the program work, from offering full- and part-time care to providing community-supported financial assistance.
After the visit, join fellow alumni for lunch, reflection, and conversation at Main Street Cafe, 182 Main St., Marlborough, MA 01752. Lunch is not included in your registration.
Whether you have a personal connection to dementia, an interest in senior services, or simply want to understand a different approach to care, this Encore offers a chance to see, learn, and connect.
Register today to discover Better Day. Limit 6 due to size of facility.
Your questions about Rising Leaders, answered. Swipe →
A new program from Leadership MetroWest for professionals with 2–8 years of experience. Five Thursday mornings, one-on-one mentorship and a MetroWest network that will support you as you grow.
Apply before October 1 for priority consideration.
Tag someone who`s ready to step up. 👇
#MetroWest #LeadershipDevelopment #EmergingLeaders
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
