"Great leadership is about attracting the best people for the right position, give them direction and support and let them do what they do best."
I didn’t plan for this article to be about moms or the fact that Caroline Simmons is the first female mayor of Stamford but upon meeting the Mayor and her cabinet of six extraordinary women, it was hard not to.
Six of the seven women are moms, some with very young children. In fact, Caroline delivered her third shortly after winning her election. Rachel Alonso-Medoza was seven months pregnant when she interviewed for her position as Special Assistant to the Mayor for Communications. Why is this important?
Most moms are the driving force behind their family dynamic. They are CEO, CFO, chef, organizer, educator, problem-solver, healthcare worker and so much more. It only makes sense that these qualities translate to effective governing.
If you think there is a secret in balancing family and work, there is not. They face the same challenges that all working moms deal with. But they have an environment that supports them and that makes a big difference. They approach their jobs with the same ‘mom’ fierceness and commitment and that is the “special sauce” that sets them apart.
They all consider themselves good listeners which is essential in identifying the problems at hand and how to create solutions. And, they are all focused on contributing to the betterment of the City. They care about people and the impact of their choices.
“I want to know that my administration made Stamford a more inclusive, equitable place and a city of opportunity for everyone that allows people from all backgrounds to pursue their dreams and passions,” said Caroline.
What surprised Carmen Hughes, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, most about her position? “I was surprised to learn that Stamford is the 16th most diverse city in this nation and on a mid-city size (100,000 - 300,000 residents) it is the 5th most diverse city in the nation. We all have a lens for inclusivity and are constantly thinking outside the box to solve problems to make Stamford a more equitable, inclusive, innovative, vibrant and accessible city for all.”
Leah Kagen, Director of Economic Development, is passionate about the economic strength of the City. There is a balance to support corporations as well as family-owned businesses. Her office is dedicated to attracting new business but also determined to help small business development.
Janeene Freeman, Director of Community Partnerships and Engagement, is a problem-solver who provides guidance while connecting organizations to maximize efforts and coordinating through city departments. Mayor Simmons's administration makes this work even more meaningful because it’s a priority to make government more responsive to the residents.
Bridget Fox, Chief of Staff, serves as a conduit of information to the Mayor and assists with efficient responses to city departments and external stakeholders. She’s a people connector who finds great joy in problem-solving.
Lauren Meyer, Special Assistant to the Mayor for Legislative Affairs, has previously worked in state government. She has been on this journey with Caroline Simmons from the beginning. She is focused and dedicated to ensuring that this administration works hard every day making the right decisions that positively impact people’s lives.
What is Mayor Simmons most proud of at this point? “I’m most proud of the hundreds of millions of dollars in state and federal funding we have been able to secure for our schools, parks, and infrastructure, allowing us to prioritize investing in our infrastructure in a sustainable and equitable way for future generations to come and enhancing quality of life for residents.”
Advice for young girls:
Dream big and don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. – Lauren Meyer
Empower and lift each other up. Be yourself and stand up for what you believe. – Rachel Alonso-Mendoza
Get good at something you love to do, work hard to get better, and have confidence in your abilities. Try to feel comfortable hearing your own voice at a young age and challenge yourself by trying new things and saying yes to invitations. – Bridget Fox
Every morning, I want all girls (of all ages - young and old) to look at themselves in the mirror every morning and say, "Good morning beautiful! What are we going to make happen today?" Start your day with positive affirmations, be kind to yourself, empower yourself. – Carmen Hughes
Stay curious and open to new things! The things you find interesting at a young age may change when you are in your 20s and 30s and beyond. – Leah Kagen
My advice for young girls is to be brave and bold, and to go after what they want. Don’t let someone else put limits on you. I have a teenage daughter who is fearless. I’d like to think that is because I encouraged her to try new things, even if they scared me. – Janeene Freeman
My parents encouraged me and my siblings to think about the injustices that persist today and to make sure we are using our voices to speak up and get involved in our communities. – Mayor Simmons
