Clark selected as inaugural member of Leadership Institute for Political Impact

Date: 5/30/2010

SPRINGFIELD The Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts is proud to announce that Natasha Clark of the Lioness Group has been selected as a member of the 2010-11 Leadership Institute for Political Impact (LIPI).

A new initiative of the Women's Fund, LIPI's 10-month curriculum is designed to create a cadre of effective and powerful women leaders in our region and to train local women to run for elected office. Focusing on areas such as community organizing, the legislative process and policy-making, fundraising and campaigning for office, LIPI gives women the tools but more importantly the confidence they need to become political leaders.

"We believe that a critical way to address the problems facing our communities is to engage the talents and the input of women at all levels and in all sectors of decision making," said Carla Oleska, CEO of the Women's Fund. "With this project we will create wave after wave of confident, skilled, politically savvy women leaders who will be at the forefront of strengthening our communities."

Clark was publicly recognized for her selection as a new Leadership Institute member on May 6 at the Delaney House in Holyoke. Her year-long participation in the Institute runs from June 2010 through June 2011.

The Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts advances social change philanthropy to create economic and social equality for women and girls in Western Massachusetts through grant-making and strategic initiatives. Its program work addresses the core concerns of educational access and success, economic justice and safety and freedom from violence. For more information visit www.womensfund.net.