I never planned to run for City Council, although I’ll admit it has rolled around in my mind for years. I’ve always pushed down those thoughts. After all, who wants to be open for public scrutiny? What if people are mean to me?
For the past decade, I’ve been involved in organizations related to preparing and promoting women in leadership – non-profit, higher education, business, and politics. As the data yielded profound wage, education, and elected leader gender gaps, I’ve been compelled to find allies across genders who are equally interested in building leadership pipelines and to connect people with relevant resources. Fortunately, there are many excellent resources in our own community! [I’m including below some of my favorites!]
- Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Network
- UVU Business Resource Center
- UVU Women’s Success Center
- United Way of Utah County
- Utah Women & Leadership Project
- Utah Women in Higher Education Network
- Women’s Leadership Institute
- Women Tech Council
- YWCA
- The Younique Foundation
The saying “It takes a village” is certainly appropriate in my situation. As part of this learning process, I’ve been mentored by brilliant, dedicated individuals. (There is, of course, some humbling that happens in the growth process, too!) I’ve come to accept this process as preparation for the new arena in which I’m soon stepping.
Why am I running for City Council?
- I’m listening [to my neighbors, to the community, and to our city personnel and leadership].
- I’m qualified [because of my experiences, my skills, and my preparation].
- I’m compelled [because I believe we need diverse, qualified voices representing our residents and that I need to “put my money where my mouth is” to model leadership behaviors for other women and girls].
- I’m obligated [because I value civic responsibility and have the capacity and skills to meaningfully serve Mapleton City right now during changing and exciting times].
For these reasons, I’m willing to open myself up for public scrutiny and accept that not everyone will like me all the time. However, everyone will see that I will work hard, understand implications and complexities of decision-making, actively communicate, and lead with integrity.
So, here it is. I’m officially going to run for Mapleton City Council. I look forward to filing the week of June 3. Meanwhile, my learning tour continues! If you’re interested in connecting, please reach me at jessica@jessicaegbert.org.
May the Fourth be with me!
