CHARLOTTE, N.C. — City Councilmember LaWana Mayfield is turning to supporters and community members to assist her in the next step of her professional journey.
Serving on Charlotte City Council and representing District 3 since 2011, Mayfield is the city’s first openly lesbian or gay elected official. She’s been a community organizer and leader for years, working with a wide variety of LGBT and other community groups.
Now, she has the opportunity to attend Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government summer program.
The program “provides a balance of traditional and hands-on learning experiences to help seasoned public officials meet the changing needs of their constituents and communities,” the school states. “In particular, this program enables participants to become more effective public managers.”
Mayfield, who as a Council member is paid only part-time, is raising funds to cover a portion of her costs for the program. An online giving account has been established with a fundraising goal of $4,000.