City Hosts National Conference On Women, Hispanics In Government

News release from mayor’s office:

Mayor Ganim joined the City Clerk and City Council members to welcome the National League of Cities Annual Conference of Women in Municipal Government and Hispanic Elected Local Officials. This is the first time that WIMG and HELO are hosting a joint conference due in part to the leadership positions held by Councilwoman AmyMarie Vizzo-Paniccia who is President of WIMG, and City Clerk Lydia Martinez who is President of HELO.

The three-day conference features Hispanic Elected Local Officials (HELO) and Women in Municipal Government (WIMG) networking and information exchange, strengthening governance skills, community arts programs and best practices, and discussions on finding solutions to challenging problems. The NLC itinerary of events also includes a variety of localized info sessions, workshops and a bus tour throughout the city to view the $1Billion in economic development projects that are underway in Bridgeport.

Mayor Ganim stated, “It is certainly an honor to host the many municipal leaders from across the country, including representatives from California to Puerto Rico.  Bridgeport has been a member of the NLC for years, we are proud to have active participants and leaders like City Clerk Martinez and Councilwoman Vizzo-Paniccia representing Bridgeport and exchanging best practices, ideas and solutions.”

“I am proud and honored to host the WIMG conference as its President in my hometown. This is the second time we have hosted WIMG in Bridgeport, but the first time hosting a joint conference with HELO. We are honored to host distinguished guests and hope that they will see the many positive aspects of our beautiful city. Through this conference we will not only recognize women’s issues but will discuss solutions to veteran homelessness with Homes for the Brave and other pressing issues for municipal leaders across the country. This conference is a space for learning and enrichment as we grow as elected officials” stated AmyMarie Vizzo-Paniccia, President of WIMG.

“I’m very excited to have important leaders such as the Mayor of Camuy, Puerto Rico and other municipal leaders join us in Bridgeport for this conference. We will also be joined by Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz who will lead a panel on how Connecticut and the City of Bridgeport is preparing for the 2020 Census to ensure that we count every resident.” said Lydia Martinez, President of HELO.