Each week this Women's History Month, Main Street America is spotlighting the stories of women leaders in local and coordinating Main Street programs. Women have played a critical role in the Main Street movement from the beginning, and many programs today are led by thoughtful and dedicated women who are making real change in their communities. Although they come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, each of these women are passionate about community preservation and economic revitalization, and we hope their stories inspire your work as well!

Amy Hansen, Executive Director – Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership (WI)

After 15 years in corporate retail, Amy sought a career change that would allow her to make change in her community. Her most rewarding achievement was finding new ownership for the a boutique hotel in her district. “Community revitalization is not an overnight process,” she emphasized. “Projects can take years, but there will be many smaller wins along the way, and the desire to see those projects come to completion is what will drive you on a daily basis.”

Emily Fetko, Acting CEO – Erie Downtown Partnership (PA)

“Service to community has always been a part of who I am,” says Emily on why she was attracted to Main Street. “If I can help someone have a better experience or solve someone's problem that gives me a big sense of pride.” She began her career helping with grassroots efforts to form a Main Street program in Oil City, PA, and when she moved to Erie, she quickly became involved there as well. She encourages other women to bring their unique perspectives to the movement: “with the great exodus of women leaving the workforce, Main Street provides a unique opportunity for women to help shape an entrepreneurial and economic ecosystem that attracts more women back into the workforce.”

Charmeine Wait, Executive Director – Silver City MainStreet (NM)
Charmeine worked in a variety of different nonprofit roles before coming to Main Street, including a women’s fiber collective and a local history museum. She sees passion, time management, and thick skin as key qualities for Main Street leaders. She encourages interested women to attend the Main Street Now conference and other educational opportunities. Take those pearls of wisdom and great project ideas back to your community,” she said. “Communicate, communicate and communicate to get partners to collaborate with who can help with improving your community.”

Kim Lane, Director – Pigtown Main Street (MD)
Kim finds her purpose in the little moments of her job, like “children getting Halloween pictures along our Main Street, neighbors enjoying food and drinks together and families making crafts at our local art store or reading at our bookstore.” One of her proudest achievements was their COVID-19 programming, which included direct grants, e-commerce support, and a ‘PigBucks’ promotional program. She is proud of the supportive environment she has found among other female leaders in Main Street, saying “we don't compete, we collaborate. We know that communities are stronger when they value everyone.”

Abby Huff, Outreach and Organization Manager – Indiana Main Street

Abby felt the power of Main Street historic commercial districts from a young age and set out to make a career in this field. After graduating with her MFA in Historic Preservation, she worked at various rural and mid-sized Main Street programs before landing her current role with the Indiana coordinating programs. “One of the aspects of the job I loved the most was being a mentor for other new Main Street Directors and assisting in Business retention so when the Indiana Main Street Organization and Outreach position opened up I knew it was my next stop in my Main Street career,” she said. She encourages female leaders to support each other; “rely on other women who are going to lift you up and tell you that you are doing an amazing job!”