Ruth Mikulski, Director of Life Skills and Vocation, was recently an honored graduate of the Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact (LIPPI), a program that equips women to become leaders in their communities. Sponsored by the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, LIPPI is designed to train women in the nuts and bolts of impacting policy from the citizen perspective. Meeting monthly for the past 10 months, Ruth enrolled in LIPPI with the goal of becoming a stronger leader and networking to increase visibility and awareness of BHMA and the greater community. She has acquired new and exciting skill sets in the areas of public policy, public speaking, board participation, and community organizing. At the graduation ceremony, held at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, colleagues looked on with adoration as Ruth took the podium to talk about why she chose to immerse herself in LIPPI experience: “For my boys,” (Ruth has two sons with Fragile X Syndrome/ASD), “For all individuals with disabilities, and because of the incredible work that is done at Berkshire Hills Music Academy. You will never see a light shine so bright, nor hear a song sung more beautifully, than when you walk through our doors.”
Ruth is confident that her LIPPI training will help her to continue to further the mission of BHMA. She’s appreciative to have met other women in leadership roles throughout Massachusetts who are working to create and support positive change in our communities. Ruth received her certificate of completion from a familiar face— our Executive Director, Michelle Theroux, who serves as the President of the Board for the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts. When asked to reflect on Ruth’s impact at BHMA, Michelle noted, “Ruth works fervently to ensure that the human rights of individuals with disabilities are protected and fostered. She is always seeking additional leadership responsibilities so that she can continue to gain and hone skills for self-improvement and mentorship. It is an honor to work with her.”