Women’s History Month is a time to commemorate and celebrate women’s past, present, and future success. We at Revize are proud to honor women this month and every month and wanted to highlight women in local government. We chose Patty Prince, Communications Manager of the City of Manassas, VA, and asked her some questions about her success and working as a woman in local government. .jpg)
Patty Prince, Communications Manager of City of Manassas, VA
1. What sparked your interest in working in local government?
I graduated from Virginia Tech in Communications. A lot of people who have this degree go into journalism of some variety or different fields altogether. I actually didn’t start in local government until I was in my early 40s. To work in local government, you’ve got to have a heart for service. In essence, you are helping people understand their City/county/town. How they work. Why do they do the things they do. I started working in local government to make a difference. I had worked my own business for 17 years but wanted something more impactful where I could see the difference what I did had on others. Communications isn’t always a job where folks say “thank you,” too often, but I know that by getting the information of the City out to our audiences, I am helping to create transparency and understanding and building bridges between government and residents.
My sister Terry Hall is a woman I look up to. Probably not the expected answer, but she started her career in the early 80s and has made a name for herself in, at the time, a more male-centric workforce. She sold more, worked harder, and has been at the top of the heap in whichever field she works in.
My new, current woman to look up to is Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger. She is in her second year as Mayor of the City of Manassas. She is the first female Mayor. First African American female Mayor. She handles the position with style and grace.
3. What would you say to a woman who wants to work in the local government sector one day?I’d say, “do it.” Not only are there benefits and healthcare, but you get to contribute to the community. When I started with the City of Manassas, there had never been a Communications Professional on staff. I have been able to blaze my own path and have created a fantastic department of professionals who know how to get the message out. There are times when you are in the middle of the action, and that’s fine because you are doing what you have trained to do.
Happy Women's History Month.
Here's to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.