Community Spotlight: Women Leaders Series — Week Three

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!

Besty Sweeny, Director of Heritage Programming – Wheeling Heritage (WV)

Besty began her career as an architectural historian for a museum, but felt the calling of community-based work. This passion brought her to Wheeling Heritage, where she has been able to help people protect the buildings that matter to them. “My job in Wheeling has completely changed my life and allowed me to live in a way that feels so much more authentic to my community,” she said. One of her proudest achievements is the design work they provided for an 1870s rope warehouse. “What I learned from this experience is just how impactful our programming is, and how it can be the difference between historic preservation projects happening or not,” she said. She strongly encourages women to get involved in the movement: “We need more diverse voices representing the interests of community, and I find the Main Street role especially important as it acts as an example for so many.”

Vicki Davis, Director – Yukon 66 Main Street (OK)

For the past 21 years, Vicki’s career has taken her across seven downtown communities and four states. “The Main Street concepts and philosophy clicked with my love of historic cultures, sense of community, and business background and I immediately knew that I had finally found my chosen career,” she said. She identified relationship building as the most important skill for a Main Street director. "Valuing the people of Main Street and building those relationships is key to growing leadership, meeting goals, advocating Main Street principles, and advancing the district's vision," she said.

Lindsey Dotson, Director – Charlevoix Main Street DDA (MI)

Lindsey started in Main Street as an intern during her historic preservation graduate program. After graduating and starting work at a historic lighthouse, she found herself missing Main Street, and when she was given the chance to go back, she jumped at the opportunity. Her proudest achievement was achieving a 0% vacancy rate in her district. She strongly believes in the power of positivity, and she sees DEI as the future of the movement. “Having faith in and believing in people of all backgrounds who want to accomplish something great, whether it’s a volunteer or an entrepreneur, is the only way Main Street programs can truly demonstrate and practice equity and inclusion,” she said.

Hannah L Davis, Development Manager – Downtown Florence (SC)

Hannah discovered Main Street in 2013 while working for an arts organization and she quickly fell in love with the concept of preservation-based economic development. “I loved the possibilities, the diversity of work and people to work with, and was excited by the potential of becoming a female change maker,” she said. She urges women with diverse backgrounds to explore the field, saying “Main Street leaders need to be versatile, patient, and engaged. The skills we have to have are as diverse as the businesses in our district and the people who visit.” She recognizes that are still many barriers put up against women in the field, but she is nevertheless optimistic. “It's a daily challenge to be taken seriously by serious traditional developers, but through demonstrating competency, leadership, and worth to my community, I've been able to pave the way for other women in my field and provide support in ways I never expected,” she said.

Kimberly Agee, Executive Director – Melbourne Main Street (FL)

Kimberly entered Main Street through her consulting company. As she assisted them with a large fundraising event, she found herself getting more and more involved in helping craft a new mission, vision, and more, and eventually she was offered the executive director position. Six weeks later, the pandemic hit, throwing the Main Street into turmoil. She sees Melbourne Main Street’s efforts in this time as a great success, saying “I am extremely proud of the work our small team did to share real time information, help them secure local grants, PPP, Bridge Loans and other resources to keep them moving forward.” She offers this advice for women interested in a Main Street career: “we must work to not only preserve the history, but also embrace the future. Helping to blend them together is no simple task, but if you have a passion for people, your community and love to watch your work unfold before your eyes, this is the job for you!”