Amy Peterson (Wilfong) ’03

MAJOR: Communication
PROFESSIONAL: Chief of Staff, City of Worcester, City Manager’s Office

Worcester State changed the way I see the world. The professors challenged me academically and ideologically. I made lifelong friendships, and because of the practical and thoughtful guidance of my academic advisors, I landed a job right out of college that set the table for my career trajectory moving forward.

I aspire to lead with integrity and compassion and without judgment. Municipal government is a calling more than career, where the work you do is in service to others. It is my goal to help my team, my colleagues, and those we serve find smart and reasonable solutions to issues facing our community. What that looks like each day differs but the purpose never changes. I have learned that being an active listener who is adaptable to change is a superpower that, like playing an instrument, only gets better with practice.

It can be hard to not feel the weight and burden of the world’s problems all around us, divided by our differences and by the issues facing our society. However, we are also surrounded by an abundance of grace and generosity, and that is inspiring.

I find strength and hope in the younger generation, our emerging leaders, who are mobilizing efforts, creating art, influencing policy, challenging the status quo, and empowering change and progress, locally, nationally, and globally.