As you drive into the downtown parking garage in Northampton MA, you are greeted by this sign: “Welcome to Northampton, where the coffee is strong and so are the women…”
This phrase encapsulates the town’s bold, community-driven spirit. For centuries, Northampton has been a hub for reformers, artists, and leaders who challenge the status quo. This legacy is not just part of the history section of this city’s story; it is being actively shaped every day by women in politics, business, education, and the arts. Here are five women who embody that strength…
1. Gina-Louise Sciarra: The City’s Chief Executive
As the current Mayor of Northampton, Gina-Louise Sciarra stands at the forefront of the city’s leadership. Her connection to the community runs deep, not only as a resident but also as an alumna of Smith College, making her the city’s “first Smithie mayor.”
This unique perspective informs her governance, bridging the historic “town-gown” relationship with a vision for a more integrated and forward-thinking Northampton. She has faced her challenges, including protests over school funding, but she insists she has the interests of the people of Northampton at heart and is vying for a second term in the city’s 2025 election. Meanwhile, at Smith College, they are cheering their girl on.
2. Lindsay Sabadosa: The Trailblazing Legislator
In a state with a long political history, making a “first” is a significant achievement. Lindsay Sabadosa is the State Representative for the 1st Hampshire District and, notably, the first woman to ever hold the seat.
Her work in the Massachusetts House of Representatives is characterized by a strong progressive stance. With a voting record that aligns with the progressive position 90% of the time, she far surpasses the median for her party.
Sabadosa champions legislation aimed at protecting the vulnerable, including bills to authorize supportive services for unaccompanied homeless youth and to establish a social work licensure compact.
Her role is not just representative; it is transformative, breaking barriers and using her position to advocate for equitable and forward-thinking policies.
3. Megan Allen: The Community Builder & Entrepreneur
Dr. Megan Allen is a dynamic force in Northampton’s education and business arenas. In 2020, she founded The Community Classroom, an organization dedicated to matching students with ideal tutors after a long career in public education.
Her entrepreneurial drive didn’t stop there. Allen is also the co-founder and project manager of The Sphere Northampton, an initiative designed to support and elevate women and non-binary-owned businesses.
Through projects like the “Monday Moxie Podcast,” which spotlights female entrepreneurs, and free community events like interactive Story and Math Walks, Allen actively cultivates a supportive ecosystem where others can thrive. Her work is a testament to the power of creating community infrastructure that fosters connection and economic empowerment.
4. Linda Bond: The Public Artist & Historian
The cultural fabric of Northampton is visibly woven with the threads of feminist art, thanks in large part to Linda Bond and the Hestia Art Collective.
In 1980, Bond and four other female artists undertook the monumental task of creating “The History of Women in Northampton,” a 3,000-square-foot mural on Masonic Street.
This was not a commissioned project but a grassroots effort to make a bold statement about women’s roles in the city’s history. The collective faced criticism and even heckling, with shouts of “Get those witches off the wall!” Despite the opposition, they persevered, creating an iconic piece of public art that helped catalyze the city’s transformation into a cultural hub. Bond’s strength lies in her commitment to collaborative, public-facing art that reclaims historical narratives and inspires future generations.
5. Lesléa Newman: The Literary Groundbreaker
Words have the power to change the world, and Lesléa Newman’s words have done just that.
A former Poet Laureate of Northampton (2008-2010), Newman is an accomplished author of over 70 books. She is perhaps most famous for her 1989 children’s book, Heather Has Two Mommies. This book made history as one of the first to depict a lesbian family, sparking both a national controversy and a crucial conversation about family diversity.
Raising $4,000 in small donations to self-publish the book, Newman demonstrated a tenacious belief in her message. Her long and distinguished career is a testament to the strength required to push cultural boundaries and create literature that provides mirrors for children who need to see themselves and windows for those who need to understand others.
NORTHAMPTON GARAGE PHOTO: FungaiFoto
PORTRAIT SKETCHES: Artist Dynamix Graphics Studio
