Insightful Session and Eye-Opening Discussions - ICMA Annual 2025

Author: Robert Fierro, Cal-ICMA Scholarship Awardee for ICMA Annual Conference 2025

As I reflect on my time at the 2025 ICMA Annual Conference, it can be summed up in one word: gratitude.

As I look back on my time at the 2025 ICMA (International City/County Management Association) Annual Conference, the word that keeps

coming to my mind is gratitude.

I’m incredibly thankful to Cal-ICMA for selecting me as one of this year’s ICMA Annual Conference scholarship recipients and giving me a

chance to attend such an inspiring event. I’m also very grateful to the City of Montebello for always supporting my professional growth and

encouraging me to take part in these opportunities that will help me learn, connect, and grow.

From the very beginning, the conference was filled with very insightful sessions and eye-opening discussions. I learned from many amazing

leaders about topics like crisis management, economic development, leadership, and homelessness – all very important topics that tailor

how cities serve their communities. Learning from these experienced professionals reminded me why I serve the public—it’s challenging,

complex, and deeply rewarding.

More than anything, I believe what made this conference very special were the people. I had the opportunity to meet many passionate, kind,

and thoughtful professionals who reminded me how collaborative and supportive this profession really is. A brief highlight was a small

conversation I had with Aram Chaparyan, ICMA-CM, MPA, who shared with me, both professional and personal advice when navigating a

career in public service. That short exchange meant more to me than I initially realized.

One other unforgettable moment was hearing Dr. Arthur Brooks speak about loving in leadership. In short, his message was that empathy,

kindness, and compassion are strengths, and not to be taken as weaknesses. To me it was a very powerful reminder that good leadership

always begins with treating people as people.

Lastly, this conference filled me with inspiration and made me deeply appreciative of everyone who made this experience possible. My first

ICMA conference was truly more than just professional development, it was a heartfelt reminder of why I choose to serve the public.