Catherine Leggett: Q&A with Montgomery County’s First Lady

Local service organization Community Bridges has chosen to honor Catherine Leggett, whom they call "one of the phenomenal women of Montgomery County."  While many recognize her as the wife of County Executive Isiah Leggett, Mrs. Leggett is highly accomplished in her own right.  A lawyer, she was named Democrat of the Year in 2007 by the Montgomery County Democratic Party.  She's also a firm believer in programs for young people.  Patch sat down to talk with Mrs. Leggett to find out more.

Patch: Many people know you as Montgomery County's First Lady. What's your "day job?"

Catherine Leggett: I'm an employment attorney by profession, and Senior Vice President of Human Resources for the ICMA Retirement Corporation, a non-profit.

Patch: How did you connect with Community Bridges and start volunteering?

C.L: Ana Lopez, the Executive Director—a really tremendous person, who was a Washington Woman of the Year—connected to me, brought me to them and introduced me to their programs.

Patch: Why did you choose to get involved with the organization?

C.L: The foundation works with low-income and diverse minority girls in Silver Spring.  I can identify with them. Through the years I've had a passion of working with young women—and young men—to let them know what they can be, can do if only they have a vision and hold onto it.  You have to get this from someplace.

Patch: You said you identify with the girls–-how so?

C.L: From my own experience, I know how hard it can be.  My childhood was hard--I grew up low income in Mount Vernon, New York, just outside of the Bronx. We lived near the projects.  My family was on public assistance.  I know it's really important to have role models.  

Patch: Who were your role models?

C.L: My mom and grandmother, who said "go to school, go to school."  Arts & humanities was another key. I was allowed to play clarinet, when it and school band weren't even in my vocabulary.  I played it, and was involved in community youth programs.  These were turning points. People talked with me about what I could be, and could do.

C.L: What kind of work do you do with the girls at Community Bridges?

Patch: We have programs, and talk sessions.  I tell them how I used to have to fight a lot--when I say I fought with my fists, that gets their attention!  I used to get beat up a lot. At one point I said, "I'm not gonna get beat up anymore."  Floyd Patterson's, (former heavyweight boxer from New York), sister lived in the neighborhood… we got into a fight and I won. That really made a big difference.

My hope is, by me talking and sharing my story, I will inspire them. When they first see me, they see I'm a lawyer, married to the County Executive, dress well, they think, "Wow, she must have grown up with a silver spoon."  No. Welfare worked for me. I don't take anything in my life for granted.

Patch: What advice do you give to young people you work with?

C.L: I tell them you can be, can do, anything, if you do four things: have a spiritual center; work hard; study and get an education; and have someone, or someplace, to give you hope.  And you must stay positive.  Many don't have that at home. The girls get this from Community Bridges.