Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Scarria '96, has attributed her decision to attend Smith College to the profound impression she experienced upon first driving into the city. After completing her undergraduate studies, Scarria pursued a career in political consulting in San Francisco and later joined the ACLU's national office in New York. While earning her graduate degree at the City University of New York, Scarria resided in Northampton and was a campaign manager for a local City Councilor before being inspired to run for office herself.