Women in Government Leadership Program launched
Saratoga County launched a Women in Government Leadership Program on Tuesday, county officials announced, sharing that the new program is intended to encourage young women to participate in local government.
The program, developed in coordination with the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) and Soroptimist International of Saratoga County, is designed to educate high school girls about the functions and responsibilities of local government and inspire them to take on leadership roles at the local level.
“Representation and engagement in government is essential to have a best government,” Supervisor Tara N. Gaston, who represents the city of Saratoga Springs, said on Tuesday while announcing the program during a press conference at the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chamber in Ballston Spa.
“Saratoga County is very lucky to have many very amazing and powerful and passionate women in our government, but we can always use more.”
Gaston explained that women tend to face more barriers in getting involved in government, an issue that this program aims to address by inviting young women to learn about their local government and develop leadership skills.
Supervisors Jean Raymond of Edinburgh and Sandra Winney of Providence, the two other women
who serve on the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, spoke about the importance of the new program as well.
“Women’s representation in the political realm is instrumental in creating a progressive future that amplifies innovation, creativity and leadership,” Raymond said. “Women are at the forefront of change in a lot of areas, and particularly they can be in our local communities … It’s our duty to provide the tools needed to inspire agents of change and the opportunity to advance skill sets that promote strong government leaders.”
Winney commended how this program is paving the way for the development of young women and to foster exploration of their potential in the political field.
“Leaders emerge when a significant groundwork is laid,” she said. “I’m looking forward to supporting these young women in their endeavors to seek what it takes to become a leader of tomorrow.”
Beyond Saratoga County, the NYSAC Women’s Leadership Coalition will work
to develop the program as a pilot that can be expanded to counties across the state.
“We know that a key ingredient to getting more women involved in government is to ensure that girls see themselves as future leaders,” said Martha Sauerbrey, chair of NYSAC’s Women’s Leadership Council, in a press release. “This new program is designed to reach girls with leadership potential, provide them with some key information, and encourage them to pursue careers in leadership and public service.”
NYSAC executive director Stephen J. Acquario added in the release, “We are pleased to support this program and spread its mission through the Women’s
Leadership Council and to help encourage the next generation of women in county government.”
Soroptomist International of Saratoga County president Sandra Reulet said at Tuesday’s press conference the club is thrilled to be part of this initiative. “It’s our dream and vision to provide the resources and the education necessary to empower women, and especially in this program young girls, to strive and reach high goals and improve their lives.”
Local leaders Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, Senator Daphne Jordan and Senator Jim Tedisco all expressed their support for the Women in Government Leadership Program.
Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, the state’s highestranked woman in state government, also shared her enthusiasm for the Saratoga County program in a pre-recorded statement.
“This program will provide an unparalleled chance for young women to learn about local government as we begin developing the next generation of New York women leaders,” she said. “I know firsthand that working in local government is a fascinating and rewarding experience, and I’m so excited that Saratoga County has developed a program to increase young women’s participation and exposure.”
Hochul continued, “From
Martha Sauerbrey, chair of the New York
State Association of Counties Women’s Leadership Council, speaks about Saratoga County’s new Women in Government Leadership Program during a press conference on Tuesday in Ballston Spa.
county government to the Vice President of the United States, women are serving our country at every level, and I certainly hope that many of the young women who enter this program will be inspired to pursue careers in public service, and also perhaps run for local office someday as well.”
Saratoga County is working alongside local schools and organizations to make certain the program reaches young women who may not recognize leadership potential in themselves.
Approximately 20 applicants will participate in the six-week program for its first year, with selection based on an application including responses to short
Supervisor Sandra Winney of Providence, one of three women who serve on the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, speaks about county’s new Women in Government Leadership Program during a press conference on Tuesday in Ballston Spa.
answer questions about what they hope to get out of the program and who they see as examples of leadership in their own lives.
Applications, which open on Monday, April 26 and will be accepted through the month of May, will be forwarded to the supervisors of their town/city, and each supervisor will select one participant. The program will begin in June and will likely include both in-person and virtual components.