The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors has launched the Saratoga County Women in Government Leadership Program, an initiative 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.
The program was launched by the three women on the board of supervisors, Jean Raymond, of the town of Edinburgh, Tara N. Gaston of Saratoga Springs and Sandra Winney of the town of Providence.
“We need more women present in all levels of government, and there’s no better place to begin one’s public service journey than at the county level,” said state Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul. “As a former county clerk, I know firsthand how invaluable experience in local government can be and I’m proud to support this new program to educate and inspire our next generation of female local leaders.”
The program, developed in coordination with Soroptimist International of Saratoga County, will engage participants on topics including setting goals, overcoming obstacles, and building confidence. Saratoga County government women in leadership roles will apply these lessons to their experiences in local government.
“Representation and engagement lead to better communities,” said Gaston. “These experiences and relationships gained will benefit Saratoga County.”
Officials said approximately 20 participants will participate in the first year, with selection based on an application including responses to short-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 will be forwarded to the supervisors of their town/city, and each supervisor will select one participant.
The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) Women’s Leadership Council will work with Saratoga County 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 the Tioga County Legislature and NYSAC’s Women’s Leadership Council.
“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,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario.