Ritchie Hosts First Meeting of “Upstate Women’s Leadership Council”

State Senator Patty Ritchie this week hosted the first meeting of the “Upstate Women’s Leadership Council,” a group aimed increasing opportunities for the personal and professional advancement of women throughout the Central and Northern New York regions. 

“Today, women are doing big things,” said Senator Ritchie.  “More and more frequently, females are found serving at the helm of businesses and organizations, being elected to office and taking on different leadership roles within our community.”

“The Upstate Women’s Leadership Council seeks to tap into the expertise of our local leaders to help to inspire other women who want to follow in their footsteps.”

Throughout the past several months, Senator Ritchie along with an organizing committee led by Rep. Elise Stefanik and Jefferson County District Attorney Cindy Intschert have been laying the groundwork for the nonpartisan group which will work to help women find success in their chosen fields, as well as inspire women of every age to reach for higher goals. 

This week, the organizing committee was joined by nearly 30 women from throughout Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties who as a part of the Upstate Women’s Leadership Council, will work together  to host a conference in the fall as well as future events that promote networking, mentoring and leadership amongst women. 

“I’m excited that so many of our local leaders have shown an interest in being a part of this important group,” said Congresswoman Stefanik.

“I know, that by working together we can create more opportunities for the women of our region, including those who are just starting out in their careers and looking for mentors to guide them on the path to future success.”

“The people who are part of the Upstate Women’s Leadership Council bring to the table so many different talents and represent a wide variety of career fields—everything from those in medicine and government to educators and business owners,” said Jefferson County District Attorney Cindy Intschert.

“But, they have one thing in common—they’re all leaders.  The mix of expertise will be a tremendous asset as we work towards our goal of helping other women achieve success in the fields they are most interested in.”

Formation of the Upstate Women’s Leadership Council builds upon prior work the Senator has done to support women locally, as well as across New York State.  Recently, Senator Ritchie helped push for the adoption of legislation that enhances federal and state laws guaranteeing equal pay for equal work, as well as other measures that would increase workplace protections against gender discrimination.

In addition, she also was recently elected an officer of the Legislature’s bipartisan Women’s Caucus and serves as a member of the Governor’s Task Force that’s looking for ways to boost state support for businesses primarily owned by women.