Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins Honors YFT President Samantha Rosado-Ciriello at Women's History Event at Capitol

(Albany, NY) – New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins honored Samantha Rosado-Ciriello, President of the Yonkers Federation of Teachers during a special Women’s History Month event at the State Capitol Wednesday. 

Wednesday’s event celebrated the 2025 national theme “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” highlighting the remarkable contributions of women in education. The event, hosted by the Legislative Women’s Caucus, brought together lawmakers, educators, and community leaders to recognize outstanding women from across New York State .

“Samantha Rosado-Ciriello has been a champion for students and educators alike, leading with passion, vision, and an unwavering commitment to the future of public education. It is my privilege to recognize her during Women’s History Month as an outstanding leader who truly embodies this year’s theme,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “Samantha’s leadership and advocacy extends far beyond the classroom. She has strengthened partnerships between educators, parents, and community organizations, and impacted education policy statewide, reinforcing the idea that education is a collective mission.”

Samantha Rosado-Ciriello has been a trailblazer in education for over 30 years. As an educator in Yonkers Public Schools, she has dedicated her life to ensuring students receive a high-quality education while also advocating for the rights and well-being of teachers. Her commitment to student success and educator empowerment has made her a transformative figure in Yonkers and beyond, and led to her becoming the first Latina president of the Yonkers Federation of Teachers.

Honoree Samantha Rosado-Ciriello said: “I am incredibly honored to be recognized by the Majority Leader. She is an incredible person, and I’m inspired by her every day. It was an honor to be there among all the other courageous women honorees from across the state. It was very powerful to hear their stories and journeys, and it was inspiring to be in a space where women are celebrating and lifting each other up. But this recognition isn’t mine. It’s a testament to the incredible work of our organization and of the amazing members who have been with us along the way.”

About Samantha Rosado-Ciriello

Samantha Rosado-Ciriello, of Yonkers, is an educator and advocate. As president of the Yonkers Federation of Teachers representing over 4,000 members, she has led efforts for fair contracts, better working conditions, and ensured educators have a strong voice in shaping equitable education policies.

At the state and national level, Samantha has advocated on teacher certification, special education, and school reopenings. She played a key role in the NYS Education Department’s School Reopening Task Force during COVID-19. Her “Grow Your Own” program creates pathways for underserved students to become teachers, offering college credits, scholarships, and internships to build a diverse educator workforce.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 21, 2025 | Contact: Gregory Totino, (914) 423-4031; totino@nysenate.gov