Senator Webb Names Dr. Leslyn McBean-Clairborne as Her 2025 New York State Legislative Women’s Caucus Nominee

(ALBANY, NY)- On Wednesday March 19, Senator Webb was proud to announce that Dr. Leslyn McBean-Clairborne had been selected as her nominee for the 2025 New York State Legislative Women’s Caucus. Dr. McBean-Clairborne, an inspirational leader in the Ithaca community, has dedicated her career to fostering social justice, diversity, and inclusion, making an indelible impact on the lives of countless individuals.

Dr. McBean Clairborne joined Senator Webb in Albany for a ceremony hosted by the legislative women’s caucus. Later in the day, Senator Webb introduced a resolution on the Senate floor celebrating women’s history month and honoring all of the women in the chamber for the occasion.

 “Leslyn is a true visionary,” said Senator Webb. “Her leadership, commitment to equity, and unwavering advocacy for underrepresented communities have made a lasting difference in Ithaca and beyond. She exemplifies the very best of public service and community engagement, and I am honored to recognize her contributions.” 

Dr. McBean-Clairborne serves as the Executive Director of the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC), where she has spearheaded critical community initiatives, including Ithaca’s only teen center, and is actively working on the development of a teen-run café and workforce housing opportunities. As a former Tompkins County Legislator for 20 years—two of which she served as Chair—she led with resilience through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing policies that prioritized public safety and economic stability. She also founded and chaired the county’s Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Committee, demonstrating her dedication to systemic change.

 “Being selected for this honor by Senator Webb is truly humbling,” said Dr. Leslyn McBean-Clairborne. “Throughout my life, I have been driven by a passion for justice, inclusion, and community empowerment. This recognition reaffirms the importance of our collective efforts to build a society where every voice is valued, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.” 

Dr. McBean-Clairborne’s commitment to equity and justice has been widely recognized. She is a recipient of the New York State Harriet Tubman Humanitarian Achievement Award, the Finger Lakes PULSE LGBTQ+ Ally of the Year Award, and in her honor, the Tompkins County Legislature established the Leslyn McBean-Clairborne Strength in Diversity Award. Her expertise extends beyond local government, as she has spent decades facilitating conversations on diversity, mediation, and conflict leadership at national and international levels.

Born and raised in Guyana, South America, Dr. McBean-Clairborne has called Ithaca home for 34 years, where she continues to be a steadfast advocate for her community.

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