Saratoga County Launches Leadership Program to Encourage Young Women to Participate in Local Government

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors this week launched the Saratoga County Women in Government Leadership Program, an initiative designed to educate high school girls about with 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 the City of Saratoga Springs, and Sandra Winney of the Town of Providence. New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul provided a recorded statement during the event, to help introduce the new program. 

“We need more women present in all levels of government, and there’s no better place to begin one’s public service journey that at the county level,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. 

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 Supervisor Tara N. Gaston, City of Saratoga Springs. “These experiences and relationships gained will benefit Saratoga County, whether or not these young women end up in public service.”

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. 

Locally, dating back to 1990, four of the past eight city mayors in Saratoga Springs have been women, and the majority of the current City Council is comprised of women. 

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. For more information about The NYSAC Women’s Leadership Council, go to: nysac.org/womensleadership.