Rochester City Council March Newsletter
From Vice President LaShay D. Harris
VP Harris takes over President Meléndez’s column for Women’s History Month
There aren’t nearly enough women in New York, or in the country, who can say they hold a leadership position on a majority-woman government body. As one of the few who can, I believe it’s imperative we take the time and space to appreciate the female leaders in our community, and encourage the next generation of girls by continuing to show that powerful women are the most important people in our society.
That’s why this Women’s History Month, I’m using the City Council newsletter to create a space that uplifts, empowers and appreciates all of the women in the Rochester community.
First, I’d like to thank and recognize my fellow women on City Council: Councilmembers Bridget Monroe, Mary Lupien, Stanley Martin and Kim Smith. They have dedicated themselves to serving, and fighting for what they care about in the City of Rochester.
At this month’s City Council meeting, I and my fellow Councilmembers chose to highlight powerful and successful women in our community with a short ceremony. I chose to recognize south district residents Brittaney Wells, Jackie Farrell, Donna Sarnacki and Dr. Ashley Campbell — each women who work day in and day out to make Rochester a brighter, more vibrant and inclusive place.
Without women like these, Rochester would be a much duller place, with a vacuum of community engagement, activism and leadership. There would be no one to show our young girls that they not only deserve a seat at the table, but they’re empowered to run it.
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, I vow to continue uplifting and centering powerful women in our community alongside the Rochester pioneers who I’m humbled to call colleagues in leadership and in womanhood.
So to all women, go forth and be phenomenal women. To men, embrace the phenomenal woman.
Recognizing Rochester’s Successful Women
City Council recognized some of Rochester’s outstanding women this month with a small ceremony during our regular Council meeting. We pulled them aside to ask if they had any words of encouragement for their younger selves. Here’s what they had to say:
Commemorating Rochester’s Iconic Female Pioneers
This month, Rochester City Council used its social media to highlight Rochester women throughout history who have left a permanent impact in our City and across the country. Check out a handful of curated posts below:
Rochester May Have the Job For You
