Advocacy at New York State Capitol, Albany

YWCA Brooklyn youth leaders were invited to a special panel at the Capitol building in Albany, hosted by Elizabeth de León Bhargava, Deputy Secretary for Labor & Workforce for the Office of NY State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. The panel was comprised of elected officials who are women of color. The YWLeaders learned about the career trajectory of women of color in leadership, had the opportunity to ask questions and network with panelists.

YWCA Brooklyn staff and YWLEADers pictured with panelist

After the panel, interns met with their local elected officials to advocate for specific bills that impact their communities. The day culminated with sitting in on the senate in session and being welcomed by Senator Montgomery. As part of their leadership development, the young women have become advocates on issues important to them. In their most recent visit to Albany, the girls met with representatives from the Governor's office and members of the Legislature to advocate for passage of Senator Montgomery's School Suspension bill S.767. This important legislation seeks to end the school to prison pipeline by implementing a uniform code of conduct for school discipline across the state, eliminate suspensions for Pre-K students and for some minor infractions, and reduce the maximum amount of suspension time from 180 days to 20 days

YWCA Brooklyn recognized on Senate floor

YWCA Brooklyn and private talk with NYS Senators