ALBANY, N.Y. (WENY) -- For the first time in New York State history, 72 women make up the legislative branch in both the Senate and the Assembly.  

Of that group of legislators, Democratic Senator Lea Webb became the first woman and person of color to represent the Southern Tier’s 52nd district – pioneering the way for more women of different backgrounds to partake in public service. 

Born and raised in the Southern Tier, Webb represents Tompkins, Cortland and parts of Broome County since the 2023 general election. She says her incoming class when she was newly elected stood out for one specific reason.  

“My incoming class, when I was elected, of senators specifically, was the first ever all women freshman class of senators in the history of New York State with respect to the legislature. That's 246 years.” 

Webb emphasized just how vital it is to have those diverse voices have a seat at the decision-making table.  

“When you talk about the importance of having diverse representation, it is crucial that we have it because it ensures that the needs are being addressed for all our communities that are often left behind when you talk about creating a future that looks bright for everyone.” 

Sen. Webb has introduced several policies, from the Equal Rights Amendment that secures abortion rights in the state constitution and expands protections for women and LGBTQI+ communities. Most recently, she secured funding for the BIPOC task force on missing and murdered women and girls bill that went into effect March 26th, 2024 that combats human trafficking.  

“More than 250,000 women and girls go missing every year, 40 percent of that 250,000 are Black women, 30 percent are BIPOC children,” adding this becomes a issue that impacts the state since they “are often cast as runaways or, mistakenly cast it as runaways when in fact, a significant portion have either just been kidnapped or put into human trafficking rings and human trafficking continues to be a challenge.”  

The task force will be made up of nine or members who will be appointed by the Senate Assembly and Governor Kathy Hochul, and will take a closer look at communities who are primarily affected.  

“When you hear data such as 250, 000 women and girls going missing and murdered every year, that also is an indication of a systemic failure.”  

Webb has also been vocal in advocating for reproductive rights and more access to maternal care in New York State and introduced a 12-bill package on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade.  

“There's a bill that looks at, you know, making sure we remove toxins from our menstrual hygiene products, things that people wouldn't even think about, but these are issues that impact many of our constituencies across the state.”  

According to the Census Bureau, women currently account for 51.1% of the state’s population.  

“When you look at whether it's health outcomes or other areas with regards to community vitality and just overall better quality of life, we're still falling behind.” 

As International Women's History Month approaches the end, this year's theme highlighted women who advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion in our society. Every year the New York State legislative caucus recognizes women leaders in their respective districts across the state. 

This year, Webb recognized Dr. Carol Ross Scott, Vice President of Student Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer at SUNY Broome.  

“When you think about leaders like Dr. Carol Ross Scott, along with the many other honorees we recognize, these are educators, these are individuals who are small business owners, they are mothers, grandmothers, they are playing so many roles in our community and so it's important to recognize those that are often doing work behind the scenes that people would never even know these folks were doing and making such incredible contributions.”  

During last week's Women's History Month celebrations, Webb says she was able to reflect on the representation of women in New York State, from our first ever woman governor to more women of color in prominent leadership roles, calling this month a “call to action.”  

“When you think about Women's History Month to remember those who blazed the trails for us, whose shoulders we stand on, and most certainly the folks in the present whose shoulders we align next to. We're standing next to each other, pushing for positive change in our communities and in our state.”