Millman Calls Upon Women to Enter Public Service

January 15, 2010

Brooklyn – Assemblywoman Joan L. Millman joined Brooklyn Deputy Borough President Yvonne Graham, Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs and Binghamton City Councilwoman Lea Webb in a panel discussion on Friday, January 8, 2010 sponsored by the White House Project and hosted by Brooklyn College. The discussion focused on overcoming the challenges faced by women in politics. The White House Project is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization that has mentored 9,000 women over the past five years on entering government and politics.

“I am both proud and thankful to be part of a legislative body in which female and male legislators are treated equally,” Millman said. “In Albany, in the Assembly, women legislators have been selected to chair difficult committees, such as Education, Labor and Judiciary. Unfortunately, I cannot say that this is the case nationwide.”

Millman discussed how many women become attracted to government, “Women typically get involved in political life for different reasons than men. We are drawn to politics because of backgrounds in service – teaching, social work, volunteerism or community activism. While these experiences are admirable, they do not easily translate into getting elected.”

“One thing I have also noticed as a legislator,” Millman shared, “is that women approach politics and government with problem-solving skills, not as ego enhancement. We have different styles of leadership, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be effective leaders. I thank the White House Project and Brooklyn College for hosting this workshop. I encourage all women to consider a career in public service.”

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