Women of Newburgh Leadership Breakfast: A Resounding Success

NEWBURGH, NY - The Town of Newburgh Democratic Committee hosted the Women of Newburgh Leadership Breakfast on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Noches De Colombia in Newburgh. With more than 80 tickets sold and over 70 attendees, the sold-out event reflected strong community enthusiasm for celebrating women in local leadership.

Hosted by Town of Newburgh Council Members Mary Lou Carolan and Mary McLymore, the breakfast brought together a multi-generational community of women to celebrate five elected women leaders currently serving the Town of Newburgh. The event featured remarks from Council Members Carolan and McLymore alongside Orange County Legislators Gabrielle Hill, Genesis Ramos, Virginia Scott, and Stephen Hunter.

A Morning of Hope, Resilience, and Action

Guest speakers each addressed a theme that resonated powerfully with the room - hope, fight, endurance, strategy, collaboration, and organizing.

Council Member Mary Lou Carolan spoke on hope, drawing from her own experience on the campaign trail: "In a race many people said was hopeless, we had to change people's minds... provide new perspectives and provide hope that things could change if people came out to vote - and they did!" She also offered a memorable line from an Alice Walker poem: "Hope is a woman who has lost her fear," capturing the spirit of the morning.

Council Member Mary McLymore spoke on endurance, rallying the room with energy and conviction: "Endurance means being hard, courageous, focused, and continuing to stay in the race. We have a long hill to climb, but seeing everyone in these seats, we are ready to get through it!"

County Legislator Genesis Ramos delivered a passionate call to fight with purpose: "We need to understand what we are fighting against, but more importantly, what and who we are fighting for. There is always something to fight for - you must stand for something. Never lose sight of what you are fighting for."

County Legislator Virginia Scott emphasized collaboration across boundaries: "We can't do it alone. As someone representing multiple towns, collaboration across teams was crucial. We need to be supporting each other and collaborating to keep progress moving."

County Legislator Stephen Hunter spoke on strategy, tying the morning's themes together: "Strategy is what brings all these parts together for success - We need all of you behind the scenes to make progress happen. The energy in the room is a testament to what's changing in Newburgh."

Speakers encouraged attendees to stay engaged, collaborate across generations and parties, and continue organizing in their communities.

Building the Next Generation of Leaders

The committee offered free admission to young women ages 15–25 who attended with a ticket holder - whether a daughter, granddaughter, niece, or neighbor - reflecting a commitment to mentorship and ensuring young women see themselves in leadership.

About the Town of Newburgh Democratic Committee

The Town of Newburgh Democratic Committee works to elect Democratic candidates, engage voters, and build community across the Town of Newburgh. For more information, visit newburghdems.org or email newburghjanet@gmail.com.