Interview with Sabrina LaMar, President of the Monroe County Legislature

What is your passion? 

My passion is to provide a platform for young women to follow their dreams. Oftentimes, women’s voices are ignored, and my intention is to amplify those voices so they can be heard.

Why is it important for young girls to develop leadership skills?

I think leadership skills enable young girls to pursue their goals and also be able to bring out the best in their peers. I also believe that leadership skills build confidence and good relationships, which leads to success.

What 3 women do you admire most personally and professionally?   

So many women have contributed to the woman I am today, personally and professionally. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention:

• My grandmothers, Rose B. LaMar and Hattie P. White, for teaching me how to take care of my village.
• Honorable Shirley Chisholm, who was the first African American woman elected to Congress and the first African American to run for President, for her audacity to be bold.
• Rochester City Council President Emerita Loretta Scott for showing me firsthand what leadership looks like.

Why do you believe this year’s Women’s History Month theme: “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” is important?  

This year’s Women’s History Month theme is important because healing allows you to make better decisions and restores the quality of relationships, and promotes hope links your past and present to your future. Hope can provide a clearer vision to improve the quality of relationships, and it also reduces stress, increases happiness and self-worth, and creates opportunities.

Throughout March, GSWNY will be highlighting more local women making HERstory in the community. Celebrate Women’s History Month with us by sharing the stories of these incredible women who help make the world a better place!