VESTAL, N.Y. (WBNG) — Two of New York’s top state leaders broke barriers in male-dominated fields and say the work isn’t done.
In 2019, Marie Dominguez made history, becoming the first woman to lead New York’s Department of Transportation.
“When I walked into many meetings, I was the only woman in the room,” Dominguez said.
Dominguez said she had strong female role models as she climbed the ranks. Now, in 2026, she said that the push is still going.
“New York has always been a leader in advocating for women, for women’s suffrage, to get the right to vote,” Dominguez said. “And we’ve got great leaders here in the state of New York who’ve literally led the way.”
Janette Moy, commissioner of the New York Office of General Services, said leaders like Gov. Kathy Hochul have changed the dynamic.
“And I’m so privileged to be in a place where I’m not always the only woman in the room,” Moy said. “And that has been a really great part of being commissioner today.”
For Moy, it’s personal. She wants her daughters to see women leaders as inspiration.
“They get to see their mom doing great work that contributes to New York, whether it’s building buildings like this one, or helping to make sure that the state is a better place to live and serve and to be in this community,” Moy said.
Their advice for women looking to follow in their footsteps: Pursue your passion and be bold.
“If you’re really interested in something and you want to pursue your passion, put your all into it,” Dominguez said.
“Be bold, right?” Moy said. “When you’re sitting at the table, there’s so much that you can contribute. Don’t shirk away from who you are and what you can contribute.”
Both women said the door is open, and it’s up to the next generation to walk through it.
Copyright 2026 WBNG. All rights reserved.