VESTAL, N.Y. (WBNG) — Two of New York\u2019s top state leaders broke barriers in male-dominated fields and say the work isn\u2019t done.<\/p>\n
In 2019, Marie Dominguez made history, becoming the first woman to lead New York\u2019s Department of Transportation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I walked into many meetings, I was the only woman in the room,\u201d Dominguez said.<\/p>\n
Dominguez said she had strong female role models as she climbed the ranks. Now, in 2026, she said that the push is still going.<\/p>\n
\u201cNew York has always been a leader in advocating for women, for women\u2019s suffrage, to get the right to vote,\u201d Dominguez said. \u201cAnd we\u2019ve got great leaders here in the state of New York who\u2019ve literally led the way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Janette Moy, commissioner of the New York Office of General Services, said leaders like Gov. Kathy Hochul have changed the dynamic.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd I\u2019m so privileged to be in a place where I\u2019m not always the only woman in the room,\u201d Moy said. \u201cAnd that has been a really great part of being commissioner today.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Moy, it\u2019s personal. She wants her daughters to see women leaders as inspiration.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey get to see their mom doing great work that contributes to New York, whether it\u2019s 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,\u201d Moy said.<\/p>\n
Their advice for women looking to follow in their footsteps: Pursue your passion and be bold.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re really interested in something and you want to pursue your passion, put your all into it,\u201d Dominguez said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBe bold, right?\u201d Moy said. \u201cWhen you\u2019re sitting at the table, there\u2019s so much that you can contribute. Don\u2019t shirk away from who you are and what you can contribute.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both women said the door is open, and it\u2019s up to the next generation to walk through it. <\/p>\n
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