By DIANE S. WILLIAMS

Women are shattering glass ceilings in all fields, proving they can do jobs that were previously only offered to men.

In politics, Kamala Harris is the first female Vice President of the United States. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James are the first women to serve in their respective roles, but certainly won’t be the last. The New York City Council added a historic number of women to its ranks for the City’s first-ever majority female Council with Speaker Adrienne Adams as its helm.

For decades, Lillian Roberts helped organize New York City municipal workers into DC 37 and served as the union’s executive director from 2002 to 2014. DC 37 currently has the Lillian Roberts Women’s Leadership Academy that trains future labor leaders. The union has more women serving as local presidents, executive board members, and managers than ever, including Associate Directors Jahmila Edwards and Rose Miller in two of the top positions.

In March, Women’s History Month, DC 37 celebrates women in nontraditional jobs, and features four members who have broken barriers at work. Their stories tell the paths they cut and invite future generations of women to join the expanded choice of career opportunities in public service.

WENDY RAMRATAN, PhD, NYPD City Research
Scientist, Local 3778
“I am a research scientist at the NYPD where I’ve worked for two years. I use data to help identify trends and risks, and leverage my findings to help improve policing citywide.

“I have a doctorate degree in psychology with a background in statistical analysis. I always have questions and the best way to get answers is to observe and use the data collected to answer those questions.

“As a minority woman, I find it’s sometimes very difficult for your voice to be heard and you have to work doubly hard to stand out in male dominated fields and showcase your work.

“Being part of a union has given me back up. Knowing I have a union and people who support me builds my confidence. I know the union will help me fight to be treated fairly and achieve the goals I have set for myself in my career.”