NOW-NYC, along with 21 in 21 and Eleanor's Legacy, called for the City’s leaders to create a unifying council that will represent the needs of all New Yorkers and stand formally with Councilmember Adrienne Adams and her supporters.

When she is sworn in as the 45th NYPD Commissioner next month, Keechant Sewell will make history as the first woman to ascend to the top job. “The prospect of a woman leading the NYPD brings the opportunity for dynamic positive change,” said Sonia Ossorio, Executive Director of NOW-NYC. “Especially in changing culture and in thinking expansively on how to keep women safe, and that’s by boosting resources, staffing, training, and oversight in the Special Victims Division.”

“We believe with Adrienne Adams as speaker the chances for real reform can happen”

"An all-male top leadership in NYC just isn't acceptable," said Sonia Ossorio, Executive Director of NOW-NYC, which works to advance women's rights, policy, and leadership. "Adrienne is ready to lead and ready to hold her own. She won't be a rubber stamp for the Mayor," Ossorio said. "That balance of power is critical. We urge council members to pledge their support for her."

With a historic 31 member majority of women, and an historic year for gender representation, women’s groups are working with the new majority to empower them to select a woman speaker.