Albany, NY – Broome County resident Josephine Burrell was honored at the State Capital as part of the NYS Legislative Women’s Caucus “Women’s History Month” activity. This year’s theme had members choose a woman from their community who played an influential role in their lives. Assemblywoman Lupardo chose Ms. Burrell for the recognition. A display was up in the Well of the Legislative Office Building during the month of March, where each woman’s photo was on display. Because Ms. Burrell was unable to travel to Albany for the official luncheon, she was recognized at a local restaurant surrounded by friends. She was presented with the placard that was on display.

Josephine Burrell is a long-time resident of Broome County. A graduate of Binghamton University, she is a well-known community advocate with a long history of accomplishments. Josephine worked on the City of Binghamton’s first Affirmative Action Program, helped organized Broome County's first National Night Out Against Crime, and was an essential part of Broome’s Anti-Poverty Initiative, championing home ownership through the Tiny Homes Community concept. A graduate of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier’s Speakers Bureau, Josephine was also featured in a WSKG documentary about poverty. She ran for Mayor of the City of Binghamton twice, and for City Council once.

Assemblywoman Lupardo said, “I chose Ms. Josephine because of the positive influence she has had on my personal and professional development. We first met when she took a course I was teaching at Binghamton University. After that, it was Josephine who taught me about what life was like for those living in poverty in our community. Her lessons have helped me be a better public servant and community advocate. Her focus on housing, and on home ownership in particular, has inspired me to work on this area. Her insistence that “essential workers” deserve better, always stays with me.”