Broome Women Lead, a new group aiming to empower and inspire women in the community, kicked off its inaugural meeting Thursday afternoon in Binghamton.

“This support system here can change an entire community.” - Jennifer Conway, President & CEO of Binghamton Chamber of Commerce

Over 200 women in different industries, age groups, and political parties came together for the group’s first-ever luncheon, welcoming various speakers and enjoying food from local, women-owned businesses.

“This is really just about strengthening one another, connecting, lifting up, supporting one another, and giving each other the tools and resources and knowledge that we have and sharing it.”

President and CEO of the Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, Jennifer Conway, said the group is important because Broome County needs more women leaders.

“In this room is a representation of women of all types, religious beliefs, political beliefs, societal beliefs, goals, what they do for a living, and it’s about not dividing but connecting and inspiring and learning from one another.”

Co-founders of Broome Women Lead started the group after being inspired by Tioga County’s version.

“Tioga formed a group like this, and we thought it was a good idea for us to bring women together to try to find out how we could help one another play a greater role in the community.” - Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo

Broome Women Lead plans to meet every other month at various times to make sure every member can attend.

“There’s a need for more women to be at the table where decisions are being made, and policies are being discovered, and we want to play a greater role in the community.”

For more information on the group, visit their Facebook page here.