By Edwin Freeman for Black Star News
Photos: Edwin Freeman
As Women’s History Month spotlights female leadership and achievement, Queens City Council candidate Latoya LeGrand is positioning herself as a strong advocate for women’s rights and economic empowerment in her bid to represent District 28 in the June 2025 election. The Southeast Queens native has unveiled an ambitious agenda focused on expanding opportunities and support systems for women across the district.
“During Women’s History Month, we reflect on the trailblazers who paved the way for women in politics and public service,” LeGrand stated during a recent community forum in Richmond Hill. “Every woman in District 28 deserves access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. From working mothers to female entrepreneurs, we must ensure our policies reflect the diverse needs of women in our community.”
LeGrand’s proposed “Women Forward” initiative outlines several key priorities. Chief among them is the establishment of a Women’s Business Center in Southeast Queens, which would provide mentorship, technical assistance, and micro-loans to female entrepreneurs. The center would partner with local chambers of commerce and existing business development organizations to create networking opportunities and skills training programs.
Childcare accessibility stands as another cornerstone of LeGrand’s platform. Her plan calls for expanding after-school programs in District 28 schools and working with the city to increase the number of licensed family daycare providers in the area. “Affordable, quality childcare isn’t just a women’s issue – it’s a family issue and an economic issue,” LeGrand emphasized.
The candidate has also pledged to advocate for increased funding for domestic violence prevention programs and to work with local healthcare providers to improve maternal health outcomes in Southeast Queens. Her platform includes supporting the expansion of mobile healthcare units and prenatal care services throughout the district.
Community leaders have taken notice of LeGrand’s focus on women’s issues. “During Women’s History Month, we’re reminded of how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go,” said Patricia Washington, president of the Southeast Queens Women’s Coalition. “We need representatives who understand the challenges women face in our community. LeGrand’s proposals show she’s serious about addressing these long-standing concerns.”
If elected, LeGrand would join a City Council that has seen an increasing number of women in its ranks, continuing the legacy of female pioneers in New York City politics. Her campaign team emphasizes that her platform builds on existing initiatives while addressing gaps in current services for women in District 28.
“This Women’s History Month reminds us that progress comes through action,” LeGrand noted. “It’s about creating sustainable, community-driven solutions that will benefit generations of women to come.”
The Democratic primary for District 28 is scheduled for June 2025, with the general election to follow in November. LeGrand faces several other candidates in what is expected to be a closely watched race for this Southeast Queens seat.
For more information about LeGrand’s campaign and women’s initiatives, voters can visit her campaign website or attend upcoming community forums throughout District 28, including special Women’s History Month events scheduled throughout March.
