Rep. Ritchie Torres Hosts Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi for Women’s History Month Event Recognizing Women in Public Service

BRONX, NY — On Sunday, Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) hosted Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-11) in the Bronx for a Women’s History Month fireside chat that brought together local leaders and residents from across the borough for a discussion about leadership at the highest levels of government. The evening focused on Speaker Pelosi’s tenure as Speaker of the House and her journey to breaking one of the highest glass ceilings in American politics Photos from the event are attached.

The conversation covered Speaker Pelosi’s path to Congress, including her decision to run at age 47 after raising five children and her rise to the speakership. It focused on what it takes to lead a closely divided House of Representatives, where margins are tight and every vote matters. Speaker Pelosi discussed the realities of building support for major legislation and managing negotiations that can shift by the hour. She also spoke about maintaining caucus unity under pressure. 

“Speaker Pelosi’s leadership of House Democrats marked a historic and consequential moment in the history of this nation,” said Rep. Torres. “As the first woman to serve as Speaker, she assumed a role no woman had previously held and did so with the authority and command of the institution. She led through closely divided majorities and significant legislative fights, such as the painstaking negotiations over the Affordable Care Act. She secured votes when the margin for error was slim and moved legislation during moments of national consequence. Her tenure set a new precedent for leadership in the House, and she will be remembered for the immense good she delivered for the American people.”

The program also included recognition of Bronx women whose careers reflect long-term public service.

Randi Martos, a lifelong Bronxite who grew up in Riverdale and attended local public schools, was honored for decades of civic and political leadership. She served as Female Democratic District Leader for the 81st Assembly District from 2006 to 2022 and held senior roles in state government overseeing legislative and district operations. She helped lead the effort that resulted in the creation of The Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy and later became the longest-serving Parents Association President in the school’s history. 

Miguelina Camilo was recognized for a legal and public service career rooted in the Bronx and the Dominican community. The first in her family to graduate from college and become a lawyer, she has held senior positions in city and state government. Those roles include serving as Counsel to the Speaker of the New York State Assembly and as a New York City Board of Elections Commissioner. She currently serves as Chief of Staff to the New York City Council Speaker, becoming the first woman and first Latina to hold that position.

Simone A. Jones was honored for her leadership in city government and political strategy. She currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Equity Officer to the New York City Council Speaker, where she supports legislative operations and governance. Earlier in her career, she served as Chief of Staff and Land Use Director to a Bronx City Council Member and has advised elected officials across New York. 

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