State Senator Gayle Slossberg (D-Milford) visited Lauralton Hall in Milford today to talk to students about the importance of women in government and how her own life path led to a meaningful career in politics.

The Catholic college-preparatory high school for girls held its Career Day this week and invited women from different professions to tell their stories to students as they prepare to graduate and go off to college. Sen. Slossberg spoke to four different classes of young women about her job at the Capitol and in the community.

“It is so important for young women to realize their potential to be leaders in their community and, on a bigger scale, the world,” Sen. Slossberg said. “We need more women in government, crafting smart public policy and passing laws that help those less fortunate. I told the students that life can take you in directions you never imagined.”

Sen. Slossberg continued: “As a young lawyer and then a mother, I never dreamed of running for public office. But I was inspired to stand up for people in my community and eventually my passion for wanting to help others led me to take a daring leap into the world of politics. I never looked back and I never regretted my decision. There is no more noble profession than one that lets you help other people and make your community, your state and your world a better place. I am confident that these young women are future leaders who will make truly positive impacts on the lives they touch”

Many of the young women expressed interest in careers in politics or law and the students came prepared with thoughtful questions for the senator about her job.

Sen. Slossberg represents the 14th District communities of Milford, Orange and West Haven in the Connecticut Senate. First elected in 2004, Sen. Slossberg was reelected in 2008 for her third term as the state senator representing Milford, Orange, and the southern half of West Haven.

As Senate chair of the Government Administration & Elections Committee, Sen. Slossberg has been a strong voice for transparent and ethical state and municipal government and was the driving force behind comprehensive contracting reform in the State of Connecticut. She also serves as vice chair of the Select Committee on Veterans' Affairs and as vice-chair of the Public Health Committee. Currently, Sen. Slossberg is working to pass important election reform legislation that would increase voter participation by allowing online and Election Day voter registration as well as no-excuse absentee ballot voting.

Throughout her career in the Senate, Slossberg has fought for and won passage of legislation to eradicate childhood lead poisoning. As past Senate Chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee, Sen. Slossberg championed the most comprehensive veterans’ benefits package since WWII, which included the state’s Military Family Relief Fund.

Sen. Slossberg received her Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University in 1987 and her law degree from New York University Law School in 1990. Sen. Slossberg grew up in Massachusetts and spent many years working and managing a family business that was started by her grandfather. She lives in Milford with her husband, David, and their three children.

Information was submitted by Slossberg's office