Upstate New York just made history — and it’s about time. Dr. Dorcey Applyrs in Albany and Sharon Owens in Syracuse are about to become the first Black women to ever hold the mayor’s office in their cities, marking a new era of representation and leadership. Both women bring an abundance of knowledge and expertise in public service, further cementing their influence on local politics and their unwavering commitment to uplifting the community.
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Let’s take a closer look at these trailblazing women, their journeys, and the bold leadership tactics that got them to their historic positions.
Who is Dr. Dorcey Applyrs?
Dr. Dorcey Applyrs’ rise to Albany’s top office is the result of years spent building trust, advocating for equity, and holding power accountable. Before her mayoral run, Applyrs served as Albany’s Chief City Auditor, per Dorcey for Mayor, earning respect for her transparency, fiscal discipline, and commitment to fairness in city government. Her background in public health and time on the Albany Common Council give her a people-first perspective — one rooted in community, service, and the belief that progress starts with inclusion.
It seems folks are on board, as more than 52 percent of voters backed her run, per WAMC.
Applyrs’ Background
Applyrs has spent decades building a career grounded in public service and accountability. She was appointed as Albany’s Chief City Auditor on January 1, 2020, before she served on the Albany Common Council representing the First Ward, elected in 2014 and re‑elected in 2018, per Higher Heights. As Chief Auditor, she launched a racial bias audit of the city police department and introduced a “30 Minute Download” community audit report initiative to increase transparency per Albany, and has emphasized inclusive leadership throughout her career.
“Standing on this stage is a culmination of a dream,” Applyrs stated on winning night, per Spectrum News. “A dream whose seeds were planted so many years ago of people who believed in me. I’m here because others believed, pushed and kept going, even when it was extremely hard,” Applyrs said.
Who is Sharon Owens?
Sharon Owens has been putting in the work long before her name hit the ballot. A lifelong advocate for equity and opportunity, the award-winning politician has spent decades shaping Syracuse from the inside out. As Deputy Mayor under Ben Walsh, Owens helped steer major initiatives around community building and leadership, per Owens of Syracuse. Her focus centers the people who too often get left out of policy conversations, and on the night of her historic win — where voters gladly gave her 73 percent of the vote — she thanked God.
“To God be the glory for the great thing He has done,” Owens said, per Syracuse. “I thank God, I thank God, I thank God!”
Owens’ Background
A Syracuse University graduate, Owens began her public service at the Dunbar Center on the city’s South Side, where she developed her lifelong commitment to community empowerment, per WAER. As deputy mayor, she oversaw departments including police, fire, and neighborhood development, helping to secure a $50 million federal grant to transform East Adams and improve housing access, per Syracuse NY.
With Dr. Dorcey Applyrs and Sharon Owens stepping into history, Upstate New York is witnessing a new chapter of leadership — one defined by vision, resilience, and community-first action.
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