Against the Odds: A Mother’s Path from Fellowship to Power
This monthly series celebrates the journeys of women who have taken their fellowship experience beyond the program. Each feature highlights a past or present fellow of the Center for Women in Government and Civil Society who is driving change and shaping her community. From emerging voices to established leaders, these women embody the spirit of purpose-driven leadership. Their stories inspire, empower, and reminds us what’s possible when women lead boldly.
Hollyanne Lupi is adamant that being a young mother should never be a disincentive to pursuing one’s dreams. Whether single, partnered, or navigating life on the outskirts of traditional expectations, she firmly believes that motherhood, especially young motherhood, should not deter anyone from chasing their ambitions.
A former Center for Women in Government Fellow and current member of the organization’s Board of Directors, Lupi is a passionate advocate for women’s rights and for increasing women's representation in government. Reflecting on her fellowship—a formative experience in her journey—she shares how people often react with surprise when they learn about her background.
“People are always surprised when I tell them how old my son is – I was a young mom and faced many challenges throughout my journey. I share my story when it is helpful or relevant to motivate other women who come from the same background. I want to tell as many as I can – you belong in government. You belong in politics. Your voice and your work are important because you are doing them. Overcoming real-world challenges is only an asset when confronting real-world issues. It took me too long before I finally truly trusted that, and now it benefits me every single day.”
From Advocacy to Action: Building a Political Career
In addition to her role in Senator Ryan’s office, Lupi has played an active part in electoral politics, most recently serving as Campaign Manager for State Senator James Skoufis, who represents Orange County. She is also the Chair of the Innovation Council for Eleanor’s Legacy, the junior board that mobilizes support for pro-choice Democratic candidates across New York, and she sits on the Endorsement Committee for Capital Women Political Action Committee.
A Rocky Start That Changed Everything
Her fellowship with the Center for Women in Government was not without its early setbacks. Initially placed in a position that wasn’t the right fit, Lupi recalls how the Director of the Center, Dina Refki, stepped in to advocate for her and secured a new placement. She has expressed her gratitude to Refki for her assistance.
“My first placement wasn’t the right fit. Dina Refki, Director of the Center, advocated for me and found me a new placement quickly in the Senate in the Office of Lea Webb, chair of Women’s Issues. I had an amazing experience, was immediately welcomed, and learned an incredible amount.”
From the Classroom to the Capitol
Throughout her fellowship, and beyond, Lupi remained committed to advancing women’s rights—both in advocacy and legislative action. Drawing from her studies in Reproductive Justice and abortion rights while pursuing her MPA at Rockefeller University, she authored a bill during her fellowship that would later be introduced and passed into law.
“My focus at Rockefeller College during my MPA was on Reproductive Justice and abortion rights. At the end of my fellowship, I wrote a bill for the office that was introduced in the following session, which worked to establish birthing standards in New York. It was a full circle experience, and I cried both when it passed the Senate and when it was signed into law.”
Learning Through Setbacks
Her steps forward came with their challenges. She remembers one particularly difficult moment just after her fellowship ended:
“I had a really bad job interview with a prominent member’s office after I just left the fellowship. It was like I had forgotten how to have a job interview. I was embarrassed because I knew I had done poorly and felt like a complete sham.”
Rather than allowing that experience to define her, Lupi forged ahead, applying for an opening in Senate Intergovernmental Affairs—a position she now views as transformational.
“It was transformative and gave me experience working with members and addressing issues across the state. It gave me a broad understanding of New York’s idiosyncrasies and conference dynamics that have made me a better Chief. The other job wouldn’t have done that.”
Delivering Results and Driving Change
Since then, Lupi’s professional arc has been nothing short of remarkable. She has served as Chief of Staff to a freshman Senator, building a strong team, passing 31 out of 67 bills, and securing over $1 billion in funding for the 50th Senate District. As Campaign Manager, she helped turn a razor-thin margin in the 42nd District into a +14 victory during a low-turnout election year.
“It’s been quite a year.”
Politics Across the Divide
When asked why her work matters now more than ever, Lupi speaks with conviction.
“My time in the Senate has been spent exclusively serving Democrats who represent just as many, if not more, Republicans than Democrats or Independents. Having constituencies with such varying beliefs and perspectives on how our state and country have to change is always challenging; however, the current political climate has only exacerbated that reality.
Right now, our media and social media create self-enforcing realities that serve only to separate us. It is more important than ever to be bridge builders and to stay connected in our communities – regardless of our political perspectives. That is what we do in our office, and we take the responsibility seriously. I am immensely proud to be able to do this work and have difficult conversations around really serious issues, even if we have differing perspectives. It is important to show up, to listen, and to try to work together where you can.”
The Power of Mentorship
Reflecting on the pivotal moments from her fellowship, Lupi emphasizes the power of mentorship and connection:
“My mentor (Karen Carpenter-Palumbo) told me to give her a list of names of people I wanted to meet, and she would help me connect with them. Having the opportunity to connect with leaders in government and ask them about their journey and experiences, and to seek their advice was incredibly insightful and rewarding. I now offer it when I mentor and have found it to be just as rewarding and beneficial for my mentees. I hope they pass it on too.”
A Foundation for the Future
The fellowship, she says, offered not only professional opportunities but also helped reshape her mindset and solidify her sense of purpose.
“The fellowship gave me an opportunity to see into the lives and experiences of so many women. Sister-fellows, classmates, government leaders, lobbyists, advocates, non-profit and community leaders, who generously and openly shared with us their work and their journeys. Those stories greatly helped me have confidence in my ability and the purpose of my work. To date, gathering with sister-fellows, Board Members, and new fellows reminds me of the collective strength of us all. It helps give me hope and reminds me we have done hard things, we can do hard things, and we will keep going no matter what.”
“The fellowship provided me with a bedrock of knowledge, experience, mentoring and connections that directly contributed to my success in the Senate and my ability to weave my previous professional experience into public sector work with ease. I have no doubt that without the fellowship, I would not have been able to build the relationships that I did and have the opportunity to access decades of institutional knowledge at the very beginning of my public career.”
To Future Changemakers
To anyone considering applying for the program, she strongly encourages them. She also leaves this final message to future changemakers.
“Remember, you can do hard things. Give back. Get involved. We need people to come together and communities to support one another now more than ever. Every bit counts and makes a difference.”