Lifelong Capital District Resident,
Public Defender, and Common Council Member
Meet Gabriella
Gabriella A. Romero is an Albany public defender recently elected to represent Albany’s 6th Common Council Ward. As the City of Albany battles unprecedented challenges in public health, schooling, housing, policing, and accessibility, combined with the collapse of so many small businesses, our city cannot afford timid steps or weak leadership. With a career dedicated to strong advocacy and strategic collaboration as an attorney in an adversarial system, Gabriella is well prepared and continues to stand up for progressive reforms.
Albany Public Defender
Gabriella is currently employed at the Albany County Public Defender's Office as a trial attorney and local court advocate. Gabriella represents people who do not have the resources to defend themselves against a system that criminalizes poverty, mental health, and addiction. Every day as a public defender, she works closely with clients to build stability and prevent recidivism.
Voice of The People
Gabriella has always been an advocate. The political and social unrest of the past summer invigorated Gabriella to get more involved in her community and to find avenues to engage others. While this engagement started as casual inquiries to local businesses and youth/cultural leaders, Gabriella quickly found herself uplifted by support and brimming with ideas to enrich her neighborhood. In addition to the large, pressing issues such as the reformation of our public safety institutions and increased accessibility in city infrastructure, many 6th warders brought up small modifications they wanted to suggest for the 6th ward. "I know this is a little thing, but..." was a common statement. Gabriella believes the voice of every neighbor should be heard, especially in local politics, and provides increased opportunities to hold local forums on everyday issues.
Albany Childhood
Born to Puerto Rican parents, both lifelong, unionized state workers, Gabriella is intimately familiar with the struggles of hard-working families. Gabriella's strongly matriarchal upbringing raised her to believe that there was no higher calling than public service and to never let anyone stand in the way of achieving her ambitions. For Gabriella, this is about the people, the neighborhood, and the family that is the 6th ward.