NYS Senator Shelley B. Mayer ’79

Shelley Mayer with an American flag in the background.

Sen. Shelley B. Mayer ’79 is a Democratic New York State Senate member representing the 37th Senate District. She is chair of the Committee on Education. Before her Senate election in 2018 and three subsequent re-elections, she served in the state Assembly for six years.

About this Interview

Interview Date(s)

March 20, 2023

Occasion

Recipient of the Distinguished Alumna Award for Public Service at the 60th Annual Dinner

Interviewed By

Heather Giambra

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About NYS Senator Shelley B. Mayer

Shelley Mayer grew up near New York City. Her mother and her father, a lawyer active in politics, shaped her values. She attempted to pursue a career as a professional dancer in New York City; however, realizing her passion for politics and law, she changed her mind and earned a political science degree at UCLA in 1975.

Returning to the East Coast, she enjoyed the “diverse and dynamic” atmosphere at UB law school, where she recalls the Blizzard of ’77 and describes her involvement in legal clinics and various other activities. She met her husband, Lee Smith, in law school through their mutual interest in labor law.

In her early years as a practitioner, first at a labor law firm and then in family law, she faced gender discrimination. Consequently, she became the founding president of the first Buffalo chapter of the Women’s Bar Association.

During her career in public service in the Assembly and the New York State Senate, she focused on issues including labor rights, gender discrimination, health care, reproductive rights and education.

Explore the Class of 1979

  • Ann E. Evanko ’79 (Jaeckle Award 2019)
    3/2/26
    Ann E. Evanko ’79, a well-regarded attorney in the Western New York legal community, took on major leadership roles in community service while serving as managing partner of the Buffalo law firm Hurwitz & Fine, P.C. She is a role model and trailblazer for female attorneys, and received the 42 annual Edwin F. Jaeckle Award, the highest honor the School of Law and the Law Alumni Association can bestow.
  • Marilyn Tebor Shaw ’79
    4/4/26
    Marilyn Tebor Shaw ’79, associate judicial administrator of Cornell University, serves in the New York State Bar’s Attorney Emeriti Program in the field of estate planning for the elderly, and serves pro bono on Ithaca’s Board of Zoning Appeals. She has served as legal counsel for the Nomadic Kenyan Children’s Educational Fund.
  • Francis M. Letro ’79 - Jaeckle Award 2012
    3/5/26
    Francis M. Letro ’79, a prominent Buffalo trial attorney, received the 35 Edwin F. Jaeckle Award for enhancing the quality and reputation of the law school through exceptional philanthropic leadership. This award is the highest honor the University at Buffalo School of Law and the UB Law Alumni Association can bestow.
  • Michele A. Brown ’79
    12/6/25
    Michele A. Brown ’79 is a Buffalo family law attorney who advocates for children. She is a former Chief Attorney for the Children’s Legal Center in Buffalo. She is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of attorneys for children.
  • NYS Senator Shelley B. Mayer ’79
    12/1/25
    Sen. Shelley B. Mayer ’79 is a Democratic New York State Senate member representing the 37 Senate District. She is chair of the Committee on Education. Before her Senate election in 2018 and three subsequent re-elections, she served in the state Assembly for six years.
  • Thomas E. Black, Jr ’79 - Jaeckle Award 2011
    12/4/25
    Thomas E. Black Jr. ’79, recipient of the 34th Edwin F. Jaeckle Award, was recognized for his significant contributions and leadership as an exemplary chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council. The Jaeckle Award is the highest honor UB School of Law and the Law Alumni Association can bestow.

Videos Featuring NYS Senator Shelley B. Mayer