Emiljana Ulaj was elected to the Westchester County Board of Legislators in November 2023 and was sworn into office in January 2024 representing the 9th District.

District 9 includes the Towns of Cortlandt and Ossining, and the Villages of Briarcliff, Buchanan, Croton, and Ossining.

Emiljana Ulaj and her family fled Albania in 1997 in the midst of a civil war. After nearly a year spent as refugees, the family emigrated to the United States where they were granted asylum. The family settled in Northern Westchester, and Emiljana’s parents worked multiple jobs to ensure a stable family life. Emiljana’s father was lucky to find a union job at a local public school, represented by the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), that provided health insurance for the whole family and the financial security for the children to go to college and pursue fulfilling careers.

Seizing on this opportunity, Emiljana began a career focused on public service. Today, Emiljana works as a union organizer for the very same union, NYSUT, that gave her family so much. Having worked as a hands-on public advocate, staff member for the New York State Senate, and now as a union organizer, Emiljana is ready to pay forward the opportunities afforded to her by advocating for others on the County Board of Legislators.

Emiljana is a graduate of John Jay High School in Cross River and Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson. Her work history includes serving as Director of Communications & Strategic Planning for State Senator Shelley B. Mayer, Communications Specialist for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 32BJ, and Regional Political Organizer for NYSUT. Emiljana was also elected to the New York State Democratic Party State Committee for Assembly District 95.

Emiljana plans to focus on the areas of affordability, sustainability, and increasing civic engagement.