NY1's latest Queens Person of the Week is providing a positive influence to women to prepare them for a better future.  Leisha Majtan introduces us.

Sylvia Cothia says she is the person she is today thanks to the strong women who raised her.

"Having a big family plays a big role. But not just that, not just family, but having female mentors and role models to this day who I still have in my life," said NY1's Queens Person of the Week Sylvia Cothia.

Now she's trying to pass that along to other women who might need positive role models in their lives.

"I really wanted to outreach to others who are lacking in that department, who are actually lacking love and support in the family scope," said Cothia.

Cothia founded "Positive Women United" -- a non-profit organization based in Southeast Queens.

Her mission? To advocate for, mentor, and motivate women across the borough.

Cothia says while women have made great strides, there is still so much to be done.

"I really want to participate and just join in the movement to push forward for the generations ahead," said Cothia.

She's doing that through workshops, seminars, and job readiness programs.

That's something others say is needed in the community.

"Sylvia is such an incredible woman -- she's a leader that has really taken an issue that's so important right now, especially when we look at all the pressures on women and she sees that there needs to be a space to be carved out so that we can share information, stories, and resources," said Rhonda Binda, a board member for Positive Women United.

Cothia says throughout her work with Positive Women United, there's one message she wants to drive home.

"They can feel proud of themselves as young girls, they can feel proud of themselves as women, and they shouldn't be ashamed regardless of their race, their culture, or ethnicity," said Cothia.

And so for leading the way for the next generation of strong women, Sylvia Cothia is our Queens Person of the Week.