Tuesday's elections saw several women voted into leadership positions across the country, some becoming the first ever to hold that office. In Western Connecticut, the city of Norwalk elected a female mayor for just the second time.

Democratic candidate Barbara Smyth won the mayoral office 50 years after the first—and last—woman did. In 1975, history was made by independent Jennie Cave—or Mrs. Cave, as the newspaper headlines often referred to her. Cave's picture hangs in Norwalk City Hall with all the prior leaders, but now, she won't be the only woman on the wall.

"It's a pretty remarkable thing," Smyth told News 12 the day after her election. "I've heard from so many of my former students—young women in particular—who are just really excited and proud to know that they too could do something like this. So, I'm going to take that on, modeling for young women."

Smyth also wanted to acknowledge a small group of women who she had has been with her since she was considering whether to run.

"They encouraged me. And, you know, the campaign was tough at times, and they were always there for me," Smyth stated. "Women, when we work together, we get things done."

Smyth said she believes her past put her on a path to get to this point, beginning as a child. She was raised in a coal-mining town in Western Pennsylvania and said her dad taught her the importance of public service at a young age.

"He always worked to give to his community," Smyth explained. "He never ran for public office, but he was a really good fundraiser. He fundraised to add an addition to the hospital to really help our community. Growing up, when unemployment was so high and the mines were closing, the steel mills were closing and people were trying to reinvent themselves, my dad was really committed to trying to help with that."

Smyth followed in his footsteps serving the public, first as an English teacher at Ponus Ridge Middle School and then at Norwalk High School. She called her classrooms microcosms of the city.

"I was working with families from every background that you can imagine, many cultures, many different languages spoken and coming from all different socio-economic backgrounds," she stated.

Smyth said she believes that experience will prove crucial, along with her eight years on the Common Council, where she learned the inner workings of the city and built critical relationships with department heads.

"I know I'm ready for this, and I know what I'm getting myself into," Smyth told News 12, also pointing to her background in communications. Before becoming a teacher, Smyth was a radio host.

But she said there's something else she brings to the job as a woman: compassion.

"I lead with my heart and that is why I think that I'll be a good mayor," Smyth stated.

Smyth was one of four candidates on the ballot for mayor and received almost 55% of the vote, with the closest competitors getting just over 37%.

With the race over, she's focused on making strides with those residents who didn't vote for her.

"I want to make sure that I'm a mayor for all of Norwalk," Smyth explained, "so, one of the things I feel really strongly about is finding what unites us and working together, so that we can be the best Norwalk we can be."

Development is one of the issues that has fractured residents. A lot of people who've lived in Norwalk their whole lives worry the city is changing too much, while newer, young professionals who've have embraced the growth, according to Smyth.

"Norwalk was two towns that formed into one city, and so we have so many different parts of our city. We need to make sure we don't lose the cultural historic feel of them and continue growing in a responsible way," Smyth said. "So, let's all sit down together. Let's have these conversations where we really start to listen to each other, respect each other's differences and work together."

Smyth has the backing of current mayor, Harry Rilling, who's retiring after 12 years in office.

"You won't need it, but I'm just a telephone call away," Rilling said, giving Smyth a hug on election night.

"I really thank Harry Rilling for his service to the city. I think about where we were before he came into office and how far we've come. We're financially sound. We're growing. We want to grow responsibly. He professionalized city hall, so I have great respect for the work that he has done," Smyth said. "I do intend for a fresh start, though. I'm not Harry. I'm Barbara, and I have some new ideas for Norwalk."

Smyth has already said she intends to chair the Board of Education, as some prior mayors have, with the goal of helping what's been an especially fractious school budget process in recently.

"I think that's something I'd really like to reestablish, so that we can collaborate, talk about agendas that are very student focused and make sure that our students are getting the services and education that they deserve, and our teachers and staff are getting the supports that they need."

During Smyth's victory speech on election night, she said additional priorities include improving Norwalk's infrastructure and keeping the city affordable for everyone.