(PUEBLO, Colo.) — After Mayor Nick Gradisar was sworn in back in 2019 and became the first mayor since 1911, Pueblo saw a water shed moment in its history. Then, on Thursday, Feb. 1, it hit another milestone.

“What’s most significant, in my opinion, is this is Pueblo’s first woman to lead our great city as a mayor,” said Mark Aliff, president of Pueblo City Council.

Heather Graham took the oath as Pueblo’s second mayor in over a century. Now, she says she is excited to be a role model for young women in her community.

“This isn’t just about me,” Graham said. “This is about the city. And it’s about young women and the next generation coming up.”

She has already inspired one young woman in the audience, Ty Trujillo.

“I was so excited… to see her get sworn in,” Trujillo said. “It was so surreal to see a woman up there doing that.”

Trujillo met Graham while on the campaign trail.

“Saturday night, it hit me when this young lady came up and, you know, tapped on my shoulder and asked if she could have a picture with the new ‘Miss mayor’,” Graham said.

It’s a picture that the 11-year-old now keeps in the back of her phone case.

“Heather’s really inspired me so I’m kind of considering being mayor now,” Trujillo said.

Along with being a voice for women, the new mayor said she is ready to act on the promises she made during her election.

“I promise to fulfill my duties with integrity and dedication,” Graham said during her speech. “It is my privilege to serve the people, and I will do in the best of my ability.”

A few of those priorities include fixing the roadways, tackling homelessness and improving public safety.

“We’re down 60 officers right now. So, we have some ordinances coming forward that will allow us to do lateral hires and expedite the process with the application to be a police officer,” she said.

She also announced her new deputy mayor, Police Chief Chris Noeller, who already has experience keeping the city safe.

Graham said she is also starting an initiative called “100 days, 100 people,” where she is inviting locals to reach out to her and schedule a time to talk one-on-one and hear their concerns and ideas on how to make the community a better place.

Looking ahead, Graham said she is ready to put in the work.

“It is an honor to serve you as mayor, and it is the role that I will take very seriously. Together today, we build a city that is inclusive, innovative, resilient. We are Pueblo, and we will work hard to make us all proud.”