Lily Fremaux may only be a college freshman, but she's already considering running for public office. 

She was among the hundreds to attend a conference aimed at training and inspiring the next generation of political leaders.

"I'm someone who is really passionate about social issues, and the people who run for office, I don't stereotypically fit the mold, but I think there's just more women who need to run," she said. 

It was all hosted by the non-profit IGNITE at New York University on Saturday.  Among the speakers were Public Advocate Letitia James and founder of the #MeToo movement, Tarana Burke. The hashtag went viral last year, following sexual assault allegations against multiple high-profile men, encouraging women to speak up if they have been sexually harassed. 

"In this administration, in this time, it's a really important message to know, that they have the power to affect change," said Burke. 

Organizers say since President Donald Trump took office, a record number of female candidates plan to run for office in 2018.

According to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, at least 50 women are planning to run for the U.S. Senate and about 400 women for the House.

Leaders at IGNITE say their role is to keep that momentum going and give women the tools they need to win. 

"All we really need to do is make that connection, if you want to fix gun violence or address homelessness or fix gun violence, or address immigration, the best way to do that is to create policy and legislation," said IGNITE Founder & President Dr. Anne Moses. 

If you missed the event, it's not too late to get involved in the conversation. Organizers are encouraging you to share your opinion, using the hashtag #YoungWomenRunNY.