The Business Council of Westchester honored Hillary Clinton in Rye Brook Monday night for her global leadership on human rights.

"This is a person that has made such a difference in the world, and we are so fortunate to have her here in New York and in the Hudson Valley," said Marsha Gordon, the council's president and chief executive.

More than 900 people packed the Hilton there to hear the former secretary of state speak at the council's annual fall dinner.

"I come to you tonight with great hope and optimism, and yes, confidence, that America's best days are ahead of us," she told the gathering.

Clinton, who lives in Chappaqua, also warned of ongoing Russian attempts to turn Americans against one another.

"There is so much we can do together, but it requires us working together," she said.

Micailah Lockhart is a Pace University student who kicked off the dinner by singing the national anthem.

"Hillary Clinton is one of my heroes," she said. "It takes me away from the negativity that I may be facing, and she just makes me want to get up and get another day."