Meet Emérita Torres:
A Champion for the Bronx
Emerita Torres proudly represents the 85th Assembly District in the South Bronx, bringing more than 20 years of experience in public policy, diplomacy, and advocacy to Albany. Her career has been defined by a deep commitment to equity, justice, and expanding opportunity for working families.
In her first year in office, Emerita quickly established herself as a strong, effective advocate for historically underserved communities. She advanced legislation focused on housing stability, consumer protection, immigrant rights, environmental justice, and equitable economic development, while also securing funding for community-based organizations, youth programs, and small businesses across the district. Emerita has played an active role in budget negotiations and joined key caucuses and coalitions to fight for affordability, community-based public safety, and access to quality education and healthcare.
Before taking office, Emerita helped expand transit affordability through the half-price MetroCard program, reformed rental assistance, and strengthened tenants’ and homeowners’ rights for low-income New Yorkers. She also co-led national efforts on the true cost of living crisis. Additionally, Emerita served as Vice President of Policy, Research, and Advocacy at the Community Service Society of New York, where she led data-driven research and advocacy to expand economic opportunity for low-income New Yorkers, with a focus on housing, transit, youth mobility, and economic security.
Earlier in her career, Emerita spent a decade at the U.S. State Department, working on issues ranging from labor rights and climate change to peace mediation and women’s rights. Her diplomatic service included tours in Brazil, Pakistan, Colombia, Washington, DC, and the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, earning her three Meritorious Honor Awards and a Superior Honor Award. She later served as Director of Policy Research and Programs at The Soufan Center, focusing on global security and foreign policy challenges.
Emerita holds a B.A. from New York University and a Master’s in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. She is a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations, an alumna of the International Women’s Forum Fellowship, and has been recognized by New America as a Latinx national security and foreign policy leader. She has also served as a Board Member of WHEDco and as a two-term State Committee Member for the 85th Assembly District.
A proud Bronxite of Puerto Rican heritage, Emerita lives in Soundview, where she is raising her family and remains deeply committed to fighting for the community she calls home.