Meet Emerita

Emerita is running for State Committeewoman in Assembly District 85. She is a Bronx native, strong community advocate, public servant, and former U.S. diplomat.

Raised in the Soundview section of the Bronx by her working-class parents, Emerita first developed her spirit of service through her church, where she volunteered in senior citizen centers and nursing homes in the Bronx with her youth group and Godparents. 

Following her undergraduate studies at New York University (NYU), Emerita went on to pursue a Master's degree in public policy at Harvard Kennedy School, where she specialized in political and economic development, and leadership. She served as co-editor in chief of the Harvard Journal of Hispanic Policy. As an immigrant rights activist in college and graduate school, Emerita helped train and empower undocumented immigrants to build power through community organizing. 

As a diplomat, Emerita served the most vulnerable communities, including to right the systems that wrongly perpetuate poverty and discrimination around the world. Emerita was a fierce advocate for the U.S. government’s engagement with and aid for Afro-descendants, indigenous communities, and the labor movement in Colombia.

Recently, Emerita, alongside a group of Bronx activists, organizers, and neighbors, decided to raise funds for Bronx community members to support their high need for food assistance during the coronavirus pandemic. As one of the founders of the East Bronx Democrats, Emerita helped to raise over $20,000 and has provided grocery gift cards to over 100 families across the Bronx, and she continues to do this work today.

Additionally, Emerita is an alum of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, an Associate Board Member of WHEDco in the South Bronx, and was recently a fellow of the Five Borough Fellowship program with The Arena. Emerita has organized walks and runs for students of color in the Bronx to promote their health and wellness. Emerita is also a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 

As your next State Committeewoman, Emerita will fight for a democratic party in the Bronx that is active, inclusive, and transparent. Emerita will also work tirelessly on issues such as affordable housing, creating new jobs, addressing inequality, and promoting economic development. Emerita believes the Bronx is reaching a turning point; now is the time to shepherd in dynamic leadership in the Bronx.