Major/Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Minor: Counseling
Program: ¡Adelante!
Hometown: Bronx, New York
Career Aspiration: NYPD Police Commissioner

“Creating the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau’s English as a Second Language Tutoring Program was so important to me because it makes a huge difference in the Latinx community. By helping people to improve their English, we’re giving them the tools they need to thrive. It also bridges the gap between the community and police, and helps the growing migrant population in the city. According to Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell ’99, it’s one of the most meaningful forms of community policing. It’s my hope one day to follow in her footsteps. I want to become the first Latinx and openly gay NYPD Police Commissioner.”

What inspired you to join the NYPD?
My mom was a single mother who went back to school, earned her degree in criminal justice, became an officer with the department and worked her way up to lieutenant. The NYPD changed her life for the better, and seeing her achieve her goals inspired me to become a police officer. I joined the NYPD Explorers Program when I was younger and now I’m a police cadet and project manager for the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau.

Why John Jay?
The large Latinx community at the College really made it appealing to me. John Jay is a place where students are encouraged to make a difference, speak up when they see an injustice, and advocate for others. I knew that by coming here, I could join a program like ¡Adelante!, work with students who are Dreamers, and uplift communities.

What impact has the NYPD ESL program had?
This program is making a real difference. One of my favorite examples of the program’s success is a man who came from the Dominican Republic. In DR, he was a doctoral resident, but when he came to the U.S., he had to start all over and was working as a home attendant. After joining the ESL program, he gained the confidence to enroll in college. He currently attends Lehman College, where he’s earning his nursing degree and hopes to become a doctor again.

How did John Jay prepare you for the NYPD?
I’ve had wonderful mentors at John Jay, including Nancy Yang and Alden Foster, who saw my potential, encouraged me to think outside the box, and helped me become a leader. They’ve provided me with knowledge and guidance to ensure I was headed in the right direction, all while giving me the freedom to come up with ideas and bring them to life. Through an ¡Adelante! internship that Director Yang suggested, I created a program for veterans and active military service members dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and domestic violence. When I joined the NYPD Explorers Program as a kid, I met Director Foster. Currently, I’m working with him in the NYPD. Commissioner Sewell specifically partnered us up in the Community Affairs Bureau because she knew he would be the best person to guide me in creating and expanding the ESL program. He’s been an incredible mentor. I’m always in awe of his passion to give back by teaching others.

What comes next?
After Commencement, I’ll be joining the Police Academy. Once I graduate from the academy, the goal is to return to the 44th precinct in the Bronx, continue to strengthen the connection between the police and community, and expand the ESL program to all five boroughs. My hope is to work my way up the ranks, be named chief, and hopefully, one day, Police Commissioner. Being at John Jay has shown me that when you have good ideas, the drive to succeed, a desire to help others, and great people in your corner, you can achieve anything.