Major: B.A. in Government
Minor: Latin American and Latino Studies
Programs: Rising Scholars of Justice, College Now
Internships: Rogowsky Internship in Government and Public Affairs; NYS Office of the Attorney General; NYS Assembly; NYC Council
Hometown: Dominican Republic; Bronx, NY
Current Role: NYS Deputy Secretary of State for Economic Opportunity

What was life like before John Jay?
I was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the Bronx, New York. I moved to this country when I was 10 years old. While we came from humble beginnings and had limited resources, my parents instilled in me the importance of education and hard work. They ensured I had access to a private education in the Dominican Republic. I remember how they struggled to pay my monthly tuition, but never complained. Seeing their sacrifice instilled a drive in me to succeed and give back.

What was the transition from the Dominican Republic to the U.S. like?
Coming into the school system and needing to learn the English language was challenging and stressful. Sometimes, I would cry before school because I couldn’t communicate. I’m grateful for the support of my teachers, who helped me. I loved reading, and they would nurture my passion by giving me books like the Harry Potter book series. I would keep a dictionary next to me to translate and explain each word. That’s how I learned English.

Why John Jay?
I knew I wanted to be an attorney, working in public interest law and advocating for vulnerable communities. Being a first-generation college student and an immigrant, I was looking for an affordable college where I could get the support I needed to develop professionally. I wanted to be in an environment where students had a passion for law and public service. Not only was John Jay an HSI (Hispanic-Serving Institution) and MSI (Minority-Serving Institution), but it also had a wonderful reputation and an impressive network of alumni working in public service. 

What sparked your passion for law and public service?
As a first-generation immigrant, I was entrusted with a lot of responsibilities as a kid. Growing up, I helped my mother translate immigration documents and went to hearings with her, but what really stayed with me was the fear we felt. Like many immigrants, my mom had been told, “Don’t go out. Don’t drop your kid off at school, have grandma drop her off instead.” Having to navigate that challenging road is where my interest in law began.

When I was in high school, I interned for the Office of the Attorney General in Harlem—the internship was a program established by former Congressman Jose Serrano. I was one of four students chosen. My role was to help handle mediation cases, specifically protecting low-income Spanish speakers and immigrants from fraud. What was so empowering about the experience was that I worked with two attorneys who were people of color. Seeing two attorneys who looked like me doing such meaningful and impactful work let me know I could do this work too. 

After the internship was over, they encouraged me to continue volunteering in their office. They went on to hire me as a part-time mediator during my time at John Jay. After gaining years of litigation experience as a prosecutor, I returned to the office in 2019, under Attorney General Tish James, joining the Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau. It was a really beautiful full-circle moment. 

How did your John Jay education help prepare you for law school and a career in public service?  
John Jay made me a well-rounded student and applicant for law school. The curriculum and experiences offered by the College were so diverse and enriching. The courses, internships, and programs emphasized legal studies, law enforcement, and the importance of advocating for others. These lessons and programs proved instrumental to my success.

The College’s Ronald H. Brown program (now the Rising Scholars of Justice program) gave me the structure, guidance, community, and resources I needed to get into a great law school. Sitting in the classroom with students who looked like me and shared a similar dream of working as a lawyer was inspirational. I took intensive law school-level courses, met with professionals in the field, and took advantage of LSAT prep workshops. Because of Ronald H. Brown, I was admitted to Wayne State University Law School with a full scholarship.

What was your legal career like before your current position?
My goal has always been to be fair and inclusive, lend my perspective, and be a voice for the voiceless. Before I came to the New York State Department of State, I was an assistant attorney general and, before that, a prosecutor in the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office.

As a prosecutor in Brooklyn, I dealt with street-level and felony criminal offenses. I wanted to be a prosecutor because I felt passionate about serving and protecting the public. I understood that given my social and economic background and the lack of diversity in the legal profession, I brought a different perspective to each case. I tried to make sure the system was fair and impartial.

At the Attorney General’s Office, I prosecuted white-collar crimes, specifically corporations and individuals who took advantage of people and engaged in financial schemes. One case that really had an impact on me was a wage theft case against a nail salon. I investigated them for tax fraud, and in the process, I was able to help workers in the salon. These women of color had been cheated out of their pay and were working in terrible conditions. The case was so meaningful because I could directly help these individuals who had their hard-earned money stolen.  

What does your role as New York State Deputy Secretary of State for Economic Opportunity entail?
It was an honor to be appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul as Deputy Secretary of State for Economic Opportunity in 2022. The position has enabled me to educate and financially empower individuals at the community level. I oversee the Office for New Americans, which, through a network of community-based organizations, provides funding for legal services, mental health services, and workforce development opportunities to migrants and asylum seekers arriving in New York.

What are you especially proud of accomplishing in your current role?
With my team, I’ve created a unique and meaningful financial literacy program that provides one-on-one counseling and training to individuals who want to become financially self-sufficient. They’re learning how to open a bank account, save money, and build generational wealth. Going from the district attorney’s office, where I prosecuted individuals for taking advantage of people, to now empowering individuals with the resources and tools needed to become financially savvy and gain sustainability in life has been an absolute honor.

What advice would you give to students aspiring to attend law degree and work in public service?
As an immigrant, first-gen student, and Afro-Latina growing up in the Bronx, I wasn't exposed to many academic or professional pathways. So, I had to take it upon myself to be in different settings and take on unique opportunities. That’s why my advice would be to diversify your experiences to understand different subject matter areas, meet new people, and build on those personal and professional connections. Involve yourself with bar associations, join the boards of nonprofits, and learn from others. The people you meet along the way will be instrumental to your success professionally and in life.