Latino Power Players

New York City Council Member Shaun Abreu represents Manhattan’s 7th District – the first Latino to do so. Growing up wasn’t easy. Shaun’s parents lost their jobs, and his family was evicted from their home. But Shaun persevered, becoming the first in his family to graduate from college and establishing a career as a tenant attorney representing families like his own. Now, Shaun is fighting to build a stronger community in the district that raised him.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Trust your gut. It’s going to be okay.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
I would not be here today without the contributions of trailblazing Dominican immigrants – including my parents and grandparents – who built a home here in New York after the fall of the Trujillo dictatorship. Our community is built on strength, love, and big aspirations. It is built on the belief in the American dream. These are the qualities that I call on every day as I imagine a better future for our city.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Nothing beats keeping people in their homes. That’s the work I was doing for individual families as a tenant rights attorney before I was elected, and it’s what I’ve done for thousands of families since taking office. There are bad landlords all over this city, rents are way too high, fires are displacing whole buildings full of people – and I’m proud of the budget and legislative work I’ve done to change that.

George Alvarez is a descendant of Afro-Caribbean heritage. Despite a modest upbringing, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in computer science from one of the top-rated universities in the Dominican Republic and a master’s degree in logistics in Spain. Alvarez has a Harvard certification in cybersecurity and certifications from software development companies. His life’s passion is to help uplift the lifestyles of each and every constituent in his district. Alvarez will continue to be a fighter for immigrant families, racial justice, affordable housing, and good jobs.

Vincent Alvarez is president of the NYC Central Labor Council AFL-CIO, the nation’s largest regional labor federation, bringing together 300 local unions and one million+ workers from across NYC’s economy.  He was elected the NYCCLC’s first full-time president and first Latino president in 2011. An IBEW member since 1990, Vinny serves as a class C director and board chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of NY as well as on numerous other boards and committees.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
My immigrant and working class parents instilled the values of giving back and working hard to make positive changes in society, from organizing workers to supporting public policies that improved the lives of working families.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
It may sound clichéd, but every day it’s such a privilege to work with affiliates and the team at the Central Labor Council in trying to help improve the lives of New York City workers.

Keyla Antigua is a partner at Bolton St. Johns covering government affairs in NY and NJ. In this role, Keyla oversees a team of lobbyists on behalf of clients in business, technology, labor, education, social services, transportation, health care, and the arts. During her career she successfully led advocacy campaigns that have changed laws and regulations, established millions of dollars in program funding and forged public private partnerships on behalf of her clients.

Council Member Alexa Avilés represents Red Hook, Sunset Park and parts of Boro Park, Dyker Heights, and Windsor Terrace in the New York City Council. She is a proud New Yorker who lives in Sunset Park with her husband Frankie and their two daughters, who attend New York City public schools. Before her election to City Council, Alexa’s career spanned almost three decades in the not-for-profit and philanthropic sectors.

Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala has worked for nearly two decades serving the people of the 8th District in social service agencies and government, and is a passionate advocate on issues including housing, gun violence, and senior services. She was born in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, and moved to New York City with her family as a child. Deputy Speaker Ayala has used her time in the City Council to uplift the voices of her constituents and address issues ranging from housing, homelessness, mental health, education, substance abuse prevention, and gun violence prevention.

José Bayona is a consulting professional with ample experience in communications, government, community affairs, ethnic and community media, and advertising. He is the founder of Grassroots Strategies, a consulting firm whose niche is bridging the gap between mainstream power and ethnically diverse communities. Before, he was the founding executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Ethnic and Community Media, senior advisor for mayoral candidate Eric Adams, and a spokesperson for Mayor Bill de Blasio. 

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Be patient – everything in life will come in due time. Focus on self-awareness and emotional intelligence; mastering your emotions will prevent and resolve many life challenges. When leading, prioritize the mission over personal feelings. Your role is to guide, not to take anything personally. Finally, question your assumptions. Always ask, “What if I’m wrong? How else can I look at this situation?”

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
My Colombian heritage has deeply influenced my values and approach to life. Growing up in a culture rich in community and resilience, I’ve developed a strong sense of compassion and the importance of helping elevate others. I’ve blended these cultural values with the diversity of our city. This perspective drives my passion for working in communications and consulting, particularly with diverse ethnic communities, where I can bridge cultural gaps and advocate for them.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
The proudest moment of my career was attending college at age 40. Graduating with dual degrees in political science and journalism, followed by a master’s in journalism, radically transformed my life and career. When mentoring younger people, I emphasize the power of lifelong learning. Education doesn’t just lead to promotions; it builds a strong foundation for success in life and career. This decision has shaped who I am and how I contribute to others.

Dr. Joseph Betancourt is president of the Commonwealth Fund and a national leader in health policy, equity, and community health. He has devoted his career to improving care for diverse populations. He is a practicing primary care doctor, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, an Aspen Institute Health Innovator Fellow, a member of the National Academy of Medicine, was named one of Modern Healthcare’s “Top 50 Clinical Healthcare Executives in the US” in 2023.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Professionally, don’t get comfortable, take bigger risks, know that change takes time but every minute counts, things aren’t as complex as they seem, and trust your instincts. Personally, financial literacy is critical to your growth, freedom and generational success.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
My Puerto Rican heritage is everything to me. It shaped who I am, my values, and has been my motivation for everything I’ve done in my career. My background fuels my passion, commitment, and sense of responsibility to my community.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
During the COVID-19 pandemic I led the equity and community health response for Mass General Brigham health system in Boston. We launched a series of efforts to meet the needs of diverse communities – including the Latino community. This included community-based mobile COVID testing and vaccination, and launching the Spanish Language Care Group, a team of native-Spanish doctors who staffed all the COVID inpatient surge teams to assure every Spanish speaker was well cared for.

Grace C. Bonilla, Esq. has over two decades of experience in the nonprofit and public sectors. She joined United Way of New York City (UWNYC) as president and CEO in 2022 and works to ensure all New Yorkers can achieve economic mobility and live a life of dignity. She is a lifelong New Yorker and committed public servant who has dedicated her career to shaping key policies to alleviate equitable challenges in New York City.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Embrace every challenge as an opportunity to grow, and don’t be afraid to ask for help – no one succeeds alone. Remember, your heritage is your strength, and your community will always be your foundation. Lean into your passion for service, and never underestimate the power of perseverance and kindness in making a lasting impact on the world. Push yourself to pursue the fight for equitable communities as it was and remains one of our greatest challenges.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
As a Queens native and first-generation Ecuadorian American, I embody the spirit of Latine immigrant families who strive to contribute to the fabric of this country while maintaining and celebrating cultural identity. I first learned my sense of community and service at home, right here in the neighborhood where I grew up, and I am proud to serve in this same community.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
I’m proud to serve as the first Latine president and CEO of UWNYC as we work tirelessly to positively impact all New Yorkers. Since joining UWNYC, we’ve worked with hundreds of community partners to distribute 14 million pounds of food to families in need, expand preventative health care access for over 800K community members, and deliver over 230,000 books and 5,000 stocked backpacks to kids in our public school system.

Tonio Burgos, CEO of Tonio Burgos & Associates, has been in business for 36 years in the NY-NJ Metro Region as a minority-certified company. Tonio has served governors in NYS and NJ and has served as commissioner for President Clinton’s HIV Aids Council. Tonio served as commissioner of the Port Authority of NY & NJ.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Spend more time with family building relationships to develop the strength you need in life.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
In many ways, the culture, language and values have enhanced my ability to be a better communicator and to present to the communities in NYS the value that Latinos bring to the state.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Work for Senator Robert Kennedy and Governor Mario Cuomo.