Latino Power Players

José A. Pagán, Ph.D., is a health economist who is professor and chair of the Department of Public Health Policy and Management in the College of Global Public Health at New York University and adjunct senior fellow of health economics at University of Pennsylvania and chair of the National Advisory Committee of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Health Policy Research Scholars. He is currently a member at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Katharine Pichardo-Erskine is a trailblazer who has melded political organizing expertise and executive leadership to become a widely recognized change-maker in the governmental, political, and civic arena. She takes charge as executive director at Latino Victory with a mission perfectly suited to her 25 years of experience as a successful leader and passionate advocate: building political power within the Latino community and ensuring that Latino voices are included in the nation’s policy and fiscal agenda.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Fear of the unknown sometimes makes us hold on too tightly. It’s ok to let go. The playbook of life cannot be written in advance, it’s a beautiful evolving canvas. Work hard, learn from your mistakes, and keep it moving. It’s a recipe for an amazing life. You got this!

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, a place where baseball and politics are like religion! From an early age, I knew I wanted to have an impact in helping my community achieve better opportunities and that is exactly what I’ve made my life mission. My family has also played a key role, from my grandparents and parents’ activism, to what I teach my kids about making a difference in the world today.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Building a national pipeline of Latino leadership is my greatest professional accomplishment, whether it’s through mentoring younger Latinas interested in politics, or helping to elect Latinos at all levels of government, including many firsts and history-making races.

Blanca Ramirez was appointed Comunilife’s president and CEO in March 2024 and has more than 20 years of supportive/affordable housing and community development experience. Her goal is to expand Comunilife’s mission through increased housing, enhanced Latina adolescent suicide prevention activities and a strengthened medical respite program. Previously, she was the VP of acquisition/origination at Hudson Housing Capital, a senior program manager, NY lending for CSH and the director of supportive housing for the Lower Eastside Service Center.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
If I could give my younger self advice, it would be to continue to be strong, consistent, and work hard. These are the qualities that will get you where you need to be. But at the same time, remember to have fun and enjoy life. Embrace every opportunity, learn from every experience, and never lose sight of the joy in the journey. Balancing dedication with enjoyment is key to a fulfilling and successful life.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
My heritage has given me a strong foundation and made me stronger. It has instilled values of resilience, consistency, and hard work, guiding me in life. At the same time, it has taught me to have fun and enjoy life, embracing every moment with joy and gratitude. This balance has shaped me into a well-rounded individual, capable of facing challenges with strength while appreciating life’s journey.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
The proudest moment of my career so far is having the opportunity to become the new president and CEO of Comunilife, an organization that values culture and community. This role has allowed me to lead with purpose, foster a strong sense of community, and make a meaningful impact. It has been incredibly rewarding to see our collective efforts drive positive change and growth.

Jessica Ramos represents New York’s 13th district in the state senate, which includes the Queens neighborhoods of Corona, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and part of Rego Park. Ramos chairs the senate committee on labor, where she’s fought to pass historic legislation to grant farm and domestic workers basic labor protections, tackle wage theft and worker safety, and secured $2.1 billion to create a fund for workers who have been excluded from pandemic-related relief.

Assemblyman Phil Ramos (D-Brentwood) made history in 2002 as the first Latino elected to a state office on Long Island. Over the past two decades, he has dedicated himself to serving his community with distinction. His exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment have propelled him to the role of deputy speaker of the New York State Assembly, making him the first Latino to hold this esteemed position in the Assembly’s history.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Remember your word and never turn your back on your community. Stay true to your values, work hard, and be proud of who you are. Your heritage shapes you and gives you strength. Embrace your identity, stand up for what you believe in, and use your voice to uplift others. Your dedication to your community will define your character and inspire those around you to do the same.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
Before entering politics, I served 20 years as a police officer and detective, and was instrumental in founding the Suffolk County Police Hispanic Society, bridging the gap between the Hispanic community and law enforcement. My advocacy against discriminatory practices led to a consent decree addressing systemic issues within the Suffolk County Police Department. My commitment to justice, guided by my heritage, has profoundly impacted both the community and my career.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
I prioritize people over politics, fiercely defending civil rights for my district’s diverse residents. I helped create Brentwood State Park for youth soccer and secured $2 million for a spray park at Roberto Clemente Park. As a key sponsor of landmark legislation like the Green Light Law and the Senator Jose Peralta NYS DREAM Act, I also raised the marriage consent age to 18, protecting minors from predators.

Assembly Member Karines Reyes represents the 87th Assembly District. She has been a Bronxite for nearly 20 years. Born in the neighborhood of Los Minas, Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic, she identifies as an Afro-Latina. Assembly Member Reyes is a registered nurse in the Oncology Department at Montefiore Einstein Hospital. Karines has devoted much of her career, both in labor and in nursing, to helping others. She has made it her life goal to be sure to represent those who need it most. 

Antonio Reynoso is Brooklyn’s 20th borough president. Born and raised in Los Sures, Williamsburg, Borough President Reynoso is the youngest borough president elected to a four-year term, the first Latino to hold the office in the borough, and the first Dominican to be elected as a borough president in NYC. Borough President Reynoso previously served as council member for the 34th Council District, representing portions of Bushwick and Williamsburg in Brooklyn, and Ridgewood in Queens.

As a partner at New Deal Strategies, Camille Rivera draws on deep ties to the labor movement and years of experience with issue and electoral campaigns in New York City and across the country. An Afro-Latina born and raised in the Bronx, Camille understands the importance of bringing lived experiences to campaign leadership. Camille lives with her children in Brooklyn. She is also an adjunct professor at Columbia University.

Carlina Rivera represents the 2nd Council District and was born and raised on the Lower East Side by a single mother who moved to New York City from Puerto Rico. Council Member Rivera has introduced and passed over 45 bills, including legislation related to sexual harassment, reproductive health, immigration, criminal justice reform, affordable housing, small business survival, transportation, and quality of life. She serves as chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs and Libraries.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
So much of political change is driven by daily conversations – democracy is one big conversation. Stories from the Latino community need to be brought to the forefront and we must share how our experiences impact our lives and ability to achieve. It’s critical that we fight for a seat at the table. Whenever I speak to young people my message is always “don’t give up,” and that’s what I would tell my younger self.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
Latinos bear a disproportionate burden from the rising cost of living, housing shortage, and healthcare disparities, and the policy-related issues that affect our community drove me toward public service. One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is working within a network of community leaders who are dedicated to advancing positive change and lifting up the most vulnerable around us, building on the progress of leaders who fought for a better future for all.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Access to housing, healthcare, food, and education has been the focal point of my elected career as they are the foundation for wellbeing. As a Puerto Rican woman and representative born on the Lower East Side, I’m especially proud of helping to secure $24 million to renovate the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, preserving the cultural heritage of our community, and of securing millions for the Lower East Side Girls Club, a model nonprofit to empower youth.

Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico and living in the Bronx for over 20 years, Gustavo Rivera proudly represents the 33rd District in the Northwest Bronx. In 13 years, he has passed more than 71 bills into law, protecting civil rights and addressing health inequities in our communities. As chair of the Health Committee, he focuses on policies to expand health care access and strengthen patient protections against the financial burdens of medical care.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
“Always focus on the work, not the spotlight. Remember, the spotlight is fleeting, but the work is what endures.”

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
My heritage has profoundly shaped who I am today. As the first Puerto Rican, Latino, person of color, and Bronxite to chair the NY Senate Health Committee, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of representation. We need more Latinos in leadership, and I’m committed to empowering the next generation to hold more positions of power. Our collective strength lies in our ability to influence policy, celebrate contributions, build on history and uplift future generations of Latinos.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Being one of 32 State Senators to vote for marriage equality in 2011 was a proud moment. I hope to make history again and guarantee every New Yorker health care by passing the New York Health Act.