I was born and raised in Greenpoint by my mom, a public school teacher and community advocate, and my dad, an ironworker with Local 361 who fled communist Bulgaria in search of better opportunities. I grew up going to park clean up days and rallies against a proposed power plant, learning from a young age the power that can be found in an organized and tight knit community.
I attended local schools up until high school when I made a leap across the river to the Professional Performing Arts School. When I was 12 I took up competitive amateur boxing, leading me on an eight year journey, in which I twice competed in the Daily News Golden Gloves. I found comfort in the discipline and camaraderie with my coaches and fellow fighters. At Gleason’s Gym, I learned the meaning of heart, passion, and persistence.
Experiences and relationships that I made along this journey exposed me to the trauma that deep inequities inflict on residents of our city. I knew I couldn’t stand idly by and chose to pursue a career in public service. I started down this path during my time at Baruch College, earning a degree in political science, while completing internships at the international, federal, and state levels. During my senior year, I assisted in the creation of Rise Youth Athletics, a non-profit organization that mentors inner-city youth through physical activity.
After graduating, I had the opportunity to begin working for Council Member Antonio Reynoso where I have been able to put my values into practice. I’ve had the privilege to be part of initiatives that will cap the amount of waste sent to overburdened districts like North Brooklyn, protect the industrial sector that has provided our community with good jobs, and push for more sustainable planning and development practices for our City. I’m incredibly proud of this work and the tangible impacts it has for my neighbors and the City at large.
I’m excited to bring my passion for public service, strong work ethic, and sense of justice to the role of District Leader; I will fight to amplify the voices of residents as we push to address the challenges facing our communities and work to make our county’s Democratic Party responsive to all residents.