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ODI Staff Spotlight: Alyssa HerreraBy Dan Santiago-Stewart, Office of Diversity and Inclusion
A self-described “NYC girl,” Alyssa lived in quite a few places during her childhood, including the Bronx, Mount Vernon and even a stint in Yonkers. But when asked where she is from, she proudly claims “I grew up in the South Bronx.” And as much as she is a city person, Alyssa now happily resides in New Jersey, where she moved from Brooklyn in 2021. “Being stuck inside a small apartment with my family during COVID, we knew that we needed more space,” Alyssa recalls. “I think that many New Yorkers use their apartments as ‘ghost’ apartments, for the most part you wake up, head to work, go to the gym, have dinner with friends etc. You are rarely in your apartment other than to sleep or shower. When we were forced to stay in, and the kids were sent home from college, we soon realized we needed a bigger home where everybody could have their own space. So, we decided to finally leave Brooklyn, and moved over to Jersey. We now have more space and a little backyard where we enjoy napping in our hammocks. We like to call it “hammock life” because we can spend time outside while still being home.” When asked how a proud Bronx-ite ended up in Brooklyn, Alyssa says that she followed her heart. “My husband is a Brooklyn native,” she replied with a smile. “When we realized we were serious about each other, I decided to get an apartment closer to him.” Over time, they were happy to become a blended family with “bonus children” and decided to combine their households when they became empty nesters. The couple is proud of their three adult children (who now have their own addresses), and the group recently enjoyed a family vacation together to Puerto Rico. 
Alyssa and her family during a vacation to Puerto Rico. Above left; with her husband in front of the Castillo San Felipe del Morro- aka El Morro: And taking in views of the mountainside while on an ATV ride in El Yunque National Forest.
An avid outdoorsperson and a nutrition enthusiast, Alyssa is often sharing her knowledge of workouts, proper nutrition, and healthy living. On any given Monday morning, she will regale colleagues with stories of her weekend spent ATV riding upstate, or hiking one of the many trails in the Hudson Valley. “I very much enjoy, enjoy! enjoy! being outside and connecting with nature, even if it’s something simple like taking a walk,” said Alyssa. “I love to feel grounded, taking off my shoes to feel the earth beneath my feet. My favorite things are the beach, water- I love oceans and lakes, and I love a good sunset, watching the sun go down can be such an incredible experience. Both of Alyssa’s parents were in the Army, and she was taught from a very early age that working in “service” is something that is valued and honorable. Alyssa embraced this concept by working at a job in the public sector; her first job was working as a telephone betting agent for NYC’s OTB (Off Track Betting). “Sadly, in 2010, NYC-OTB closed its doors, and everyone lost their job,” recalls Alyssa. “That led me to return to college and earn a degree in Paralegal Studies. Even though it would be a challenge as a single mom, it was something I felt that I needed to do.” After graduating, Alyssa landed a position as a paralegal for the NYC MTA Workers Compensation Unit. She later moved on to work as a paralegal for the Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau in the Kings County District Attorney’s office. “All of this prepared me to be where I am now.” When asked about joining ODI and what Diversity and Inclusion means to her, Alyssa said: “As soon as I hear the word diversity, I immediately think about all the different neighborhoods I’ve lived in as a child. I was always surrounded by different people, cultures, and classes. Nowadays it’s deeper than just living or working side by side with different people. It is more about having an opportunity to exist in a safe space where you can be yourself and not be judged for your beliefs and vice versa. Where people of all backgrounds, identities, are respected, empowered, and encouraged to take space and exist as they are.” 
Sunset over NY harbor, in a photo taken by Alyssa
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Joining the UCS in November 2022,
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