"I was born and raised in South Jamaica, Queens. Growing up, I didn't see many positive programs for young women. When I was 12, I saw a Girls Inc. interview on TV, inspiring me to seek a leadership program. My mom found the Access for Young Women (AFYW) program at QCH.
"I was there, you know, pretty much from the beginning, we knew it as SAGE in Queens. I guess you could say I was one of the first participants at what's now known as the Queens Center for Gay Seniors, of Queens Community House.
"In 1975, my family of four could not afford a two-bedroom apartment on our income, so we were so excited when we received a letter stating that we were eligible to live in the Forest Hills Coop.
QCH is celebrating 50 years of impact and community building across the borough! We're continuing our "50 for 50" series, honoring people – past and current – who embody the QCH spirit.
"I was the QCH Program Director at Kew Gardens Community Center from August 2012 until December 2021. I enjoyed working with the volunteers who taught classes. We planned holiday programs, entertainment, and fashion shows.
"I remember being at Freshman orientation for QCH’s program at Newtown High School and thinking to myself, 'no one will notice me in this big school'. Little did I know the experience would expose me to new opportunities that I would never see myself in.
"I first connected with QCH through the SYEP program in 2017. It introduced me to my first job experience at the Queens Public Library in South Ozone Park.
"My child is 2 1/2 years old and attends a Queens Childcare Network (QCCN) family childcare program, Paty's Daycare. I needed childcare so that I could go to work. I wanted to be able to keep my child happy and have a better quality of life for all of us.
"My father and I joined QCH at the rally for affordable housing at Creedmoor. I really enjoyed it. It felt like I was making a difference. I was very happy that my dad could participate.
