Rosangel and Ruthie speak with Marjorie Velazquez who recently decided to run for a Council member in the Bronx.

About | Marjorie Velázquez was born into a Bronx home that embodies the opportunities provided by this great borough and city. As the daughter of Puerto Rican parents who moved here in the 1970’s to create a better life, she learned the value of hard work, dedication and education from a young age. Marjorie’s parents worked long hours while struggling to overcome language barriers, yet they worked their way up and became proud small business owners.

Marjorie’s roots in the community were formed during her early years attending P.S. 106 and M.S. 127 in Castle Hill and St. Catherine Academy for high school in Pelham Parkway. She then went on to earn her degree in Finance and Accounting at the Stern School of Business at New York University. She worked in several corporate finance, budgeting and accounting positions, and most recently served as a Senior Accountant in the Corporate Finance Group at DIRECTV Latin America, where she designed and implemented accounting strategies for South and Central America, as well as the Caribbean.

In 2012, Marjorie suffered life-changing injuries from a fall at work and a subsequent serious car crash that left her temporarily disabled and abruptly put a hold on her corporate career. Always a fighter, she struggled through seven surgeries and a broken, bureaucratic healthcare system, but found a path to recovery through giving back to her community.

During her recovery, Marjorie’s life went from one of painful struggle to one of public service. Marjorie helped elect Ritchie Torres to the New York City Council as his treasurer, joined Bronx Community Board 10 where she now serves as treasurer and executive board member, and co- founded Bronx Women United, the first committee of its kind, dedicated to empowering women through political and civic engagement.

She was also elected as the Democratic District Leader and an executive board member of the Chippewa Democratic Club, both in the 82nd Assembly District, and the treasurer for the Liberty Democratic Association in the 80th Assembly District.

Marjorie has dedicated her life to public service and to fiercely and tirelessly advocating for her community every day.

Marjorie lives in Throggs Neck with her husband, Jeff Lynch, who was the long-time former Chief of Staff of Council Member James Vacca, and their three cats.

Learn more | http://www.marjorievelazquez.com/