'Mayor' Of Washington Heights Is A Local Hero: Here's Why

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Fraynette Familia who nominated Nurys De Oleo of Washington Heights-Inwood.

Local hero’s full name

Nurys De Oleo

Local hero’s home state

New York

Local hero’s Patch

Washington Heights-Inwood

How do you know the local hero?

Coworker, mentor

What does the local hero do?

Senior Advisor, Council Member Carmen De La Rosa

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?

Unofficially called the Mayor of Washington Heights, Nurys has worked tirelessly over decades both in the Dominican Republic and in New York City to ensure that there were organizations to help uplift youth, fight for social justice, human rights, women, and disadvantaged communities.

She worked for the Dominican Consulate in New York helping to found and develop business organizations and guiding countless young men and women in social service and electoral aspirations. For more than a decade, she served as Executive Director of the Northern Manhattan Economic Development Coalition, a dynamic non-profit organization focused on job creation, small business training, and technology courses for residents.

Dr. De Oleo has dedicated more than 20 years to needy children in New York City and the Dominican Republic, leading a group of volunteers through the Organization Dominicanos Pro Ayuda a la Niñez, Inc. Dr. De Oleo was the first Director of the District Office of the first Dominican Assemblywoman from New York State.

She also served as advisor to Adriano Espaillat, the first member of the United States Congress of Dominican origin. Advisor to Senator Marisol Alcántara, the first woman of Dominican origin to serve in the New York State Senate. She currently serves as an Advisor to Assemblywoman Carmen De La Rosa, who just won the position of the first woman of Dominican origin to serve on the City Council in New York City.

She has participated in the formation of different community, professional, social, and cultural organizations such as the Dominican Bar Association, Founding Member of The New York Highbridge Lions and Liones Club, Past President of Amigos y Egresados de la Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Founder of the Ni Una Menos movement against domestic violence, among others.

She has been recognized for her tireless work by the New York State Governor and Legislature, the New York City Council, the New York City Mayor's office, the government of the Dominican Republic, and countless other organizations and institutions.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?

Not only is she a dedicated worker and a renowned community leader, but she is a mentor and a friend to so many. She continued to work despite any odds and pushed forward joyfully and gracefully. She is a role model to so many.

Thank you for all you do, Nurys De Oleo!

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