Assemblywoman Carmen E. Arroyo 74th Assembly District
Carmen E. Arroyo, was born and raise in Puerto Rico where she attended Corozal High School and Febus Business School. After moving to New York, Ms. Arroyo received her Associates of Arts from Eugenio Maria de Hostos Community College. She then attended the College of New Rochelle's School of New Resources where she completed her Bachelor of Arts.
Working with the Puerto Rican Community Development Project was on of Ms. Arroyo's first experiences as a public advocate. After which, she became Director of the Housing Clinic with the South Bronx Action Group. As Director she broadened the concept of tenant advocacy to include the interrelated services of employment, health education, and welfare.
Under her leadership, from 19731977, the Youth Action Council provided Counseling which assisted youngsters in gaining admission to specialized high school and colleges. She also proposed and developed sports and governmental activities for South Bronx youth.
In 1977, Ms. Arroyo became the Executive Director of the South Bronx Community Corporation where she was responsible for the implementation of policy and overall supervision of programming budgeting. She was also instrumental in raising funds from public resources and private foundations. She initiated a grant for the 202 Housing Act, and received two grants of over 8.4 million dollars to construct 97 housing units for the senior citizens.
Ms. Arroyo is a long time community activist, civic and political leader. She is President of the Puerto Rican Women in Political Action. She was Chairperson of Community School Boards #7 and #18; as well as a 19 year member of Community Planning Board #1. She has been a member of Lincoln Hospital Community Advisory Board for 17 years. She has served on numerous other boards and commissions, and her involvement with the South Bronx Community is extensive and far reaching.
In a special election in February 1994, Ms. Arroyo was the first Puerto Rican woman elected to the New York State Assembly. She is a member of the Standing Committees on Aging, Alcoholism & Drug Abuse, Children and Families, Children and Families and Education; The Black & Puerto Rican Caucus and the Legislative Women's' Caucus; and The Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force.
