BRONX COMMUNITY COLLEGE HOSTS SWEARING IN CEREMONY OF PIERINA SANCHEZ
On March 20 Bronx Community College welcomed backed back one of their own, alumna of the Upward Bound Program, Pierina Sanchez. Ms. Sanchez came back to the College for her swearing in ceremony as New York City Council Member representing District 14 – Morris Heights, Fordham, and Kingsbridge.
BCC President Thomas A. Isekenegbe said: “It is a glorious day not just for the Bronx, but also for us when we get to welcome back our alumna, Pierina Sánchez, to be sworn in as our new city council member. It just shows the power of education and its impact on social mobility.”
Pierina Sanchez graduated from Harvard on a full scholarship and earned a Master in Public Affairs from Princeton. She has a distinguished career in public service serving in the Obama Administration, Community Board 5 and Mayor Bill de Blasio.
CM Sanchez has been a fighter for immigrant families, racial justice, affordable housing, good jobs and meaningful investments in our children, families, and seniors.
Ms. Sanchez noted: “My inauguration at Bronx Community College was a full circle moment. It was here at BCC’s TRiO Upward Bound program, in the heart of District 14, that my journey to becoming a Council Member began. To be back here in 2022 is not just a powerful moment for me, but for my family, community and my district. From here, I commit to fighting for the 70% of us in District 14 who cannot afford our rents; the 80% of us who live in buildings with code violations; the 83% of lower-income public school children who do not have access to an after school program. Here, I will fight for a stronger quality of life, safety for our community members and redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory, which will bring about good paying and union jobs for the members of our district. My journey will continue from here, and I am grateful to be back to where it all started.”
US Senator Chuck Schumer, Congressman Adriano Espaillat and Congressman Ritchie Torres delivered keynote speeches, in addition to remarks from other City, State and Federal officials.
It was a celebratory day with dancing, original poetry read by two 6th graders and the PS/MS 15 band playing “Oye Como Va.” BCC Students, Faculty and Staff, families and distinguished guests feasted on empanadas and other great food. Everyone joined in congratulating CM Sanchez.
