Carmen Quinones Qualifications

35 year’s extensive work with the community, sensitive to the need of the community, elderly, youth and the Church. Developed several programs in the community. Committed to the fight against drugs and for decent
affordable housing . Former Vice President of the 24th Precinct Council, HIV and AIDS workshops. Raised 1.5 million dollars to renovate and upgrade building and grounds at Douglass Houses. Bilingual English/ Spanish, type 50 wpm, Windows 10, MS Word, personable, reliable and a proven trouble shooter. Work History 2014 to present
President of the Douglass Houses Tenants Association
A demanding 24-hour unpaid job Representing over 4600 residents with both political leaders and service personnel
Supporting Residents in their efforts to get assistance with problems ranging from physical repairs to social, medical, and mental and health issues Partnering with the NYPD on our shared strong commitment to Community Policing and the security of the housing development as well as the safety of our residents. Responsible for the administration, budgeting and accounting for extensive support services for residents.
Acting as a liaison between the community of residents and institutional partners such as NYCHA, NYPD, PSA6, various elected officials, NYC Department of Education, and the NYC Department of health &
mental hygiene Responsible for the scheduling of numerous Educational, Health and safety programs such as OSHA compliance and first aid.
2006 to 2014 CEO of Grassroots Inc.
Duties consisted of Political Elections, Supervise from 50 to 100 staff variable Also supervised multi-Borough races
Consisted of literature distribution, door to door canvassing, petitioning door to door, subway canvassing, and contact with the Community at large. 2006 Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright
Community Liaison analyzed housing issues on a daily basis, interacted with the Housing Authority, Human Resources, and other community-based agencies, from Medicaid to Immigration Laws. Advised Assemblyman on pending legislation and maintained responsibility for Constituent Services on a daily basis. 2004 to 2005 Kaplan K-12
Teacher position, Taught Math and English, supervised 28 students three times a week, counseled the students as
needed also administered Math and English test to prepare for SAT Test. Met with coordinator on the progress of students. Prepared for the day’s curriculum. 1998 to 2001 1199 Housing Corp. New York
Supervisor/Human Resources. Received maintenance complaints and followed-up on repairs. Collected rents, kept
records, answered phones took messages and gave information, liaison between agencies and management. Scheduled Property managers meetings and appointments. Developed different projects for 1199 Housing Corp., such as health care for the elderly. Recertification Aps, Sales, Maintenance and rent delinquency.
1996 to 1998
Assemblyman Nelson A. Denis
Chief of Staff – Supervised a staff of 12 employees on a day to day activities, translated all office documents from
English to Spanish and vice versa, Advised Assemblyman of pending community activities. Maintained accounts up to date and payroll. Education
Malcom King College, New York – 1 year/ Mandel School of Nursing – Received Certificate for Nurses Aide/ School
of Medical Technology, New York – Received certificate for Phlebotomist/ Multi Builders Institute, New York –
Received Certificate for Registered Apartment Manager Awards
Patrick Daly-Mother Hale Award, Resident Watch Awards, Public Advocate Award and Two Assemblyman Citations
References Available Upon Request

Question A: Describe two (2) local community issues you believe your board should address in 2019. Include in description, facts to support your statement. If relevant, include information on whether these issues were addressed by the board in the past. How would you help the board address these issues? Please provide concrete examples. *
1) The deplorable living conditions in NYCHA facilities is an enormous problem. It spans issues such as exposure to toxic mold, inadequate heating and hot water supply, unsafe physical conditions and exposure to toxic substances. A significant example is the problem of lead paint poisoning. The Housing Authority falsely claimed that only a handful of children were suffering from lead poisoning in NYCHA facilities. However, outside investigations have established that over a thousand children are proven victims of lead poisoning and the numbers of victims is expected to be significantly higher. The tragedy is that this is a problem that is and was easily preventable but city officials chose to do nothing and conceal their negligence. 2) Inadequate educational programs that suit the needs of all children is also a problem that plagues my residents. A specific example from pre-k programs is the arbitrary restriction of access to high quality and need specific programs by zone. For example, a special needs autistic child can be denied access to an excellent pre-k program that is suited to him because he happens to live in the wrong zip code.
Question B: Describe the relevant skills and knowledge you bring to the board. How will these skills and knowledge contribute to your work on the board in 2018-2019? What community networks and resources can you identify and/or bring to the board to better serve neighborhood interests and residents? *
After over 35 years of community activism on the Upper West Side and employment positions that range from community liaison for multiple local elected officials to the Presidency of the Douglass Public Houses, I have accumulated a very large network of active and respected community stake holders. In addition, I was a health professional serving the needs of emotionally challenged adults and children for over 12 years. This gives me a unique ability to understand the needs and problems of the full spectrum of people in my community. It also has given me access to the actors and community leaders with the skills and resources to help address the neighborhood’s many challenges. I feel that my friends and neighbors with whom I have shared this wonderful neighborhood deserve representation that can truly reflect their problems and their dreams. People not only need solutions to problems they also need the tools to dream about their future and their community.
Question C: Which two (2) Committees, among the existing ones in the CB you’re applying to, best match your interests and experience? Why? Look up Committees and meeting schedule on CB website. *
As the President of Douglass Houses and active housing organizer I have an obvious connection with the Housing Committee. That committee is best suited to vigorously attack the problems in New York City Public Housing. I have seen both sides of housing maintenance. When I worked at 1199 Housing Corp. I worked every day on maintenance requests and their completion. As a NYCHA President representing tenants, I have the experience to discern if the maintenance staff is effectively addressing tenant complaints. I would value the opportunity to bring my skills and energy to the task of improving NYCHA. Because of my long involvement in the educational problems of emotionally challenged children and youth gang violence I think I would be a good fit for the Committee on Youth, Education and Libraries. The fulfillment of the dreams of our children is vital to the long term health of our community. And so, I can’t think of a better place to contribute my time and expertise.
Question D: Please list any current or past boards or groups in which you are, or have been, active. (This can include parent/ neighborhood/ block/ tenant associations, church groups, political clubs, fraternal organizations, Community Advisory Boards, Community Education Councils, civic groups, nonprofits, alumni associations and school groups.) *
Several of the organizations that I have had the privilege of serving over the years are : 1) Frederick Douglass Houses Tenants Association, Board Member and President 2) Metropolitan Hospital Community Advisory Board Member 3) Metropolitan Hospital Auxiliary Committee 4) CCOP Board Member and Treasurer 5) NAACP Active Member 6) Manhattan Policy Forum, Board Member and Chair of Public Housing Committee 7) Resident Watch, NYPD Douglass Houses Captain (President) 8) New Mount Zion Baptist Church, Eagles Ministry to the Sick and Shut Ins, Board Member 9) New Mount Zion Baptist Church, Choir Member 10) 24th Precinct Council, retired Vice President.
I hereby affirm that all information in this application is complete, truthful, and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I hereby authorize the Office of the Manhattan Borough President to take all necessary steps to verify the accuracy of the foregoing statements and representations. I further agree to cooperate with said Office in any verification efforts. *	Yes
I have read and agree to the Certification Statement. To indicate your agreement to the terms outlined above, please type your name in lieu of a signature. *	Carmen Quinones