Assembly member Gabriela Rosa made history in Washington Heights this week by being the first Dominican-American woman to be sworn in the New York State Assembly. Her swearing-in ceremony took place this past Sunday and was held at P.S. 48 in Washington Heights. Not only is she the first Dominican-American woman, she is also the first woman elected to represent the 72nd Assembly District. “This is a huge honor and a huge responsibility,” said Rosa, 46, who represents the 72nd District, which covers Washington Heights, Inwood and Marble Hill. Rosa takes over Assemblyman Guillermo Linares’ seat. “I was thinking about when I got (to the U.S.) almost 20 years ago,” said Rosa, who immigrated to New York in 1994. “When you are born and raised in another country, it’s hard to get used to a new environment,” she said. “I am so grateful for this country. . . . This is where all dreams can come true.”
Rosa came to New York City by herself at the age of 27, and also spent time as an undocumented resident before becoming a citizen in 2005. She went on to observe the power of legislative office as a constituent liaison in Assemblymember Herman Farrell’s office. She also joined Community Board 12. Rosa had an unsuccessful bid for State Assembly in 2010, but ran again in 2012, where she garnered support from the aforementioned Northern Manhattan Democrats for Change and The Barack Obama Democratic Club (BODC) of Northern Manhattan. “This moment belongs to you as much as it belongs to me,” she said. “My story is similar to many here,” she said, addressing the largely immigrant audience. “Beginnings are never easy, but I knew if I worked hard, things would change for the better. I am a product of this country.” As she concluded her address, she asked her son, Victor, to stand. “I dedicate this victory to my son,” she said, “and to every child, I would like to say that in this country, anything is possible.”
