Early life and education
Pierina is an Afro-Dominicana, daughter of immigrants, and lifelong Bronxite, born in University Heights and raised in Kingsbridge, where her family strove to make a life for her and her brothers. She learned the value of hard work at an early age – watching her elders sell oranges, drive taxis, clean buildings and schools – to ensure she and her generation had a chance at higher education and opportunity in this country.
Pierina grew up watching her elders sell oranges, drive taxis, clean buildings and schools to ensure she and her generation had a chance at higher education and opportunity.
Pierina is a proud alumna of Bronx public schools P.S. 46 and M.S. 45, and the Academy of Mount Saint Ursula. She knows the value of public youth programs because the Bronx Community College Upward Bound program helped her excel. She went on to graduate from Harvard University on a full scholarship, and earn a Master in Public Affairs degree from Princeton University.
Career
Pierina’s path in public service began as a teen activist and grew through work in nonprofit advocacy, urban planning, and housing policy—spanning from the Bronx to the Obama White House. Prior to office, she served as a housing and economic development advisor at City Hall, a community board member, and an educator and policy fellow focused on equity in planning and pandemic recovery.
In Office
Since being elected to represent Council District 14, Pierina has delivered real, transformational results:
- Expanded after-school programs to every public school in the district
- Helped over 10,300 neighbors access housing, legal aid, and immigration services
- Invested in crime prevention and programs to promote public safety
- Secured over $220 million for the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory
- Delivered tens of millions annually to renovate schools, parks, and youth centers
- Championed affordable housing and policies to protect tenants across the city
Pierina lives in the district with her husband and two children. When she’s not knocking doors or in City Hall, she’s brushing off her Taekwondo or dancing bachata with her kids.
