Immigrant of the Day: Guillermo Linares (Dominican Republic)

 
Guillermo Linares , a member of the New York Assembly, is the first Dominican-born elected to public office in the United States.  He served from 1992 to 2001 in the New York City Council, where he advocated for education, health services, affordable housing, and immigrant rights. On November 2, 2010, Dr. Linares was elected as a member of the New York State Assembly, 72nd District, representing Washington Heights, Inwood and Marble Hill in Northern Manhattan.

Linares served as Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (2004-09). He shares the experiences and aspirations of immigrant New Yorkers, having left his native Dominican Republic and arrived in the Bronx in 1966.  Assemblyman Linares drove a taxi for long hours to support his family and at the same time pursued a higher education.

Linares earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s of Science degree from City College and a professional diploma in administration and supervision from Fordham University. He recently achieved his doctorate in education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Linares is married to a public school principal, has two children and a granddaughter.

KJ