INITIALLY I was going to write this as if someone had done it for me, but it's not my style and frankly it didn't feel right. I want you to know me, the REAL me! Who I am, what I stand for and what I'm about. The good, the not so bad and the parts of me that are "still in progress" So here goes:

I AM A PROUD, LIFE LONG BROOKLYN RESIDENT. I grew up in Bayview Houses, Canarsie, and have decade long family roots in Bushwick and Clinton Hills. After graduating Norman Thomas HS in 1988, I married and joined the US Army. Stationed in Seoul, Korea I started my family and took an early leave. Upon my return to Brooklyn and juggling some family issues, I moved to Sunset Park; Where I have raised my children Jeffrey and Victoria, since 1993.

In 1994, I was introduced to the non profit sector during my employment with Hispanic Young Peoples Alternatives, Inc. In 1997, I began working as a community organizer with Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Inc. It was there, I began to develop my leadership qualities. As my children grew into young adults, I became more involved with community and cultural issues including:

• Affordable/subsidized Housing
• Discrimination
• Women's Equality
• Childrens literacy
• Civics
• Missing persons and more!

Since moving to Sunset Park, I have resided in subsidized housing (PrIvately owned Project Based Section 8 Housing) which enabled me to gradually become self sufficient.

I'm a PROUD Puerto Rican, from Brooklyn so I guess Im both a city and a country girl at heart. My civic involvement has led me in many directions from an employee, to a volunteer and a Board Member. I hold many causes close to my heart and they keep me VERY busy, but I wouldn't have it any otherway!

Thanks for taking the time to get to know more about me! I hope we can meet one dayand work together!

All my Best,

Melissa del Valle Ortiz

Siempre en la Lucha.

(MORE TO COME)