We are proud to recognize Julissa Gutierrez, an alumnus of ADL New York Region’s Summer Internship Program class of 1998, for her appointment to Deputy Director of Constituency Affairs for Governor Cuomo’s administration.

Julissa previously served in a number of roles at the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund; most recently as Director of National Programs and Community Relations and Northeast Director for Civic Engagement. She was Special Assistant to the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development. Julissa has been a long standing friend of the Anti-Defamation League, having held various positions and participated numerous missions and programs since she was a high school student. She is currently Board Chair of New Immigrants Community Empowerment and a Board of Trustees for the Queens Public Library. Julissa holds a B.A. from the University of Delaware and a M.A. from University of Chicago.

We asked Julissa a few questions about her experience with ADL:

How did you get involved in ADL?

I participated in ADL’s anti-bias educational program through the A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE INSTITUTE®, my sophomore year at Francis Lewis High School.

What does ADL mean to you?

Thanks to the dedicated staff over the years, I’ve participated in a number of programs, including the NY Summer Internship Program, Children of the Dream and most recently, as a member of the Latino-Jewish Leaders roundtable.  ADL is an enduring community that has afforded me cherished friends and leadership, and for that I’m forever thankful.

As a leader in the ADL community, how would you advise others to have a local impact in the fight against hate?

Fighting against any form of hate is a courageous act and is best challenged with education and by being a conscientious advocate for those who may not be able to speak for themselves.