26 Facts About Julissa Ferreras

Julissa Ferreras-Copeland was born on November 2,1976 and is an American politician.

Julissa Ferreras is the former New York City Council Member for the 21st district from 2009 to 2017, which includes portions of College Point, Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Flushing, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Jackson Heights and LaGuardia Airport in the New York City borough of Queens.

Julissa Ferreras was the first woman, the first person of color, and the youngest member to be elected Finance Chair.

Julissa Ferreras's parents are both from the Dominican Republic but met in New York City at Madison Square Garden at a Fania All-Stars concert.

Julissa Ferreras-Copeland graduated from John Bowne High School in Flushing, Queens.

Julissa Ferreras attended LaGuardia Community College and Metropolitan College of New York.

In 1999, at age 19 and after graduating from high school, Julissa Ferreras-Copeland became the director of a Beacon program housed in one of the most crowded public schools in the world, Public School 19Q.

Julissa Ferreras was assistant director of the Community Conciliation Network in Corona, Queens.

Julissa Ferreras then became the chief of staff and campaign manager for her then-predecessor Councilman Hiram Monserrate.

Julissa Ferreras served in this position from 2001 to 2008.

When Councilman Monserrate became involved in a scandal, Julissa Ferreras-Copeland was among those questioned and cleared.

In 2017, Julissa Ferreras-Copeland decided to leave politics and not seek re-election, returning to the private sector in order to focus on her family.

In February 2009, Julissa Ferreras-Copeland was elected to the 21st district of the New York City Council.

Julissa Ferreras-Copeland was the first Latina elected to political office in Queens.

Julissa Ferreras-Copeland was responsible for building hundreds of school seats in Corona, Jackson Heights, and East Elmhurst.

Julissa Ferreras-Copeland told The New York Times that she allocated funding to build five new schools in her district and all were scheduled to open in Corona in the coming years to handle increased demand.

Julissa Ferreras-Copeland developed and supported the creation of Corona Plaza, a former underutilized parking space which has been transformed in a public square.

Julissa Ferreras-Copeland said the plaza has taken on the role of the central squares found in towns and cities in Latin America.

Julissa Ferreras improved tax exemptions to build over 15,000 affordable housing developments in New York City.

Julissa Ferreras supported regulations to help small businesses that fostered job creation.

Julissa Ferreras-Copeland supported Summer Youth Employment Program and after school programs, HANAC Affordable Senior Housing, Beacon programs, Meals on Wheels, paid sick days, and tenants' rights.

Julissa Ferreras is an advocate against street harassment and gender-based violence.

Julissa Ferreras advocated for expanded Universal Pre-Kindergarten and launched the creation of the Alliance for Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, a public-private partnership.

In 2016, Julissa Ferreras-Copeland sponsored menstrual equity legislation, the first laws of this type in the United States that guarantee access to feminine hygiene products in schools, prisons, and homeless shelters.

Julissa Ferreras-Copeland had been considered a favorite in the race to succeed Melissa Mark-Viverito as Speaker of the New York City Council.

In 2015, Julissa Ferreras-Copeland married Aaron Copeland in a ceremony officiated by Mayor Bill de Blasio at New York City Hall.