Gloria Alston

Gloria Alston was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, and came to live in New York in the 1960s. She is a dedicated advocate, community leader and proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. 

Ms. Alston earned her GED while working as a Temporary Researcher at the Neighborhood Medical Care Demonstration. Soon after, she was hired at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Health Center (MLK) and, through its training programs, received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Community Health Administration from Empire State College. 

Like many young mothers, Ms. Altson had a need for quality child care. Along with her co-workers, she spearheaded the eff ort that resulted in the formation of the Children’s Circle Day Care Centers, Inc. Today, the Children’s Circle serves more than 550 children through its infant/toddler, preschool, prekindergarten and family day care programs. Currently, she is chairwoman of the organization. 

Ms. Alston has been a longtime active and dedicated member of her community, serving on Community Board 3 for approximately 28 years; for the last 12, she has also served as its Chairwoman. In addition, she is a member of the Borough President’s Borough Board, President of the Crotona Estates Tenant Association, an area leader in Black United Leaders of the Bronx (B.U.L.B.), a member of Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson’s Clergy and Youth Councils, founder and President of G.R.A.N.N.Y. (Grandparents & other Relatives Are Networking & Nurturing Youth), as well as many other community activities. 

Ms. Alston is an active and faithful member of Friendly Baptist Church. She is vice-president of the Board of Deaconesses, and is a member of the Trustee Board and Pastor’s Aide Ministry. Ms. Alston retired in 2000 from the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Health Center after 33 years of service, but she still serves her community and continues to be an advocate for the residents of Community District 3. 

The loving mother of Thomas Alston and the late Michele Denise Clarke, Ms. Alston has four grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.She is especially proud of the three grandchildren she raised - Kyle, Krystina and Kwame – who are all now enrolled in college.