Carola Otero Bracco, SD40's Woman of Distinction 2019

We're proud to announce that Carola Otero Bracco, the Executive Director of Neighbors Link, has been selected as our SD40 Woman of Distinction for 2019. She will be honored at a ceremony on Tuesday, May 7 in Albany, along with the other Senate District Women of Distinction.

Ms. Bracco has a strong personal connection to the Neighbors Link mission of strengthening the whole community through the healthy integration of immigrants. As a first generation American born of immigrant parents from Bolivia, she understands the challenges that accompany the immigrant experience in America and is dedicated to inspiring healthy integration in the community. Ms. Bracco is bilingual and bicultural and is driven by her passion for empowering immigrant families and advocating for personal growth through education and economic development.

During her tenure, Neighbors Link has become a leader in designing, implementing and directing community-based, bilingual educational and cultural awareness training programs. Furthermore, with her guidance and leadership, the organization has quadrupled in size in 10 years and is strategically scaling the Neighbors Link model in communities that are ready to embrace our mission.

Before becoming Executive Director of Neighbors Link in April of 2004, Ms. Bracco spent 12 years of her career gaining experience in financial management with General Electric Corporation, Ford Motor Company and Time Warner. She holds an MBA from Duke University and currently serves on the boards of the National Council for Workforce Education, Nonprofit Westchester, and the New York Immigration Coalition. She previously served on the board of Northern Westchester Hospital.

Ms. Bracco is recognized as an expert on immigration issues in the New York Metropolitan area. She has received numerous awards and recognitions. Most recently, she was honored at the Pace Immigration Law Society's Persistence Dinner for being a warrior in the immigration field.

Providing leadership and vision for Neighbors Link is something Ms. Bracco sees as her life’s work and she often says it is a privilege to be in her position as executive director.