State Senator Gustavo Rivera Honors Tiesha Jones as the 2018 Woman of Distinction for the 33rd Senate District

(Albany, NY) – Today, State Senator Gustavo Rivera honored Tiesha Jones at the New York State Senate’s 20th Annual Women of Distinction Celebration. This annual event seeks to honor outstanding women across the state who have enriched the quality of life of their community by having each State Senator identify a Women of Distinction from their district.

Senator Rivera nominated Tiesha C. Jones to recognize and celebrate the contributions she makes to her community every day. Tiesha has a long history being a leader for her neighbors. She has worked with Senator Rivera ‘s office to help improve the health and safety of Bailey Houses, a NYCHA building in Senator Rivera’s district where Tiesha serves as the Resident Council President. Tiesha started advocating for the residents of NYCHA Fort Independences Houses in 2010, after her daughter was diagnosed with an elevated level of lead poisoning at the age of four. Her condition was a result of the presence of lead in the NYCHA development she resided in. In 2012, she was elected as President of her Residents’ Council. In 2013, Tiesha was relocated to NYCHA Bailey Houses and after four months in her new apartment, a pipe burst in the walls and the apartment was severely damaged. As there wasn’t an active resident council and the conditions were horrifying throughout the building, Ms. Jones worked with her fellow residents to form the Bailey Houses Residents’ Council. The Bailey Resident Council has only been functioning for three years and has already achieved several goals under Tiesha’s leadership. They fought hard to get new elevators, new appliances for many residents, security cameras, exterior and interior lights, and repairs.

“I am so proud to honor Ms. Tiesha Jones with the New York State Woman of Distinction award for the 33rd Senate District. Tiesha Jones is the true definition of a community leader. She works tirelessly to serve her neighbors and every NYCHA resident by advocating for the health and safety of their homes. She is an integral part of my community and I am grateful to have her leadership in my district. I look forward to continue working with her to improve the health and safety of all NYCHA buildings,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera.