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Work History:

After graduating from Tottenville High School I went to work for the New York State Disability Determinations, first as a clerk, and then supervising clerk. I then went to work for Blue Cross, Blue Shield first as a claims examiner and then in progressively more responsible positions to the position of Congressional Liaison in the Medicare Division. I retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield after 25 years of Service. I then went to work for Health Plus as the Director of Provider Relations and Network Development. I worked for them for 8 years before retiring in 2002. I currently work part time as Executive Director of the Sandy Ground Historical Society Library/Museum, preserving and presenting Staten Island's African American history to adults and children.

Education:

I attended Baruch College Evening Classes and have 12 Credits remaining to finish the degree process.

Personal:

I have been married to Robert D'Alessandro for 23 years. I am the mother of Julie Lewis, grandmother of two boys and two girls. I am also the great grandmother of a 2 yr. old boy.

Other Accomplishments:

I am a founding board member of the Sandy Ground Historical Society which operates the only African American Library Museum on Staten Island. We service approximately 2000 school children a year.

I am a self taught artist and I created 21 paintings representing the history of Sandy Ground. The paintings were my contribution toward preserving the history. My paintings were used to create an activity book that is used by the Sandy Ground Historical Society to teach Sandy Ground history to school children. In response to the special needs of children where English is the second language, the activity book has also been printed in Spanish.

I was a Founding Board member of the Harlem YMCA Black Achievers in Industry Mentor Program, a citywide program that matched children with mentors who had achieved a level of success in the child's field of interest.

I also serve as a panelist to review grant applications for the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the Staten Island Council of the Arts Programs.

I was named a Staten Island Advance Woman of Achievement in 1998 and I currently serve as a judge for the Staten Island Advance Women of Achievement Awards Program.

I am a life-long member of the Rossville A.M.E. Zion Church in Rossville.