Politics and Civic Engagement in the Empire State

Aries Dela Cruz (Manhattan Regional Representative -- Officer of Governor Cuomo)

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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Manhattan Regional Representative Aries Dela Cruz, the highest-ranking Filipino American at the state level in New York City, will provide an overview of how New York state and city politics works and ways in which one can be involved. He has spent all his life fighting to making sure all New Yorkers have the tools to understand and engage with democracy and government. Now, as the governor's Manhattan Regional Representative he is proud to be helping to shape the future of our great city and our great state. Prior to working in the Executive Chamber, Aries oversaw digital strategy and operations for Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer, where he made high-tech civic engagement a priority to better connect with, listen to, and understand the people of Manhattan. Until recently, Aries also led the Filipino American Democratic Club of New York (FADCNY) as President since launching the organization in 2016, guiding the Filipino American community in New York into a politically-engaged force. He is a long-time community leader and organizer in Harlem and in the LGBTQ community, and is active in the Democratic Party. In his capacity as member of the New York County Democratic Committee, he was appointed to the Committee on Rules. Aries was a member the of West Harlem Progressive Democratic Club and the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club and has previously served on their executive boards