Today we’d like to introduce you to Yesenia Burgos.
Hi Yesenia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Yesenia Burgos, usually known as Yessii. I was born and raised in New York City, in a predominantly Dominican neighborhood in uptown Manhattan, Washington Heights. I’m Boricua, my family was born and raised in Puerto Rico but migrated in the 1990s and lived in shelter homes for a while before securing a Section 8 voucher. I grew up poor, living in Section 8 housing, getting food stamps, and not knowing where our meals were coming from. I grew up in a 2 bedroom apartment with my mom, 2 sisters, and brother. I was encouraged to be a part of a volleyball team in High School and that’s when my love for volleyball flourish and I was able to play for a travel team, and college intramural. I finally realize I loved to coach since I was 1 I’ve been coaching volleyball and now I coach A5. When I was in high school, I found my passion in activism, taking classes called “Youth Activism” and “Natural Disaster.” I then joined my first-ever nonprofit being a founding member and advocating for youth to vote since NYC has one of the lowest young adult turnout rates. I also lead an environmental justice cohort in the non-profit advocating for residents all over NYC and the bad living environment I grew up in and others did because we were at or below the poverty line. I then decided to join another non-profit being a youth program director and create programming around modern-day segregation in public schools. After graduating, I wanted to learn more about money and discover how I can manage in order to help others, this led to a BBA in Finance with a minor in Political Science. I chose this so I can have some economic mobility. I soon realize I still love being an advocate so I’ve been able to advocate for Puerto Rico. The first time I was able to afford to visit Puerto Rico and visit my grandpa for the first time was in 2021 when I was 21, I decided after seeing Puerto Rico to continue learning about its history and ongoing colonialism by the USA. This led to my advocacy for the beaches of Puerto Rico that are being privatized and the schools that are being shut down because rich people are buying them. I’m currently a lead at Bebes Boricuas where we bridge the gap between the diaspora and Puerto Rico and create spaces for femme and queer folks from both the island and the mainland to share their creativity and skills. My goal is to bring financial literacy in the upcoming years in Boriken (Puerto Rico) so we can help ourselves instead of depending on the government. I am also starting a podcast.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road, I had to go and grow through so much adversity. Like said before growing up a minority and poor didn’t allow me to get a seat at the table until I joined targeted non-profits for teenagers in poverty/minorities. Without these programs I would’ve ended up like most of my family with a low-income job, dealing with anxiety still and having no stability. I had to keep pushing myself, I was the one filling out all my college applications and job applications with no help. Just Google, nonprofit mentors, and me.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an Assistant Coach for A5 Mizuno Volleyball in Roswell, GA,
I am a lead for Bebes Boricuas advocating for the independence of Puerto Rico and bridging the diaspora and people from back home in Puerto Rico to form alliances to fight for what is right and bring community to femme and queer folks and their creativity.
I think was sets me apart from most is that I am multifaceted and I will always pride myself on being a student in life. This means I will ask thousands of questions until I feel knowledgeable in something and I thrive off of challenging actions. I’m also a true believer in “Lift as you climb” meaning if I’m climbing someone else is climbing as well. I believe to see people as equals.
I am known for being organized, logistical, and knowledgable and really a “doer” as most of my peers and higher-ups may say.
I am most proud of being a first generation to graduate college, the first generation to have economic mobility, and being able to advocate for my loved ones and myself.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My boyfriend of 5 years, Miguelangel, also deserves so much credit, he has seen the sweat, blood, and tears every day when I get back home after work, advocating and coaching. He did not let me give up.
My team of Bebes Boricuas, Imxn & Jodeci believe in me all the way from NYC to lead our collective. Not once they hesitated to bring me along on the team although I live in Georgia, we all are here for the same thing to make sure Boriken is not sold to the USA and to gather creatives together,
My good friend, Joselynn who lives in Puerto Rico and helped me logistically organize over 200+ people in this year’s NYC Puerto Rican Day Parade alongside my Bebes Boricuas Team.
YearUp & The Opportunity Network are two of the non-profits that help me with college and my professional life, financially and mentally, I am now an alumni but I know I can always go back for help.
Sanda Balaban, my leader in my first even nonprofit YVoteNY, has always helped with advocating and activism always a text or call a way when I need advice or guidance.
My family also are the really big ones who always acknowledged me and helped me move to Georgia.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brokercheck.finra.org/individual/summary/7626541
- Instagram: @yessiidb
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yesenia-burgos/
