A Champion for the Bronx

Emerita Torres is an international affairs and domestic policy expert with nearly 20 years of progressive experience in government and non-profit sectors.

She serves as the Vice President of Policy, Research, and Advocacy for the Community Service Society of New York, where she directs data-driven public policy research and advocacy to advance economic opportunities for low-income New Yorkers, including on housing, transit, youth mobility and economic security.

Previously, Emerita spent a decade at the U.S. State Department, working on wide-ranging policy issues from labor rights and climate change to peace mediation and promoting women’s rights around the world. Her tours include Brazil, Pakistan, Colombia, Washington, DC, and the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York. She has received three Meritorious Honor Awards and a Superior Honor Award for her diplomatic service. Previously, Emerita was the Director of Policy Research and Programs at The Soufan Center, focusing on global security challenges and foreign policy issues.

Emerita holds a B.A. in History from New York University and a Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. She is a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations, an alumna of the International Women’s Forum Fellowship, and recognized by New America as a Latinx National Security and Foreign Policy leader. She is also a Board Member for the Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco) and a two-term State Committee Member for the 85th Assembly District. A proud Bronxite of Puerto Rican heritage, Emerita is deeply committed to serving her community.