Last week, State Sen. Daniel Squadron honored Lower east Side community activist Aixa Torres as a “Woman of Distinction.” The annual celebration recognizes outstanding women statewide.
Torres is the tenant president at the Alfred E. Smith public housing development, located near the Brooklyn Bridge. “Her passion and resolve,” said Squadron, “inspire others every day, and her contributions to the Lower East Side continue to have a big impact on the community.”
Torres has literally been in the eye of the storm, helping to coordinate the evacuation and recovery of the Smith Houses following both Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy. She was born in Puerto Rico, moving with her family to New York in 1955. Torres became tenant president in 2010. Last year, she retired from the Department of Education, where she served as Lower East Side family advocate.
Congratulations, Aixa! Very well deserved award.