About Jacqueline
Born and raised in the Bronx, Jackie exemplifies the vibrant spirit of Council District 13. A proud graduate of Lehman High School, she grew up in a close-knit Latino family where faith, community service, and strong moral values were deeply instilled. As the 11th of 13 children, she was raised in a Christian household that shaped her enduring sense of responsibility and integrity. Inspired by her father, Julio Torres— a veteran who dedicated over 30 years to community service—Jackie developed a profound commitment to giving back, following his example as a guiding light in her own journey of service.
After retiring from the U.S. Army with the rank of Major, Jackie returned to the Bronx. She moved to Throggs Neck seeking stability for her children in the place she has always called home. The Bronx offered a sense of security and connection, especially as she prioritized being close to her mother following the passing of her father. Like many veterans, Jackie faced challenges in securing employment after her military service. Her personal experiences give her a deep understanding of the struggles many constituents have faced, making her a true advocate for those she proudly calls her own.
Jackie built a successful career as an HR professional with the New York City Department of Social Services and the federal government, where she made a meaningful impact on the lives of workers and their families. These roles equipped her with valuable experience and connections that will enable her to enhance services and deliver results for constituents.
Caring for the elderly is a cause close to Jackie’s heart. Having been a caretaker for her elderly mother, she has firsthand experience with the unique challenges they face. If elected, Jackie will be a dedicated advocate, fighting to protect and strengthen healthcare, Medicare, and Social Security for our seniors.
In the military, Jackie held several Human Resources (HR) positions of increasing responsibility, ultimately serving as an HR Director with the rank of Major—a testament to her determination and exceptional leadership skills. Her service includes assignments both stateside and abroad, with deployments to Bosnia and Iraq. While in Iraq, she managed HR operations for a brigade stationed across Iraq, Kuwait, and the U.S., demonstrating her ability to lead in complex, high-pressure environments. Jackie is uniquely qualified to represent you! Disclaimer: Use of military rank and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense. (DOD Directive 1344.10)
Jackie has passed on her family’s legacy of service to her children, who have also chosen careers dedicated to helping others—one as an Air Force pilot and the other as a nurse. As a proud military family with three generations of service, their story is a testament to hard work, determination, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. Disclaimer: Use of military rank and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense. (DOD Directive 1344.10)
Platform
Serving The Community
Jackie is running to be a strong voice for all residents of Council District 13. Her priorities include improving education, childcare, and healthcare, creating new job opportunities, and making housing more affordable. As a proud Bronx native and lifelong resident, Jackie is deeply committed to addressing the quality-of-life issues that affect us daily, such as public safety, transportation, and street cleanliness. Jackie believes in open and accessible government. Her district office will maintain an open-door policy, ensuring residents can voice their concerns and have their needs addressed promptly. No more unanswered calls or unresponsive elected officials—residents will have the opportunity to schedule appointments and meet with her directly.
Public Safety
Crime prevention is a top priority for Jackie. She supports fostering collaboration between the NYPD and other city agencies, including mental health organizations, to ensure neighborhoods remain safe and the appropriate first responders are available when needed. Jackie recognizes the vital role of law enforcement working hand-in-hand with the community to build trust and maintain safety for all residents.
Education
Jackie believes that investing in schools is investing in our future. She will fight to ensure that every child has access to a high-quality education in a clean, secure environment, with smaller class sizes, qualified teachers, and up-to-date technology. Jackie is committed to securing funding for Pre-K and after-school programs, promoting common-sense school safety measures, and implementing job readiness programs to help steer young people away from the criminal justice system. With a Master’s Degree in Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Jackie brings a unique combination of expertise to the table. Her qualifications set her apart, enabling her to develop effective policies and legislation while carefully balancing budgetary considerations to address the community’s most pressing needs.
Healthcare
Having been her mother’s caregiver, Jackie has firsthand experience navigating the challenges of health insurance companies to ensure her mother receives the proper care. She is committed to fighting for access to quality, affordable, and equitable healthcare for all New Yorkers, prioritizing improved patient outcomes over profit. Jackie supports removing barriers to care through universal healthcare and advocating for medical debt forgiveness, ensuring that every individual can receive the care they deserve without financial hardship.
The Economy
With corporate profits at record highs and working families struggling to afford basic necessities like groceries and prescription drugs, Jackie is committed to fighting for policies that prioritize people over corporations. She will support common-sense programs to combat inflation and make living in NYC more affordable. As a seasoned human resources professional, Jackie has always used her expertise to advocate for working families. As your City Council member, she will fight for more affordable housing, fair wages, and tax cuts that benefit residents, ensuring a better quality of life for all.
Racial Inequality
Everyone benefits when discrimination and racism are defeated. As a Puerto Rican woman, Jackie is of mixed race. She is also the mother of Black children. Her family has experienced racial inequality firsthand and she is committed to fighting it. Every New Yorker deserves an equal opportunity to succeed. She will support initiatives that ensure equal access to affordable healthcare, quality education, and employment opportunities for all, aiming to break down systemic barriers and create a more equitable society for everyone.
Make A Donation
As a non-establishment candidate, Jackie takes pride in being an everyday New Yorker, deeply connected to the community she aims to serve. Her goal is to fund her campaign primarily through donations from fellow New Yorkers, ensuring that it remains driven by the people. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps.
