NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull's Director of Community Affairs Named to Crain's Notable Hispanic Leaders and Executives List
Jessica Arocho recognized by influential business publication during Hispanic Heritage Month
Oct 12, 2021
NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull today announced that the Director of Community Affairs Jessica Arocho, has been named to Crain’s “2021 Notable Hispanic Leaders and Executives” list. A strong advocate for NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, Ms. Arocho was recognized for promoting the hospital at the grassroots level, and for her work with community organizations.
“I am honored and humbled to have received this recognition,” said Ms. Arocho. “My connection to NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull is deep, one that began as a child while coming here with my mother as this was and has always been our medical home. In fact, my youngest daughter was born here. My first job was also at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, as a part of the Youth Outreach program.”
Jessica Arocho was appointed to the position of Director of Community Affairs of NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, a 388-bed, acute care hospital in North Brooklyn, in January of 2020. She previously served on the Community Advisory Board (CAB) for 16 years and held the position of Chair for five years. In addition, she was Vice Chair of the NYC Heath + Hospitals Council of CABs and a member of Woodhull’s leadership team that meets with legislators in order to build support for capital and operational needs. During the pandemic, she was able to get breakfast, lunch and dinner for staff on a daily basis. She also arranged for staff to receive groceries and personal protective equipment. In addition, she has coordinated many successful drives, securing thousands of coats, toys, backpacks and school supplies for needy children and families in the community.
“Congratulations to this year’s Crain’s Notable Hispanic Leaders. Thank you for all your public service and leading by example. I especially congratulate Jessica Arocho, Director of Community Affairs at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull,” said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velasquez of the 7th Congressional District. “I have known Jessica since her teens and I am so proud of her accomplishments and dedication to the Williamsburg and Bushwick communities. During the height of the pandemic, Jessica worked tirelessly with the community partners and hospital staff. She is an inspiration for future young leaders. I also want to congratulate Dr. Rosa Gil, President and CEO of Comunilife Inc., a lifetime champion for mental health and wellness. Her advocacy and determination to improve the mental health care system and address the challenges, discrimination, and prejudice that many individuals encounter is immeasurable. From helping prevent young Latinas from committing suicide to creating safe havens for the most vulnerable, I commend her on this well-deserved recognition.”
“Every day Jessica Arocho demonstrates for all of us what it means to be a community leader and public servant. During an extraordinarily difficult time, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Jessica worked relentlessly to inspire joy and hope at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull and in our broader community,” said State Senator Salazar of the 18th District. Jessica has gone above and beyond her role, ensuring that every person at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, from patients to essential workers to volunteers, know that they are valued. Jessica is a leader who empowers others to be leaders.”
“Congratulations to Jessica Arocho, Director of Community Affairs at Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center, on being honored by Crain’s New York Business. This acknowledgment is well deserved and overdue,” said State Senator Kevin Parker of the 21st District. “Her tireless service and advocacy on behalf of our community has made her a valued asset for countless Brooklynites and beyond. We look forward to many more years of continued service.”
“Congratulations to Jessica Arocho for her well-deserved recognition as one of the Crain’s 2021 Notable Hispanic Leaders & Executives,” said Senator Jabari Brisport of the 25th State Senate District. I’m so excited to see this celebration of Ms. Arocho’s impressive efforts to strengthen community access to healthcare and to ensure that healthcare is responsive to patient needs.”
“Through her work, Jessica has been integral in making NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull what it is today: a pinnacle for top-notch health care and an invaluable institution for residents of North Brooklyn and beyond,” said Council Member Antonio Reynoso of District 34. “Like many of the residents in my district, my family and I have come to rely on NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull – it is where my wife had both of our sons and where I received my COVID-19 vaccine. Born and raised in North Brooklyn, Jessica’s tireless work ethic and connection to the population that NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull serves is an essential ingredient to the hospital’s success. I am deeply grateful for Jessica’s service, and look forward to continuing to work with Jessica and all of Woodhull’s leadership.”
“Jessica Arocho has been a strong supporting voice in the neighborhoods of Bushwick and Williamsburg for many years, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate her on being acknowledged by Crain’s New York as a Notable Hispanic Leader,” said Assemblywoman Maritza Davila of District 53. “In her role as Director of Community Affairs for NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, she has exemplified what it is to be a great leader through her ability to build a stronger bridge between the community and NYC Health + Hospitals. Ms. Arocho’s advocacy work and grassroots community organizing has helped shape and uplift the community for the better. During the COVID-19 pandemic, in a period of crisis, she has shown courage and strength through her humanitarian efforts and for that we salute and honor her for all her hard work and dedication.”
“I was so proud to select Jessica Arocho as one of the 2021 New York State Women of Distinction, representing the 56th Assembly District,” said Assemblywoman Stefani Zinerman of District 56. “Jessica’s herculean efforts during COVID to ensure that hospital staff, patients and the community were all safe should be recognized and heralded. Her deep roots in the community helped us heal as is evident by the community healing garden and the continual efforts to bring the community hospital, patients, and families together. This recognition is well deserved.”
For more information about NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, please call 844-NYC-4NYC or visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org/Woodhull.