Jasmine Uribe is a dedicated advocate and social entrepreneur who founded Collab NYC, a business focused on empowering schools, nonprofits, and community organizations. As a proud Dominican hailing from the Bronx, she also holds the position of Director of Operations for The Bronx Collab.
Why are you voting this year?
I believe it’s crucial to vote this year because local elections directly impact our community, from education to public safety. As someone who works with high school students, I stress the importance of civic engagement and the need to understand local officials and the policies they support. By voting, I not only advocate for my own values but also set an example for the young people I work with, encouraging them to be active participants in shaping their future. Engaging in the electoral process empowers us to influence change and protect our rights.
What changes do you want to see in your community?
I want to see increased access to quality education, mental health support, healthcare, and nutritious food for youth. Additionally, I advocate for more opportunities for personal and professional development, safe spaces for youth to express themselves, and mentorship programs. Overall, I envision a community that invests in the well-being of its young people, ensuring they have the resources necessary to thrive.
How do you feel about this year’s election and what’s on the ballot?
This year’s election feels particularly significant because there’s so much at stake when it comes to advancing equity, justice, and inclusion in our communities. As a daughter of immigrants and a DEI practitioner, I see voting as a way to ensure the voices of underrepresented groups are heard. It’s about electing leaders who prioritize creating systems that work for everyone, addressing issues like access to affordable healthcare, reproductive rights, and economic opportunities and more.
What would you say to change the mind of someone who doesn’t plan to vote?
To change the mind of someone who doesn’t plan to vote, I would emphasize the importance of civic engagement and the impact of their vote. I would explain that each vote truly matters, especially in local elections where the results can hinge on a small number of ballots. I’d encourage them to think about the issues they care about, such as education, healthcare, and resources for youth, and how these issues are directly influenced by the elected officials we choose.
I would also highlight that not voting means allowing others to make decisions that affect our lives without our input. Participation in elections is an opportunity to support candidates who align with their values and advocate for change. Finally, I would stress the importance of setting an example for younger generations, showing them that civic engagement matters and can lead to real change in the community.
What’s your voting plan?
I will be voting early as I will be a poll worker on Election Day.
On Election Day, where do you plan to watch the election results?
Most likely at The Bronx Collab with friends.
About Jasmine:
Jasmine Uribe is a dedicated advocate and social entrepreneur who founded Collab NYC, a business focused on empowering schools, nonprofits, and community organizations. As a proud Dominican hailing from the Bronx, she also holds the position of Director of Operations for The Bronx Collab.
With a diverse background in social services and youth development, Jasmine has co-founded youth-led programs and spearheaded campaigns focused on community empowerment. Fluent in Spanish, she has provided guidance on mental health, employment, and rehabilitation to multilingual communities. Jasmine’s expertise spans nonprofit management, staff oversight, and organizing conferences on environmental justice and conflict resolution.
Currently, Jasmine serves as a Community Facilitator for the New York City Civic Engagement Commission and is a member of Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE). Her leadership extends to her involvement in Latinas Represent (2023), serving as Inaugural Co-chair of the Public Allies Alumni Council (2024), participating in the inaugural cohort of We are the Bronx Against Hate (2024), and contributing to the Programs Committee for the Beast Con Regional Conference (2024). She is also a Board Member of Bronx Community Board Three (2024).