Julissa Gutierrez, is a workforce equity strategist and diversity and inclusion practitioner. As New York State’s Chief Diversity Officer, a key statutory role, she spearheads transformative statewide initiatives to enhance diversity, ensure equitable participation, and increase the representation of women and people of color across all levels of state government. She lives in Queens.
Why are you voting this year?
I understand the profound impact of representation and the power of diverse voices in shaping policies that affect all communities. My vote ensures that the interests of those who may not always have a seat at the table—immigrants, underrepresented communities, working-class families—are considered. I believe voting helps to build a more inclusive society, where equity and justice are not just goals but realities, and where the policies created reflect the lived experiences of all, not just the few.
What changes do you want to see in your community?
Improved access to resources, language access and representation, economic empowerment, stronger community engagement, equitable education, trauma-informed services and safety and justice.
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?
If someone told me they weren’t planning to vote, I would remind them that voting is a chance to directly shape the future of our communities and the policies that impact us every day. I’d explain that even if it feels like one vote doesn’t make a difference, collectively, our voices have the power to push for change on critical issues.
As a daughter of immigrants and someone deeply invested in DEI work, I see voting as a tool to challenge inequity and make sure everyone, especially those who’ve been historically marginalized, has a seat at the table. I’d ask them to think about the issues they care about—whether it’s the quality of schools, access to good jobs, or ensuring fair treatment for all people. Voting is how we hold our leaders accountable and keep pushing for better.
Lastly, I’d encourage them to see voting as a way to honor those who fought hard for this right. When we don’t participate, we allow others to make decisions for us, and we risk losing the progress we’ve made. Voting isn’t just a personal action—it’s a way to protect the future for all of us.
What’s your voting plan?
Voting in-person on Election Day with my family.
On Election Day, where do you plan to watch the election results?
At home with family.
About Julissa:
Julissa Gutierrez is a workforce equity strategist and diversity and inclusion practitioner. As New York State’s Chief Diversity Officer, a key statutory role, she spearheads transformative statewide initiatives to enhance diversity, ensure equitable participation, and increase representation of women and people of color across all levels of state government. Her strategic leadership has cultivated a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient workforce, reflecting the rich diversity of New York State.
Her work has improved the lives of New Yorkers through landmark legislative, policy, and programmatic efforts, including raising the minimum wage, implementing the nation’s strongest Paid Family Leave program, and passing the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA).
Most recently, she has been recognized on City & State’s 2024 Power of Diversity: Latino 100 List and awarded the 2024 Primera Award by LATINO Magazine. In 2021, she was ranked #1 on City & State New York’s MWBE Power 50 list for her contributions to minority and women-owned business enterprises.
Before serving as CDO, Ms. Gutierrez led the New York State’s Vaccine Equity Task Force and was Deputy Director of Constituency Affairs. Before joining the state, she held leadership roles at the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund and the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development.
A proud Colombiana born in Queens, Ms. Gutierrez is an active Board Member of New Immigrant Community Empowerment, a Trustee for the Queens Public Library, and an Alumni Board Member at the University of Chicago.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations, with a Minor in Women’s Studies, from the University of Delaware.
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