LOWER EAST SIDE — A Lower East Side tenant leader has been recognized by the state for her work in the community.
Aixa Torres, the 62-year-old president of the Alfred E. Smith Houses tenant association, was named a “Women of Distinction” for her community involvement, including a push to repair the complex's aging gas pipes that had been causing outages for years.
“Her passion and resolve inspire others every day, and her contributions to the Lower East Side continue to have a big impact on the community,” said State Sen. Daniel Squadron, who selected Torres for the distinction, in a statement.
Each year, the state senate recognizes "outstanding" women throughout the state as part of its celebration of Women's History Month. Senators select one woman from each of their districts.
Torres, who became president in 2010, also started a training program for grandparents acting as caregivers of young children, successfully evacuated the complex during Hurricane Irene and advocated for tents post-Sandy, the office said.
Torres grew up in the Smith Houses, where she now lives with her daughter and grandchildren, she said. She was also a tenant patrol supervisor in the complex for 10 years and worked as a family advocate for the Department of Education until she retired late last year, she said.
Torres said it was “humbling” to be one of the 63 women recognized statewide for their contributions.
“The other recipients, I was like, ‘wow’ at the stuff they had done,” she said. “To be among those women was an honor.”
She said her activism was influenced by her upbringing and her Lutheran faith.
“People around me served not only the lord, but they served the community and for what’s right,” she said, adding that she regularly prays for guidance.
The work could be difficult and sometimes discouraging, Torres said, but she urged those who wanted to serve their community to have faith and continue on.
“At the end of the day…changes will be made but you have to be consistent. You can’t give up,” she said.
