Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn

Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn is an American politician currently serving as a member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 42nd District. A member of the Democratic Party, she has made history as the first Haitian-American elected to the State Legislature from New York City. Her district encompasses parts of East Flatbush, Flatbush, Ditmas Park, and Midwood in Brooklyn. In addition to her legislative role, Bichotte Hermelyn has held significant positions within the Brooklyn Democratic Party, including serving as its chair.

Early life and career

Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn was born on December 2, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York, to Haitian immigrant parents. Growing up in a vibrant and diverse community, she attended public schools in Brooklyn, ultimately graduating from LaGuardia High School, which is known for its emphasis on the arts and academic excellence. Her educational journey continued at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in mathematics with a focus on secondary education and a Bachelor of Technology in electrical engineering from Buffalo State College. Furthering her education, Bichotte Hermelyn obtained a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University and a Master of Science from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

In addition to her formal education, she is an alumna of the White House Project, a leadership initiative designed to empower women in politics and public service. In 2024, she graduated from Brooklyn Law School and was subsequently elected to the school's board of trustees, reflecting her commitment to education and community involvement.

Bichotte Hermelyn's professional background is diverse, encompassing roles in engineering, finance, and education. She began her career as an engineer at Lucent Technologies and later transitioned into investment banking, working for major financial institutions such as Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase. Additionally, she has experience as a mathematics teacher within the New York City public school system, where she contributed to the education of young minds. Known for her passion for travel, she has visited several countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, enriching her understanding of global cultures and perspectives.

In her personal life, Bichotte Hermelyn married Edu Hermelyn, a Brooklyn District Leader, on January 1, 2020. This partnership reflects her deep roots in the Brooklyn community and her commitment to public service.

Legislative service

Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn's political career began in earnest when she decided to challenge incumbent Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs in the 2012 Democratic primary for the 42nd District. Despite her efforts, she was not successful in this initial bid, losing the primary with approximately 32% of the vote. However, her determination and commitment to representing her community did not wane. Following Jacobs' retirement in 2014, Bichotte Hermelyn announced her candidacy for the Assembly once again. In a competitive four-way primary, she secured the Democratic nomination with 48% of the vote. Given the district's Democratic leanings, she went on to win the general election decisively, receiving over 90% of the vote.

Bichotte Hermelyn was officially sworn into office on January 1, 2015, with the oath administered by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. Since taking office, she has actively participated in legislative processes and has held leadership roles, including serving as Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). This position highlights her commitment to advocating for minority and women-owned businesses, ensuring they receive fair opportunities in the marketplace.

In 2023, Bichotte Hermelyn was appointed Majority Whip for the Democratic Caucus of the New York State Assembly, a role that further underscores her influence within the legislative body. Her leadership positions have allowed her to play a pivotal role in shaping policy and advocating for her constituents.

One of her notable legislative achievements includes the passage of Jonah Bichotte Cowan's Law, which was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo in December 2020. This law aims to protect pregnant women with a history of health problems by preventing hospital employees from turning them away, thereby addressing critical healthcare issues within the community.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the New York State Assembly, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn has focused on a range of issues that resonate with her constituents in the 42nd District. Her legislative priorities include advocating for minority and women-owned businesses, improving healthcare access, and addressing the needs of her diverse community. Given the demographic makeup of her district, which includes a significant Caribbean population, Bichotte Hermelyn's background and experiences as a Haitian-American have informed her approach to policy-making.

Bichotte Hermelyn's role as Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises reflects her commitment to fostering economic opportunities for underrepresented groups. She has worked to ensure that minority and women-owned businesses receive the support and resources necessary to thrive in New York's competitive economic landscape.

In addition to her focus on economic empowerment, Bichotte Hermelyn has been an advocate for healthcare reform, particularly in relation to maternal health. The passage of Jonah Bichotte Cowan's Law exemplifies her dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for pregnant women, especially those facing challenges related to pre-existing health conditions.

Through her legislative service, Bichotte Hermelyn has established herself as a prominent figure in New York politics, representing the interests of her constituents while also addressing broader issues affecting communities across the state. Her leadership within the Brooklyn Democratic Party further amplifies her influence, as she works to shape the party's direction and priorities in a rapidly changing political landscape.

Overall, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn's career reflects a commitment to public service, community engagement, and advocacy for marginalized groups, making her a significant figure in New York's political arena.