Manny De Los Santos

Manny De Los Santos is an American politician and social worker currently serving as a member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 72nd district. A member of the Democratic Party, he assumed office on February 17, 2022. His career has been marked by a commitment to social work and community engagement, reflecting his background and experiences in both the Dominican Republic and New York City.

Early life and career

Manny De Los Santos was born on January 30, 1979, in the Dominican Republic. He later moved to the United States, where he was raised in Washington Heights, a neighborhood in Manhattan known for its diverse community. This early exposure to different cultures and social dynamics likely influenced his later work in social services and public policy.

De Los Santos pursued higher education at the University at Albany, part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, which provided him with a foundational understanding of human behavior and mental processes. Following this, he obtained a Master of Social Work, equipping him with the skills necessary to address various social issues and support individuals and families in need.

His professional career began with the Children's Aid Society, where he worked as a school social worker. In this role, he was involved in supporting children and families, addressing educational and social challenges faced by students. His work in this capacity laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in social work and community advocacy.

From 2011 to 2018, De Los Santos continued his career as a social worker with Counseling in Schools, an organization dedicated to providing mental health services and support within educational settings. His experiences during this time further deepened his understanding of the challenges faced by students and families, particularly in urban environments.

In 2018, he transitioned into political campaign management, serving as the campaign manager for Congressman Adriano Espaillat's re-election campaign. This role marked a significant shift in his career, allowing him to leverage his social work background in the political arena. He also held the position of assistant vice president of the Hamilton Campaign Network, where he gained additional experience in political strategy and advocacy.

Between 2019 and 2022, De Los Santos served as vice president of MirRam Group, a firm focused on government relations. In this role, he worked on various initiatives that connected community needs with governmental resources, further enhancing his understanding of the legislative process and the importance of effective advocacy.

Legislative service

Manny De Los Santos was elected to the New York State Assembly in a special election held in February 2022. His election to the Assembly marked a significant milestone in his political career, transitioning from social work and campaign management to legislative service. As a member of the Assembly, he represents the 72nd district, which encompasses parts of Manhattan.

Since assuming office, De Los Santos has engaged in various legislative activities, focusing on issues pertinent to his constituents and the broader community. His background in social work informs his approach to policy-making, as he seeks to address the needs of vulnerable populations and advocate for social justice.

In the Assembly, De Los Santos collaborates with fellow legislators to draft and support legislation that aligns with the values and needs of his district. His work involves participating in committee meetings, engaging with constituents, and advocating for policies that promote equity and access to resources.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the New York State Assembly, Manny De Los Santos has prioritized several key issues that reflect the needs and interests of his constituents in the 72nd district. His background in social work informs his policy focus, particularly in areas related to education, mental health, and social services.

De Los Santos advocates for policies that aim to improve educational opportunities for students, recognizing the critical role that education plays in shaping the future of young people. He is likely to support initiatives that enhance funding for schools, promote mental health resources, and ensure that all students have access to quality education.

Additionally, his experience in social work has led him to emphasize the importance of mental health services within the community. De Los Santos is expected to champion legislation that expands access to mental health resources, particularly for underserved populations. He understands the impact that mental health has on overall well-being and is committed to addressing these issues through legislative action.

Furthermore, De Los Santos's work in government relations prior to his election has equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of state government. He is likely to focus on building partnerships between community organizations and government agencies to ensure that resources are effectively allocated to those in need.

Overall, Manny De Los Santos's legislative service is characterized by a commitment to social equity, education, and mental health advocacy. His experiences as a social worker and campaign manager have shaped his approach to policy-making, allowing him to effectively represent the interests of his constituents in the New York State Assembly. As he continues his service, he remains focused on addressing the challenges faced by his district and advocating for policies that promote the well-being of all residents.