About Ciara

Ciara Lugo was born and raised in New York City, where she witnessed firsthand the power of community organizing and grassroots advocacy. As the daughter of an immigrant father and a first-generation American mother, she grew up understanding the importance of civic engagement and the need for representation in government. Her passion for activism was sparked at a young age when she saw how systemic barriers often silenced the voices of working-class families like her own. 

Determined to create change, Ciara became actively involved in community advocacy, serving as a Land Use Fellow at Good Old Lower East Side (GOLES), where she worked on housing policy and tenant rights. She also interned for Assemblymember Harvey Epstein, engaging directly with constituents and addressing issues affecting everyday New Yorkers. Recognizing the need for stronger tenant protections, she organized her building’s first-ever tenant association, giving her neighbors the collective power to fight for fair treatment. 

Beyond housing justice, Ciara is deeply passionate about youth engagement in politics. She believes in fostering intergenerational collaboration, ensuring that young people have a seat at the table while also valuing the wisdom of older generations. Through her leadership, she has worked to bridge the gap between seasoned advocates and emerging activists, empowering younger generations to take an active role in shaping their communities. 

Ciara also gained government experience interning at the Mayor’s Office, where she deepened her understanding of policy-making and public service. She has dedicated her career to making politics more accessible and inclusive, particularly for disenfranchised voters who have long been ignored by the political system. 

Now, Ciara is running for District Leader to continue her work in strengthening civic engagement, ensuring fair representation in judicial nominations, and appointing poll workers who reflect the diversity of the community. She is committed to building a political movement that is rooted in justice, equity, and the power of collective action.