Passaic, N.J. – Mayor Hector C. Lora joins the Passaic Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners to present the Passaic Housing Authority “Nancy Everett” Distinguished Service Awards to Jocelyn Aguilar, Tysheena Boyd-Lewis, Lisset Lopez, and Leslie Zuniga.
Jocelyn Aguilar was born in the City of Passaic. She attended Passaic’s William B. Cruise Memorial School #11 at a young age. Jocelyn joined the Passaic Affordable Housing Coalition in June 2021, where she was hired as the RAD Property Manager for Chestnut Gardens and Vreeland Village is now known as Katie M. Johnson Complex. In 2019, Jocelyn started Kiddo Play Time, a woman-owned business in partnership with her sister-in-law. Her dedication, work ethic, and compassion are reflected in her residents and surrounding community. Most importantly, she continues to inspire others as a mother, friend, and successful businesswoman.
Tysheena Boyd-Lewis was born and raised in the City of Passaic. She is a proud product of the Passaic Public Schools system and graduated high school in 1996. Tysheena is also a product of the Passaic Housing Authority’s Youth Programs, which she attended since she was four years old. As a young adult, she volunteered in the Department of Youth and Resident Services and was soon promoted to Assistant Supervisor. Her efforts, work ethic, and dedication allowed her to continue to grow professionally. Tysheena obtained her certification as a Paraprofessional and works for the Hawthorne Blowers Public School. She is the Secretary of the Coaches Association of Passaic where she volunteers her time. She currently serves as the Site Coordinator at the Speer Village After-School Program. Tysheena has made it her life mission to serve children of all cultures. She encourages them to strive for greatness and never give up during times of adversity.
Lisset Lopez was born and raised in New York City but moved to the City of Passaic in 1987 to raise her two children and where she has remained for the past 35 years. Lisset’s love and loyalty to Passaic and its community began when she was 14 years old just visiting this city but it truly flourished in 1993 when her daughter attended the Passaic City Head Start program. She was advocated to become a Passaic City Head Start Family Worker and was in this position for 13 years, working with over 600 families. She began volunteering as a T-Ball coach until 2011 when her roles and responsibilities grew as she was overseeing several leagues. In 2006, she joined Passaic Recreation as an employee where she organized events, sports programs, and the overall functions of the recreation department. In 2022, Lisset joined Mayor Hector Lora’s administrative team where she continues to work on special events and assists the team in Mayor Lora’s initiatives.
Leslie Zuniga was born and raised in the City of Passaic to immigrant parents looking for better opportunities and her goal was to pursue the higher education that her parents did not have the opportunity to in their home country. She holds an undergraduate degree from Rutgers University, majoring in Political Science and Criminal Justice. Since graduating, she has continued the hard work of her parents by running the family business, El Alebrije Mexican Restaurant. Leslie Zuniga also serves as a member of the Board of Urban Enterprise Zone since June 2022. In August 2022, she was appointed as a member of the Passaic Board of Education because of her commitment and dedication to Passaic’s youth. As a young businesswoman and community leader, she hopes to encourage students in the City of Passaic to pursue their dreams and passions no matter how impossible they may seem. Leslie is fueled by her passion for the City of Passaic and is eager to build on her academic foundations and professional development.
All media inquiries should be directed to Lillian Yang at lyang@cityofpasssaicnj.gov