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Due to ongoing capital improvements at the BronxWorks Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center, the main entrance at 1130 Grand Concourse is closed. All guests, visitors and staff should use the accessible entrance located in the rear of the building through the parking lot on Carroll Place. Please exercise caution when entering and exiting the parking lot.

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Lisette Diaz, Administrative Assistant

A woman sits at a desk with two computer screens, a keyboard, and an office phone. She faces the camera smiling. A glass door to the street is visible in the background.

If you have ever been to the BronxWorks Administrative Office, you have probably met Lisette Diaz. A lifelong Bronx resident, Lisette is stationed at the front desk of the building and manages reception. In this position she interacts with a wide range of individuals, from Bronx residents looking for services, to vendors, other stakeholders, and countless deliveries. She takes all of her responsibilities seriously, treating everyone who walks through the doors with respect and assisting them however she can.

Prior to joining BronxWorks, Lisette worked as a Collection Manager for a leasing company for over 15 years. During this period, she had a child and began searching for a job that better fit her schedule as a caretaker for both her young son and her aging mother. Lisette then joined BronxWorks in 2019 as a receptionist for the Fiscal department, and only a few months later she transitioned to Administrative Assistant at the front desk.

Beyond her reception duties, Lisette takes on numerous responsibilities that help keep the Admin office operating smoothly. She is the first recipient of all mail addressed to BronxWorks and is very diligent in processing correspondence, accepting deliveries, updating records, maintaining inventory, and supporting the Fiscal and Development teams. She also oversees maintenance throughout the building and always steps in to help when extra hands are needed.

“My job title may be Administrative Assistant, but I will do anything. I am a team player, I like to help out. That’s how I was raised. If I see people who need help, I get involved.

Lisette also typically supervises a cohort of students enrolled in the Summer Youth Employment Program, guiding them as they assist with clerical, maintenance, and administrative tasks. She takes pride not only in serving as their supervisor but also in acting as a mentor who helps them build confidence and adapt to a professional environment. As a result of Lisette’s guidance and encouragement, several SYEP participants have gone on to secure full-time employment with BronxWorks, including some who continue to work alongside her at the Administrative Office today.

“All I ask for is respect. You respect me, I respect you. You do your job, you do what I ask of you, you’re good with me.”

Lisette sees her BronxWorks co-workers as true friends and family. She finds great support and care from her colleagues, which also motivates her to go out of her way to support them as well. Outside of work, Lisette spends time with her mother, who is 91 years young. Lisette also enjoys taking weekend trips to visit family in Pennsylvania.

 

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