Background; childhood in Puerto Rico, family involvement in Puerto Rican politics, migration to New York at eighteen to enter PhD Program in Psychology at New York University [NYU]; Student Representative in NYU Admissions Office, efforts to increase the numbers of black and Hispanic students at the University; work for ASPIRA of New York, Department of Employment, Community Service Society, Washin gton Heights School Board 1979-80, Early Childhood Commission 1985-, National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering 1987, Hispanic Housing Coalition; appointment as Special Advisor to Edward I. Koch [Koch] in 1987; effects of Koch's leadership on Hispanic community: increased leadership in City Government; initiatives for minority programs; trip with Koch to Central America.