Meet Yocasta Lora Associate State Director of Community Outreach, AARP

When I moved to the U.S. in 2000, I didn’t speak English, but I learned it on the job, working as a housekeeper. In less than 10 years, after a lot of struggle and determination, I received a bachelor degree from La Salle University and was working in HR and Finance at Flynn & O’Hara, a uniform company. I went on to serve as the Director of Programs for the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, where I managed and supported the two largest programs at the chamber — the Small Business Development and Education program and the Professional Mentoring Network program . In 2015, I joined AARP. I work to develop strategic partnerships with community organizations, local government, and business in the Southeast region to deliver impact, relevance and engagement to the 50+ population.
At AL DÍA's cover photo shoot
Most of Black Dominicans descend from West Africans and Central Africans, but I am not sure where my ancestors are from. This is not something we ever discussed in my family – neither those who live in D.R. or those in the U.S. It was never an issue or topic for discussion, but I am now interested in learning more about my African heritage.
Since I am pretty new to Twitter, I am not really involved in hashtag activism. I know that (Black Lives Matter) is an important movement that helps to bring attention to major issues that affect our society. With that in mind, I think it is good to have a platform for that conversation to happen.