WHO IS RAJA FLORES?
Raja Flores is a son of New York City.
He’s lived his life in awe of our city and those who call it home. His story speaks to the power of possibility in New York City and is a promise that he’s got what it takes to bring us together as mayor.
Growing up in the 1970’s Meatpacking District in a broken home, Raja saw how unpredictable life was for his family as they struggled to afford daily necessities. It was only through stable housing and hard work that his family was able to stay rooted in New York City. From fishing for spare coins that fell through subway street grates to getting his first job at age nine, Raja understood the New York hustle from a young age. He took this lesson to heart through his life as he worked jobs ranging from shining shoes to loading trucks to delivering packages at the World Trade Center.
EDUCATION
Raja also knows that a good education, academic or vocational, is a path to stability. From high school to medical school, Raja has crisscrossed New York City in pursuit of an education. When Raja reached a milestone on this journey and became a physician, he swore an oath to “dedicate [his] life to the service of humanity”. As a practicing surgeon, he now lives his oath through caring for his patients and his community.
COMMUNITY
As a member of the Community Board 11 in East Harlem, Raja has translated his story into action. When others see a situation that can’t be changed or improved, he sees echoes of his own story and the opportunity for action. That’s why he’s made a focus on securing safe and affordable housing a centerpiece of his work on Community Board 11.
HOUSING
Raja has seen it all in New York City. From growing up poor to working as a surgeon caring for the most economically diverse patient populations of Spanish Harlem and the Upper East Side, Raja’s story shows what is possible. As mayor, Raja will continue working to bring local solutions to city problems and to prove what we all know to be true: we’re stronger as one New York.
The OATH
“…I Dedicate my life to the service of humanity…”
The oath
Thirty years ago, when Raja became a physician, he took the Oath to “dedicate his life to the service of humanity”. He has stayed true to every word of his oath as a physician and community leader. As part of this oath, Raja also pledged to place the “health and well-being of his patient” as his first consideration. He brings this same focus and commitment to his work on the Community Board and to his run for mayor. Raja has lived a life where people come first; this won’t change when he is mayor. He has and will continue to dedicate his life to the service of humanity for all New Yorkers.
COMMUNITY BOARDS
Raja is an active member on Community Board 11 in East Harlem. Community Boards play a key role in ensuring city government is responsive to the people and advise elected officials on key issues affecting their neighborhoods. As a member of a Community Board, Raja serves on the Housing Committee, which reports on housing initiatives in East Harlem and advocates for the preservation of affordable housing. His work with community members who are the experts on the issues and solutions in their neighborhood has solidified his belief in prioritizing community concerns. Through his work, Raja has seen the power of the community to make its voice heard on issues of land use, budget, and service delivery.
Raja believes that Community Boards are one of the fundamental building blocks of government in New York City. As mayor, he will ensure that Community Boards play an active role in his administration and will help serve as a direct source of ideas and solutions. Raja understands that no two communities are exactly the same in New York and will honor this as mayor.
JOIN THE TEAM
Raja knows that New Yorkers already have the solutions we need to build a better New York City. Join as a volunteer to help create change from the ground up!