Leadership

She is the daughter of Alfredo Olivo and Ángela Martínez and was raised with the love and values instilled by her grandmothers, Ramona Cruz Olivo and Consuelo Carvajal. From them, she learned faith, service, sacrifice, and resilience — virtues that shaped the woman she is today.

She arrived in the United States as a young child, carrying fears, uncertainty, and the challenges faced by the children of immigrants. Yet within her, she carried a light: the determination to succeed, honor her parents’ sacrifices, and one day serve the community that welcomed her. Her father, owner of a small neighborhood grocery store, and her mother, a devoted homemaker, taught her the value of hard work and the importance of family. Her story is not unlike that of many others — and that is precisely what makes it powerful.

Today, Shery is an award-winning author, entrepreneur, community leader, woman of faith, and proud mother of two beautiful children, Max and Alaya. Every step she takes is guided by putting God first, grounded in her values and her deep desire to improve the lives of families in the Bronx.

She has served the community through countless humanitarian causes, including support for children, women, cancer survivors, victims of domestic violence, immigrants, and small businesses. She led Viva La Mujer, one of New York City’s most meaningful events, where for the first time 50 hardworking women who had never before received recognition were honored.

But Shery’s life changed forever with a tragedy that shook her soul: the death of her nephew, Juan Peña. A painful, unjust, and devastating loss that broke her heart, but also awakened a greater purpose within her. In the midst of suffering, Shery came to understand something profound:

When leaders fail to protect us and those in power remain silent, it is the community — mothers, aunts, immigrants, and fighters — who must rise and lead.

Her pain became purpose. Her grief became mission. Her silence became voice.

Today, Shery is running for the New York State Assembly, District 86, because she refuses to allow another family to suffer alone. She fights for safety, justice, youth, immigrants, and every family that feels invisible or unheard. She fights for Latinos, hardworking parents, single mothers, small business owners, and every Bronx resident who deserves something better.

Shery Olivo is, and always will be, a woman of the people… fighting for the people.