Evelyn Alicea-Santiago has lived in White Plains since 1990. She lives in the downtown area with her husband of over forty years; their three adult children are all graduates of White Plains High School.
Ms. Alicea-Santiago earned a bachelor’s degree in Bilingual Education with a minor in music from the City University of New York and later obtained New York State ESOL certification from Long Island University, a master’s degree in Instructional Technology from the New York Institute of Technology, and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Administration from SUNY New Paltz.
Ms. Alicea-Santiago has built a long career in public education, serving students in New Rochelle, Port Chester, and White Plains in ESL, science, and instructional technology. She served as the White Plains School District’s Instructional Technology Specialist and engaged in school governance through PTAs, school-based councils, and district committees. Although she retired in 2022, she continues to serve the District as a part-time homebound instruction and ESL teacher, maintaining close connection to the needs of students and families.
For more than three decades, Ms. Alicea-Santiago has been an advocate for working families, union members, affordable housing, and community empowerment. She has held leadership roles within the White Plains Democratic City Committee, founded and chaired multiple cultural organizations, and served on municipal and county advisory boards addressing parks, housing policy, and community development. Her work reflects a consistent focus on equity, neighborhood investment, and responsive local government. She has received multiple community service awards recognizing her leadership, collaboration, and sustained civic impact.