Meet Aleida Castillo: A Voice for Mount Vernon

For over five years, Aleida Castillo served on Mount Vernon’s Zoning Board, where she witnessed firsthand the underutilized power of the City Council—a body that has the ability to drive real change and progress for all residents. 

This experience fueled her passion for public service and economic empowerment.

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Aleida moved to the U.S. as a teenager, over 30 years ago, beginning her high school years in Miami, Florida. She worked alongside her mother, managing hair salons as she lead the administration of her local church, later she would go on and excel as a B2B sales executive. Aleida remained connected to her home town, leading mission trips to the Dominican Republic.

In the late 2000s, Aleida moved to Mount Vernon with her two young daughters, seeking greater opportunities. As a Black Latina, she found pride in raising her children in a community where global Black identity could empower their sense of self. She ran a re-entry program at Grace Baptist Church, studied real estate, and later opened a daycare center to stay close to her children after facing personal challenges, including a car accident. 

After many years of business working with small businesses she expanded her work to political candidates. Her most recent political work was in helping Mimi Rocah win her candidacy for District Attorney, that work inspired her to further use her voice as a citizen of Mount Vernon and use her media influence to work on advocacy for the signing of the reperation bill alongside the Capital Area Urban League. She continued to use media to invite more unity between cultures locally and abroad! 

Her journey of self-discovery and community service led her to Ghana West Africa in 2016, where she deepened her understanding of heritage, leadership, and economic empowerment. This experience reaffirmed her lifelong mission: to help others realize their dreams, access opportunities, and thrive in a supportive community.

Aleida believes that economic stability and good leadership are key to a thriving city. As opportunities decline, She Mount Vernon to increase focus on upskilling its workforce and implementing innovative legislation that directly impact residents’ physical well being and financial well-being, 

"Everyone deserves the chance to succeed, support their families, and live in a city where leadership is driven not by jealousy but by the desire to see everyone succeed, not self-interest."

Aleida has lived in Mount Vernon for over 14 years, has three children a very supportive partner who was born and raised in Mount Vernon. She misses WVOX radio station where she had Culturally Lit Show before it was syndicated internationally and seeking to put the same kind of effort in making sure everyone is heard!

Aleida Castillo is asking for your support to bring bold ideas and meaningful change to Mount Vernon’s City Council. Let’s build a city where progress is felt in every household!

Help me  get on the ballot!

 You deserve to hear every candidate 

before endorsing or voting