Deirdre Levy's Bold Step
Levy’s announcement in January 2025, came after a deep conversation with a dear friend at The Alcove in Sunnyside, Queens. It sparked the idea that Levy could challenge the status quo and offer a different vision for the city, one that emphasizes community, education, sustainability, care, and social justice.
Levy’s candidacy is a breath of fresh air. It’s undeniably bold, and her interest in infusing care and politics comes from her unique family background. Her Filipina mother, Thelma Magalong Samson Levy, is a retired cancer care technician, while her Jewish father, Steven Levy, is a practicing civil court attorney. As a K-2 special education teacher and founder of NYC Filipinos, a grassroots organization championing small businesses and increasing cultural visibility through multicultural events, Levy has already shown a remarkable capacity for leadership and advocacy within marginalized communities. Her work has spanned numerous social justice projects in New York City, including addressing the plight of new arrivals and providing food to low-income communities during COVID-19 pandemic.
“We should really take civic responsibility,” Levy implores during our interview. “It’s up to us to decide what the future is and a lot of people feel excluded by the current political system so my campaign is primarily concerned with restoring faith in democracy – a central tenet in my campaign.”
Heritage and Heart
What sets Levy apart is her unwavering commitment to the Filipino community. As the founder and CEO of NYC Filipinos, she has worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of Filipino Americans, organizing around issues such as education, affordable housing, mental health, developing small businesses, and addressing food insecurity. During an Educators for Excellence Event (E4E), Levy met with New York City Public School Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos to push for Filipino literature representation. She likewise campaigned in Mayor Adam’s office: “We do need a consistent effort to leverage the expertise of educators in order to move the city.” Her children’s book, Bodega Princess, tells the story of a kindergartener who builds community through kindness and encourages young students to think of ways they can combat food insecurity in their own neighborhoods while fostering a sense of responsibility and solidarity across cultures from a very early age.
“We have a lot more in common than we think and we should all have a chance to chase our dreams,” says Levy. Her platform is focused on making education more accessible and inclusive for youth. She believes that quality education and access to income opportunities for young adults would address the rising trends of homelessness among youth. Homelessness in New York City has reached the highest level since the Great Depression of the 1930s, according to the Coalition for the Homeless. Of the currently unhoused youth, one in eight are children attending city schools during the 2023 - 2024 fiscal year.
Deirdre Levy is not just a Filipino woman running for mayor, she is also a symbol of what is possible when bold, fearless, and compassionate leadership takes center stage.
While Levy is running a grassroots campaign, her eclectic style and approach to politics have earned her a growing, enthusiastic following. Known for her approachable demeanor, she is often seen wearing carefully curated sneakers from the latest trends, paired with a confident and relatable smile. She drives a sustainable vehicle, and it’s not uncommon for her to be listening to hip-hop and R&B as she drives through the streets of her beloved city. Her grounded personality resonates deeply with New Yorkers, especially younger voters who are drawn to her relatability and authenticity.
Pivotal Moment
Levy’s announcement comes at a pivotal moment in the mayoral race. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s entry into the race on March 1, 2025 – the first day of Women’s History Month – adds a new layer of complexity to an already crowded field. Despite allegations of sexual misconduct that forced him out of office in 2021, Cuomo is widely seen as the frontrunner. He is pitted against incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is facing a tough reelection bid in the June 24 Democratic primary over allegations of corruption.
Yet Levy’s grassroots campaign has struck a chord with voters who feel that traditional politics always fails to address the real needs of New York’s communities. Her message of solidarity, inclusivity, and change has earned her the support of progressive groups and working class people, especially those in communities of color who see her as a crusader for their needs.
“I want to make sure that people who are victims of hate crime are protected, and that we hold those who commit those crimes accountable for their actions because hate has no place in New York City,” says Levy.
“Our diverse city has been waiting for a multicultural candidate like me,” says Levy. “We’ve never had a biracial woman as mayor before, we keep having men run this city and we've seen what they’ve done so it’s time for a woman to fix this city.”
Deirdre Levy is not just a Filipino woman running for mayor, she is also a symbol of what is possible when bold, fearless, and compassionate leadership takes center stage. Whether or not she wins, her candidacy is already making history. She’s an inspiration showing women and communities of color that their voices matter and that their stories deserve to be heard.
Elaine Joy Edaya Degale is a Black-Filipina writer and lecturer at community colleges within the City University of New York (CUNY), and has an Ed.M. and M.A. from Teachers College, Columbia University.
She graduated cum laude from Mount Holyoke College where she studied International Relations and Development, and continues to support literacy and food programming efforts in indigenous communities through her Community-Based organization, OperationMerienda.org.
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