Meet the BMAR Member: Mark Gjonaj

Mark Gjonaj represents New York's 80th Assembly District, which encompasses the neighborhoods of Allerton, Bedford Park, Morris Park, Mosholu Parkway, Norwood, Pelham Gardens, Pelham Parkway and Van Nest in the Bronx. Born and raised in the Bronx, Gjonaj currently resides in the Pelham Parkway community with his wife Roberta, a school nurse, and his two sons Nicholas, a high school student and graduate of a Bronx public school, and Joseph, who is currently enrolled in a Bronx elementary public school. He is the son of two hard-working Albanian immigrant union members and a graduate of St. John's University. As a small business owner and operator, Mark will bring his pragmatic, goal-oriented approach and experience in business to the New York State Assembly. Understanding the importance of civic service and philanthropy as the cornerstone to a strong community, Mark has devoted significant time and energy to a number of community activities and organizations, including the Illyria Clinic at Jacobi Medical Center, Einstein College of Medicine Community Advisory Council, Westchester School for Special Children and Our Lady of Shkodra Church. Mark has also served as a Commissioner of the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission, a volunteer board that regulates the taxi, livery and black car industry. As an active community organizer, Mark is a strong voice for Bronxites in need. Through strategic partnerships with community leaders and pro-bono attorneys, Mark has empowered community residents to fight for what they are entitled to. Believing that "You can only get out of a community from what you put into it," Mark started the "Gjonaj CARES" - (Community, Accountability, Responsibility, Encouragement, Service) initiative, which promotes community participation to improve neighborhoods. His inspirations come from the hardships that his family has overcome and credits any success to the love, generosity and support of his family and friends. As a newly elected Assemblyman, Mark Gjonaj will play an active role in Albany and in the district to create good paying jobs, affordable housing, quality education, the expansion of healthcare facilities, senior protection, safe streets in all neighborhoods, and a better quality of life for all.