Language Assistance Advisory Committee

Natalie DeVito

Native Staten Islander Natalie DeVito founded the borough's COVID-19 Resource Network in March 2020, filling a void for reliable up-to-date borough, city, state, and federal information while advocating though officials and the media. In February 2021, when the first public vaccine appointments were scarce and in demand, DeVito launched and managed a texting service to alert thousands daily to available slots. The texting service secured thousands of appointments for Staten Islanders, including its most vulnerable residents. While working as military contractor in Okinawa Japan, she launched a drive for emergency goods from military families on the day of the Tsunami of 2004, collecting 20 tons for humanitarian cargo transport in the first 14 days before directing donors to support charitable long-term relief. She medically retired from the family investigations business in 2014 and has since continued advocacy for policy and resources for disabled New Yorkers, including medical legislation, access, and food allergy best practices for families and businesses. Formally trained in the arts, she returned to her alma mater at LaGuardia High School in 2019 to guide students through its successful Equity and Excellence movement. She is Treasurer of the SI Long Term Recovery Organization and has been recognized by local, state, federal leadership, and multiple community organizations for her efforts during crisis. She speaks five languages.