Riverside Success Spotlight: Meet Deicy!
In Colombia, Deicy was an accomplished business professional holding a degree in Business Administration and over a decade of experience in sales and business development.
After coming to New York, she enrolled at Riverside during our 2025–2026 program year, completing Levels 4 and 5 to strengthen her English skills. Deicy quickly became a warm and welcoming presence at Riverside, regularly sharing her experiences and encouraging other participants. As a certified barista and coffee taster, Deicy co-founded Astronaut Xperience Coffee in Colombia with her husband. She often brought different coffee varieties to class, treating her peers to tastings while explaining brewing methods and flavor profiles. We were also fortunate to feature her delicious coffee at this year’s International Food Festival, a real treat and our first-ever speciality coffee station!
When Deicy and her family moved from the city to Westchester as they prepared to welcome a new baby, the added cost of Metro-North and the MTA put additional strain on their budget. She turned to Riverside's case counselors, Imelda and Camilo, for guidance. Riverside's transportation fund helped cover part of her commute with a free OMNY card, making it easier for her to continue attending classes.
Our case counselors also connected Deicy with key local small-business resources—including the Brooklyn Library’s Multilingual Business Help and Accompany Capital—to help grow her small coffee business here in the U.S. She also participated in our Workforce Development workshops to tailor her resume for the American job market and joined our summer nutrition program as she prepared to welcome her new baby.
Deicy's journey reflects the determination, talent, and sense of community that she brought with her to Riverside. It also shows why supporting the whole person matters. English classes were one part of her experience, alongside career support, small-business resources, transportation assistance, and other programs that helped her continue building her life in New York.
When immigrants like Deicy bring their talents, dreams, and culture to our neighborhoods, our entire community grows stronger. We are so proud to have supported her journey as a scholar, mother, small-business owner, and a "new" New Yorker!