Shirley P. Leyro, Ph.D.

Administrative Director

Email: sleyro@bronxhealthlink.org

Phone: (929) 287-5747

Website: www.shirleyleyro.nyc

Born in the Bronx, Shirley P. Leyro was raised in the Castle Hill Projects. She earned her Ph.D. and is an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at Borough of Manhattan Community College – CUNY. Dr. Leyro began her tenure as the Administrative Director of The Bronx Health Link, Inc. in January of 2023. She has a background in organizing and activism, focused around immigration and immigrant rights, in particular, issues surrounding immigration enforcement and the criminalization of immigrants. A critical criminologist, Dr. Leyro’s academic research focuses on deportation effects – including the impact of fear resulting from the vulnerability to deportation. Her research interests include immigration, deportation, social disorganization, "crimmigration," and the impact of all the above on mental health. As a result of her research findings, she became a Mental Health First Aid Instructor and collaborated with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to give MHFA certification trainings across the city. Dr. Leyro brings her experience as an academic, researcher, organizer, and activist with her to The Bronx Health Link, Inc., where the mission is to address the deep health disparities for Bronx residents by empowering them and local community-based organizations to advocate for equitable healthcare and to provide them with the tools necessary to achieve health equality.