Cecilia DeBrino Haas's Biography

Cecilia “Cece” DeBrino Haas moved to Wellman Avenue in the Bronx at the age of six in 1954. After graduating from P.S. 71, J.H.S. 101 and Christopher Columbus High School, she worked in Manhattan for five years before taking time off to raise her only child, Jennifer.

Returning to work in 1970, she began her career as a secretary for the Einstein College of Medicine’s Department of Neuroscience. She has since worked for Einstein in a series of progressively significant positions. In her current position as Assistant Director of Facilities Planning, she is responsible for interpreting and coordinating the plans of the school’s senior administration as they relate to the school’s mission. Various implementation strategies include construction, adaptive reuse of space, community relations and education.

It was at Einstein, and also as the daughter of a FDNY Engine 61 Lieutenant, that Cece became increasingly aware of the delicate balance between the needs of the community, service providers and Einstein. This led her to support the Allerton Avenue Homeowners & Tenants Association and to her eventual appointment to Community Board 11 in 2004. During her years on Astor Avenue (1974 – 1997), Cece worked full-time and pursued her B.A. from the College of New Rochelle and Master of Science from Iona College in the evening, while simultaneously raising Jennifer as a single parent.

Cece believes that intelligence, sensitivity and thoughtfulness are keys to problem solving. She goes out of her way to help family, friends, and others who are out of work, who are sick, or who may be experiencing a variety of problems. Her assistance can range from a warm bowl of soup to a job referral or educational counseling. Her active participation in various mentoring programs through her professional and community involvements has allowed her to share her expertise and contacts for the benefit of others.

With a strong belief in family and friends, Cece hopes that her spirit and volunteerism will provide a trickle-down effect to those in the community, nurturing a better environment for all to realize their dreams. Having grown up in the Bronx and continuing to work and socialize in the community on a daily basis, Cece takes very seriously her commitment to contribute toward the enrichment of the community for everyone.