Carrie Torres

Carrie Torres is a dynamic public policy strategist, published data analyst, TEDx speaker, and author of The Audacity of Becoming: A 30-Day Practice in Purpose, Power, and Action. With a proven track record of driving social impact through institutional transformation, she brings a strategic and purpose-driven approach to advancing equity, expanding opportunity, and strengthening public institutions.

Recently promoted to Chief Diversity Officer at DASNY, New York State’s principal public finance and construction authority, Carrie leads enterprise-wide strategies to advance equity, strengthen inclusive procurement and workforce practices, and expand economic opportunity through public investment and infrastructure development. Her work focuses on embedding equity into institutional strategy and advancing sustainable, systemic transformation.

Previously, as Director of DASNY’s Opportunity Programs Group, Carrie led initiatives that consistently exceeded New York State contract utilization goals for Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOBs). Prior to joining DASNY, she served as Vice President of Empowerment, Compliance, and Opportunity at New York State Homes and Community Renewal, where she established frameworks to advance inclusivity in affordable housing development and finance. She has also held leadership roles at the New York City Housing Authority, the Fund for Public Housing, and served on Governor Kathy Hochul’s Interagency Taskforce on Health Equity and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Beyond her public leadership, Carrie is committed to inspiring others to embrace their purpose, own their power, and translate intention into action. As a TEDx speaker and author, she brings these principles to life through her work, encouraging individuals to approach personal growth and leadership with courage, clarity, and intentionality.

Carrie holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from SUNY New Paltz and a Master of Science in Urban Policy and Leadership from Hunter College.