Introducing UCEDC’s Newest Diversity Advisory Committee Member, Alyza M. Brevard-Rodriguez

We are proud to announce that UCEDC’s Diversity Advisory Committee has unanimously approved U.S. Navy Veteran Alyza M. Brevard-Rodriguez to join their team and help UCEDC in its efforts to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive space for our clients, partners, and employees.

Alyza has explored various avenues to merge her interests in criminal justice, community engagement, and health and wellness. Alyza earned her bachelor’s degree from NJCU, her Master’s from John Jay College and is back at her alma mater, NJCU as a doctoral student. As a 10 year U.S. Navy Veteran, Alyza has served 4 tours as a military police officer. In her day to day, she also serves as the Director of Policy for Metropolitan Transportation Authority HQ. A combat Veteran and woman of many hats, Alyza explored her entrepreneurial spirit back in 2015, creating SW3AT. This fitness apparel line was developed into a brick and mortar infrared sauna studio specializing in heat therapy. With 2 thriving locations, she realized her dominance in an emerging market and franchised the business. Alyza has received an abundance of recognition on both educational, military and entrepreneurial fronts. John Jay College awarded Alyza with their Graduate Achievement Award and the T-Mobile Graduate Award for Veterans for all of her hard work in and outside of the classroom. She was also named Sailor of the Year in 2018, Mindbody’s Diversity and Inclusion Award and NJ Biz Top 40 under 40. She is devoted to breaking the recurrence of generational adversity by empowering underserved communities with ownership, resources and inspiration.

To learn more about Alyza’s entrepreneurial spirit, incredible drive, and unique perspective check out her interview here on Thrive Global.